October 1st is the day every Nigerian, young or old, remembers the heroic efforts of their forefathers in securing the nation’s independence.

It is day in which Nigeria was officially declared a free nation. On this day in 1960, thousands of Nigerians flocked their streets, their voices rejoicing at the news that the colonial and slave masters were gone.

Smiles and songs of triumphs were heard on this day. Everyone, even the worse witch, prophesied great things about the newly decolonized nation.

Little did we know that freedom from the colonial masters would only be the first part of the battles we would fight.

For sixty-one years of our existence as an independent nation, we have been in different turmoil. From coups to inflation, to insecurity, to corruption, Nigeria has found herself in the very depths of hell.

In the midst of these, an average Nigerian like me is tempted to be disinterested towards the independence day celebration. Moreover, what independence are we actually celebrating? The ideology of Nigeria’s independence is only an irony. Till date, we are still dependent on imports from other countries.

The thought of this as well as other sad happenings in this nation makes one to really wonder if this was the kind of country our forefathers fought for. It has a way of turning an independence day celebration into a day of mourning.

However, the last thing Nigerians ought to do is to relent.

History has repeatedly shown us that the greatest nations have fought the toughest battles. It has shown us that the superpowers of today were once deserted lands in the past.

Dubai was once a deserted desert before it became a tourist attraction. Russia experienced several bloody revolutions before it gained economic stability and military supremacy; the same with France. America fought one of the most intense battles in history known as the cold war before it became the center of unity and love. The great Israeli nation was suffered what is known as ‘Holocaust’ – a mass execution of several millions of Jews.

There is no great nation today without a terrible yesterday. There is no powerful nation today that arose out of nowhere. The journey to power was intense. Blood was shed. Tears were shed. People were incarcerated. The economy suffered severely. However, in the midst of these, light shone. They survived! They recovered and now, they are doing well.

This is also going to be the story of Nigeria! We are in a season of travail! A season of pain, agony and suffering. We are groaning both spiritually and physically as a result of the terrible hardship of this nation. However, it is only for a season.

There will be a purgation of evil from the land. Nigeria will be great again and her greatness shall astonish many. So, don’t lose hope on this nation! Don’t speak bad about the nation! Keep hope alive. This country is destined for great things!

All over the world, Nigerians are doing mighty things. In Education, Military and Business, Nigerians are succeeding individually.

This is because every Nigerian is born for greatness! The instinct of greatness and impact is inherent in every one of us.

Though some might not seem like it due to our present leadership, it is only a matter of time before a mighty flood shall sweep this nation of its problems and usher in a new season of greatness!

Therefore, as we anticipate the birthing of a greener Nigeria, let us ensure we contribute our quota in Nigeria’s affairs. Vote when you have to. Contest when you have to. Protest when you have to. Pray when you have to. Give Nigeria your best!

Nigeria will surely be great again!

This article was written by The Reverend Nwodo Divine