Such was the time when we dreamt dreams of a Nigeria radiant with promise,
A beacon of hope where goodness and decency flourish.
A land where truth and justice hold sway,
Where oppression ceases and freedom’s potential is realised.
Such was the time when we dreamt dreams of a nation blessed with peace and plenty,
Where equality, equity and fairness are its hallmark!.
We never imagined, our banner will become this stained.
We never imagined our hopes will be this betrayed, and our future, shrouded with this cloak of uncertainty.
We never imagined that our nation’s trajectory would be marred by corruption, inequality and unbridled hatred.
Still, we hold on to hope’s unbroken thread,
A glimmer of light that guides us through the darkness ahead.
For in the resilience of our people, we find strength,
A resolve to rebuild, to rise and to reclaim our dreams at length.
Our hearts ache, and our spirits are crushed,
But we will not lose faith in a brighter future’s promise.
We will rise, we will rebuild, we will reclaim,
And Nigeria’s radiant promise will once again shine like the morning star!
© Usman Oladipo Akanbi
Happy Independence day!