Copyright © Ifueko Ogbomo 2009
140,000,000 people, old and young
250 ethnic groups, numerous tribes and tongues
49 years of independence from British rule
36 states from Abia to Zamfara, with 36 capitals too
3 major languages: Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba; 4 if you add ‘pidgin’ too
2 National colours: the serene white shade and the vibrant green hue
1 Federal Capital Territory: Abuja; sum all that up and what do you find?
Nigeria, a nation that’s one-of-a-kind!
There’s no land like Nigeria, wondrous to behold
Olumo, Aso and Zuma rocks, amazing, they never grow old
See the hills of Katampe, watch Gurara’s waterfall
Several Rivers: Niger, Benue, Sokoto, Kaduna, I cannot name them all
Tourists flock to see the Obudu cattle ranch, and Yankari game reserve
With festivals like Tinapa, Argungu, the Abuja carnival, our heritage is preserved
Behold industries: Petrochemicals, Agro-allied, textiles and so many more
Combined with vast resources to complete our solid infrastructure
A plethora of resources indeed, but the most important one
The Nigerian intellect – surely second to none
Observe our gifted ambassadors, icons of intelligence, passion and creativity
Like Alh. Dangote, an entrepreneurial giant; Oluchi, symbol of our beauty
Kanu Nwankwo, international sports star and philanthropist; Chimamanda, all hail our literary queen!
Fela Durotoye, motivator-par-excellence, and Asa just keeps rocking the musical scene
Now Lady I, inspirational poet unveiled, the list goes on and on and on
They make us proud to be Nigerians, to boldly sing our national song
A truly blessed nation in every way
A force to be reckoned with, anytime, any day
Call me patriotic if you will, but I just have to say
Been east, been west, NAIJA IS BEST!
‘The greatest nation on earth’ within us that potential lies
But it needs to be realized, therefore Nigeria MUST ARISE!
For too long our story has been a sad, sad tale
Of resources wasted, labour exploited, youth misspent in jail
We’ve imported the unnecessary, exported our necessities
Making others rich, while we sink deeper into poverty
Now beat down and rejected, we groan and we weep
With no help in sight, we cry ourselves to sleep
Oh Nigeria, how can this be, when we’ve got-it-all?
Riches of agriculture, crude oil, precious stones and much more
The wonders of nature are seen all across our lands
Indeed, we are a people of great minds and gifted hands
God has blessed us immeasurably, now the ball lies in our court
It’s time for us to take action with a new sense of worth
North and South, old and young, rich and poor, we must unite
Set our differences aside and join hands in one good fight
Against corruption, injustice, selfishness and greed
As good people building a great nation indeed
A new day has come, our new dawn is here
The darkness is fading, so the light can shine clear
Nigeria, Arise!
It’s time to bring an end to shame and sorrow
To set a new standard that others might follow
It’s time to lay afresh a good foundation
To take your place amongst the nations
Nigeria, Arise!!
The world is waiting, it’s anticipating
The sound of a strong beat, from the heart of Africa
Nigeria, Arise!!!
Fulfil your destiny!!!
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Lady I. - Proudly Nigerian
