Thank you for telling the story of Nigeria in a way that goes beyond any 30 second report we may (but probably won't) see on the news. Internal division, fatigue, loss of hope, desperation...not good ingredients for stability and peace.
This is beautiful, Tomi. But, I also want you to see things from another perspective.
I don't think people gave up "just cause". I think people are tired. Exhausted is putting it mildly.
When you grow up listening to your parents tell you stories of how Nigeria used to be so much better in their days, with the little technology and knowledge they had, and you compare it with how things are now? It's hard not to get discouraged. Very hard.
About the Independence day celebration- I also only remembered when it was noon. And, for the 1st time in my life, I felt nothing but pity and mild annoyance at the whole "celebration".
Because, what really are we celebrating? And, what exactly is worth celebrating in the 65 years that this country gained her independence? It feels like we're worse off than we started, and that is a very sad and painful truth to realise.
Also, on protests- I personally have lost interest and belief in protests since the events of EndSars in 2020. It grieves me when injustice and evil are constantly being perpetrated and no one bats an eyelid, but I also do not think that it is worth it to lose my life for this country.
Nigeria does not respect her citizens, in life and in death and the events of EndSars and the protests that erupted after the last presidential election have proved me right. So many people lost their lives, and for what exactly? What has changed since then? Nothing. Things have only fallen further apart.
I still love Nigeria and will still continue to advocate for peace and justice, but in ways that won't threaten the peace and sanctity of MY own life. It may sound selfish, but it's what I've decided.
This country isn't worth losing one's life over. At all.
Every other thing you've said is on point. It's so sad what this nation has done to her own citizens. We'll keeping hoping for the best- it's the only anchor we have.
Exactly. Protests are ineffective. So many protests have been made in the past, and no amendments were made. The government see us as vermin that bark but can't bite. Losing one's life for their country is good, but losing one's life for a cause that is futile? Absolutely a waste.
This article is so beautiful. “Bending is a form of breaking.” “Trauma disguised as personality.” May Nigeria heal, but till then, please keep writing. And even when she heals, write. Your words carry weight that is important.
Even on that day, as fellow Nigerians were wishing me "Happy Independence Day," I would get this bitter rumble in my chest, and I'd fake a smile and force myself to respond back. In my mind, I was thinking, "Why are we celebrating? What are we celebrating for? Why are we pretending?" I was low-key angry at those ppl saying Happy Independence Day with a flag. Oh goshh even thinking abt it now, I'm vexing small😭 Are we even seeing signs of the independence anywhere? Shift abeg 😭
I think that ENDSARS protest has just scarred us into silence😞 Even if anybody has the courage to give their lives for this country again, will it reap anything good? Why give your life for nothing? In fact it really just seems like a cage.
I was thinking on our Independence Day, "What exactly are we celebrating? Freedom? When we are more trapped than ever." We are like birds in a cage that know we're trapped, but cannot do anything about it. We make noises, but the ones who hold us captive don't care AT ALL. So we've just learnt to 'survive' in that captivity, and realised that there's no one coming to our rescue. Nigeria is a country that has LOST hope. Is this even a country? Or just a collection of slaves? But what will protesting do? Nothing. Just because protesting works in the US doesn't make it effective here. Look at Gaza, who has come to their rescue? People speak for them, but who has made a change? It's like Nigeria... People are shouting, but there's no change. So why shout? The problem is the government and we the citizens. Crimes are being committed, the government are apathetic, the citizens are done shouting and trying to survive. But what if it reaches the stage where everyone feels it? I wonder if protests will make a difference then. We are cowards, and we will continue to be if we don't stand-up. Even if one stands up, most will look and laugh, because nobody is ready to risk life for freedom. So now, my question is: Where are we heading to?
Bad to worse? Yes. All I know is, JESUS is coming soon, and all these things are signs. All the evil—EVERYTHING. Now, let me asl you this: Should we protest together and see where we can get to? Sounds almost crazy rii? Exactly. We would have no effect at all. We would be like baby goats bleating in the desert, and that is because people are cowards. There is a lack of love in Nigeria. Nobody cares about one-another. Sad for real.
“A country that cannot celebrate it’s own birth is a country that has stopped breathing” come and take your nobel prize award already.
Thank you for telling the story of Nigeria in a way that goes beyond any 30 second report we may (but probably won't) see on the news. Internal division, fatigue, loss of hope, desperation...not good ingredients for stability and peace.
This is beautiful, Tomi. But, I also want you to see things from another perspective.
I don't think people gave up "just cause". I think people are tired. Exhausted is putting it mildly.
When you grow up listening to your parents tell you stories of how Nigeria used to be so much better in their days, with the little technology and knowledge they had, and you compare it with how things are now? It's hard not to get discouraged. Very hard.
About the Independence day celebration- I also only remembered when it was noon. And, for the 1st time in my life, I felt nothing but pity and mild annoyance at the whole "celebration".
Because, what really are we celebrating? And, what exactly is worth celebrating in the 65 years that this country gained her independence? It feels like we're worse off than we started, and that is a very sad and painful truth to realise.
Also, on protests- I personally have lost interest and belief in protests since the events of EndSars in 2020. It grieves me when injustice and evil are constantly being perpetrated and no one bats an eyelid, but I also do not think that it is worth it to lose my life for this country.
Nigeria does not respect her citizens, in life and in death and the events of EndSars and the protests that erupted after the last presidential election have proved me right. So many people lost their lives, and for what exactly? What has changed since then? Nothing. Things have only fallen further apart.
I still love Nigeria and will still continue to advocate for peace and justice, but in ways that won't threaten the peace and sanctity of MY own life. It may sound selfish, but it's what I've decided.
This country isn't worth losing one's life over. At all.
Every other thing you've said is on point. It's so sad what this nation has done to her own citizens. We'll keeping hoping for the best- it's the only anchor we have.
Exactly. Protests are ineffective. So many protests have been made in the past, and no amendments were made. The government see us as vermin that bark but can't bite. Losing one's life for their country is good, but losing one's life for a cause that is futile? Absolutely a waste.
Such a painful reality. I wasn’t able to break a smile once cause I know it’s just the whole truth you said here. It’s not funny at all.
Not funny AT ALL.
This one?!!
A statement of reality and a strong call to awaken!
Well done Tomi❤️
This article is so beautiful. “Bending is a form of breaking.” “Trauma disguised as personality.” May Nigeria heal, but till then, please keep writing. And even when she heals, write. Your words carry weight that is important.
i hate it here
Even on that day, as fellow Nigerians were wishing me "Happy Independence Day," I would get this bitter rumble in my chest, and I'd fake a smile and force myself to respond back. In my mind, I was thinking, "Why are we celebrating? What are we celebrating for? Why are we pretending?" I was low-key angry at those ppl saying Happy Independence Day with a flag. Oh goshh even thinking abt it now, I'm vexing small😭 Are we even seeing signs of the independence anywhere? Shift abeg 😭
I think that ENDSARS protest has just scarred us into silence😞 Even if anybody has the courage to give their lives for this country again, will it reap anything good? Why give your life for nothing? In fact it really just seems like a cage.
I was thinking on our Independence Day, "What exactly are we celebrating? Freedom? When we are more trapped than ever." We are like birds in a cage that know we're trapped, but cannot do anything about it. We make noises, but the ones who hold us captive don't care AT ALL. So we've just learnt to 'survive' in that captivity, and realised that there's no one coming to our rescue. Nigeria is a country that has LOST hope. Is this even a country? Or just a collection of slaves? But what will protesting do? Nothing. Just because protesting works in the US doesn't make it effective here. Look at Gaza, who has come to their rescue? People speak for them, but who has made a change? It's like Nigeria... People are shouting, but there's no change. So why shout? The problem is the government and we the citizens. Crimes are being committed, the government are apathetic, the citizens are done shouting and trying to survive. But what if it reaches the stage where everyone feels it? I wonder if protests will make a difference then. We are cowards, and we will continue to be if we don't stand-up. Even if one stands up, most will look and laugh, because nobody is ready to risk life for freedom. So now, my question is: Where are we heading to?
Bad to worse? Yes. All I know is, JESUS is coming soon, and all these things are signs. All the evil—EVERYTHING. Now, let me asl you this: Should we protest together and see where we can get to? Sounds almost crazy rii? Exactly. We would have no effect at all. We would be like baby goats bleating in the desert, and that is because people are cowards. There is a lack of love in Nigeria. Nobody cares about one-another. Sad for real.