Nigeria is 51.
What emotion does that evoke in you? As a Nigerian or a non-Nigerian, an anniversary always gives rise to expectation and the opportunity to stop, think and reflect. However fleeting or in-depth our musings may be, an anniversary provokes expression.
In this edition, therefore, CONSIMA wishes to stir up a sense of patriotism as well as create awareness for the symbols of Nigeria’s national sovereignty. There is the need to understand them, respect and protect the very symbols that stand for our independence and sovereignty, which we are celebrating right now. There was a time when Nigerian children sang “God save the Queen” in their morning assembly and the Union Jack was hoisted everywhere one turned. White men in khaki shorts and sun hats store authoritatively around the choicest neighbourhoods, with barefooted, sweating servants intoning “yes master”, “no master” all day long, with no other ambition than to make their ‘masters’ comfortable and happy.
51 years down the line, the story has changed beyond recognition and our independence is enshrined in the symbols which we have come to take for granted, but which deserve our maximum attention and respect:
The National Flag is the foremost symbol of the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Emerald-green – white – emerald-green, in equal vertical stripes speaks volume about a united peace-loving people living on a rich fertile agricultural land. It is the only national object worth dying for. Nothing should be added to it, not even the Coat of Arms to embellish or add color to it. It should be handled with care and respect.
Our Coat of Arms reflects the way we are with the black shield representing our rich fertile soil and abundance of mineral resources; the wavy white stripes – a well-watered endowed land; the two white horses – our dignity; the red eagle – our strength; the six yellow Cactus Spectabilis (yellow flowers) – a beautiful land of flora and fauna; the white ribbon on which our Motto: Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress is written symbolizes our collective desire to live in peace, love and harmony.
The National Anthem embodies our heritage, integrity, unity, and the authority of our beloved country. It does, with infinite monopoly, certitude and pride what no single person can do. Its rendition anywhere and at any time should evoke respect and solemnity. All movements should stop as people stand at attention.
Similarly, the Pledge should be recited standing at attention with all seriousness and solemnity meaning every word. Overall, we are all called upon in our day-to-day activities to foster a love as a people with common destiny under God that “the Labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
CONSIMA Protocol and Finishing School wishes all Nigerians a Happy Independence Anniversary! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Sonye