Story Story: Once Upon a Time

“This nation’s story marks the start of a new chapter. But you all have to write the next chapter. You will write it through the decisions you make, the leaders you choose, the children you educate, the institutions you build, and the way you live. The nation will be shaped not only by those who stood at the dawn of independence but also by the children in classrooms today, reading this story and imagining what their country could become.”

Once upon a time, in a land blessed with mighty rivers, green forests, golden sunshine, and people with incredible stories, many communities thrived. Each community had its own name, language, traditions, leaders, and way of life. Some lived near the sea, where fishermen cast their nets. Others lived in the forests, where farmers cultivated yams, cassava, and cocoa. Farther north, traders traveled across vast grasslands, moving their cattle and carrying goods from town to town. In the east, families farmed and traded, building thriving communities. In the West, great cities flourished under powerful kings. Across the Middle Belt, many communities preserved their unique customs, stories, and ways of life. The land was vibrant and full of life. Its diversity defined it, and it had long been that way. But one day, a new chapter began.

The Day Two Lands Became One

Many years ago, people from distant Britain began to take control of various regions of this land. They established their own systems of government and made decisions that affected the people already living here. By 1900, Britain had created separate administrations for the territory’s northern and southern parts. Then came Lord Frederick Lugard, a British colonial administrator. On January 1, 1914, Britain unified the Northern and Southern Protectorates under a single colonial administration. This event is known as the Amalgamation.

Now, imagine two enormous puzzle pieces being pushed together. They were placed side by side, but they did not immediately form a perfect picture. People in these lands had different histories, languages, beliefs, and dreams. Thus, our country began its journey toward becoming one nation. However, one significant problem remained. The people of this land had not yet been granted the freedom to make their own decisions. The British still held control. “Why should outsiders make all the choices about our home?” some began to ask. “Why can’t we govern ourselves?” These questions grew louder with each passing year.

The Brave People Who Fought for Freedom

At the same time, courageous men and women believed the nation deserved freedom. Herbert Macaulay played a vital role in raising political awareness. Nnamdi Azikiwe emerged as a powerful voice in the struggle for self-government. Obafemi Awolowo actively advocated for political and social change, while Ahmadu Bello was a major figure in Northern politics. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa also contributed greatly and eventually became the first Prime Minister. Many others, whose names may not appear in our history textbooks, helped advance the country through their bravery.

These individuals wrote newspaper articles, formed political organizations, attended meetings, delivered speeches, and demanded a greater say in their homeland’s affairs. Their journey was not always easy. They often disagreed on when to achieve independence and how the country should be governed. As a large and diverse nation, it faced challenges in uniting its many interests. Yet the dream of self-government kept growing. Gradually, the British introduced constitutional changes that gave people greater opportunities to participate in government. The nation moved toward regional self-government, and discussions of independence grew more serious. It was as if a child who had spent years seeking permission for every small decision was finally preparing to stand on their own feet. Independence Day was drawing closer.

The Green-White-Green Dream

One day, a young man named Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi entered a competition to design a flag for a country preparing for independence. He submitted a design with green and white stripes, featuring a red sun in the white section. Eventually, they removed the sun, leaving the simple, beautiful flag we know today: two green stripes with a white stripe in the middle. The green represents the country’s agricultural wealth and natural resources, while the white symbolizes peace. Imagine the excitement of seeing a flag designed by an indigenous person chosen to represent the hopes of a new nation! Children must have looked at it and wondered what the future would hold. Parents imagined a nation where their children could grow up with greater opportunities. Young people dreamed of becoming teachers, doctors, engineers, writers, farmers, scientists, and leaders in a country governed by its own people. The flag was more than cloth; it became a symbol of a new chapter. Yet the greatest moment was still ahead.

At Last, a Nation Was Born!

The date was October 1, 1960, and the location was in the West, then the nation’s capital. The day had finally arrived! People gathered in excitement. Celebrations, speeches, and great expectations filled the air. The British flag, the Union Jack, was lowered, and the nation’s green-white-green flag was raised. The country had become independent! The colonial administration had given way to a new sovereign nation. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the country’s first Prime Minister, while Nnamdi Azikiwe served as Governor-General.

Can you imagine that moment? Picture a little girl looking up at the new flag and asking her father, “Daddy, does this mean the nation now belongs to us?” Imagine her father smiling and replying, “Yes, my child. It means we now have the opportunity to shape our own future.”

That was the promise of independence. The nation was not created by making all its people the same; it was born as a country whose people, despite their many differences, now had the chance to build a common future. Therefore, each year on October 1, the country celebrates its birthday as an independent nation.

A Country Still Learning to Live in Harmony

Since gaining independence on October 1, 1960, the country has faced a myriad of political, economic, and social challenges. Repeatedly, political instability, military coups, a devastating civil war, pervasive corruption, and inadequate governance have undermined the aspirations tied to independence. Despite the country’s abundant human and natural resources, it continues to grapple with poverty, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, and fragile healthcare and education systems.

Ethnic and religious divisions have further complicated nation-building, and reliance on oil has left the economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations and has hindered meaningful diversification. Although successive governments have implemented various policies and reforms, the outcomes have often fallen short of citizens’ expectations. Insecurity—manifested in insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping—continues to threaten the safety and livelihoods of many. Yet the nation is marked by remarkable resilience, creativity, and potential.

Now, my dear children, imagine the country as a large school. In this school, students speak Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulfulde, Kanuri, Tiv, Ibibio, Ijaw, and many other languages. Some celebrate different festivals, eat foods their friends have never tasted, and pray in churches or mosques or follow other beliefs. Some live in bustling cities, while others live in peaceful villages. Would it make sense for these students to fight simply because they speak different languages? Would it be fair for one group to claim that only its members deserve to be school prefects? Would the school thrive if its students destroyed one another’s books, refused to share opportunities, or laughed at classmates from less fortunate backgrounds? Of course not! A good school allows everyone to learn, participate, and develop their abilities. Its rules protect every student, and its leaders are expected to serve the entire school community.

In the same way, a good nation must embrace all its people. Our differences should not breed hatred; instead, they should inspire us to learn from one another. A child from the north should be able to dream freely, just as a child from the East, South, West, or any other part of the country should. Every child deserves access to education, safety, dignity, and a fair opportunity to succeed. Every person deserves to be treated as someone whose life and future matter.

What Independence Day Should Mean

My dear children, when we celebrate Independence Day, we should do more than wave flags, sing the national anthem, and watch parades. We need to reflect on the kind of country we are building. Are our children learning in schools that help them discover their talents? Can families live with dignity? Are public resources used responsibly? Are our leaders listening to the people they serve? Are we teaching young people to respect those who look, speak, worship, or live differently?

These questions are not for politicians alone; they are for parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, business owners, journalists, and ordinary citizens. Children also have a role to play. When you refuse to bully another child because of their ethnic background, you help build a better nation. When you study hard, tell the truth, care for public property, and help someone in need, you contribute to your country’s future. When you ask questions, think critically, and refuse to accept every hateful message you encounter, you become part of a generation that can make wiser decisions. As you grow up, remember that loving a nation does not mean pretending everything is perfect. Sometimes, love means honestly addressing what is wrong and working peacefully to correct it. A country grows stronger when its citizens can hold it accountable while still believing in its potential.

The Story Is Not Over

“Okay, tell us more, Daddy.” This nation’s story marks the start of a new chapter. But you all have to write the next chapter. You will write it through the decisions you make, the leaders you choose, the children you educate, the institutions you build, and the way you live. The nation will be shaped not only by those who stood at the dawn of independence but also by the children in classrooms today, reading this story and imagining what their country could become. Perhaps one of you will discover a cure for a disease. Another may become a teacher who changes thousands of lives. Someone might invent a technology that solves a national problem. Yet another could become a public servant who prioritizes honesty over personal gain. One of you may even unite divided communities through courage, wisdom, and compassion.

Okay, Daddy, could you tell us which country this is? Are you still unaware of this nation’s identity? Well, let me introduce myself—I am Nigeria, and today I celebrate my independence. I am 66 years old. As you honor me on this significant occasion, know that our nation’s future hinges on each of your decisions and actions. Your story should champion justice for all, foster inclusion, prioritize service to our fellow citizens over selfish pursuits, offer opportunities and hope to everyone, and embrace unity while celebrating our rich diversity. Imagine a nation where every child feels empowered to chase their dreams, regardless of background or origin.

“But Daddy, where is the cake for this celebration?” “My dear children, there is no cake. I do not even want a cake. What I truly desire is for you to commit to writing the next chapters of our national narrative with courage, wisdom, justice, and unwavering hope. You have a better chance to create a new chapter.” “Happy Independence Day, Daddy! May our journey ahead be marked by purpose and determination as we work together to build a brighter future for all.”

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.