Arise O Compatriots

To celebrate Nigeria's Independence on the 1st of October, 2012, a friend of mine wrote a very intriguing poetry which i hear was inspired by my little sister (Mya of Super2 - a contemporary dance duo) who was planning a dance concert(that held this month, on the 20th of October). As much as i would love to talk of her concert, i think it would be unfair to let October come to a close without sharing this piece. It was actually a recital and it packed a punch when listened to and since i can't play his voice reciting this piece for you, i hope you enjoy it all the same. Read on!

Arise O Compatriots Nigeria's call obey
But to these words we turn deaf ears like we are not to be blamed when our country falls short each day simply because we decline to serve our father land with love strength and faith
Principles deeply rooted in our hearts to do we now uproot throw in the trash not to use
Forgetting we had pledged that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain
I am talking about great men who put their lives to the ground and minds to what Nigeria should be built around; One of peace, progress , prosperity and purpose
Knowing we are a people with souls of a unique race that shows forth greatness, justice, equity and insight;
A people willing to serve with heart and might in a Nation bound with the integrity of true freedom
For we are free sons and daughters and in us is wisdom found in a land with diversity in tribe and tongues but never at heart.

For just as our colour is the same so is the blood in our veins
If only these words can mean more to us than just lyrics to recite when we think of a song to sing or as a proof that this is a land where we reside;
But take each word not as they seem but as they imply and sew it together with the fabrics of our minds
becoming the true Nigerian willing to do much more than just saying them, painting the picture that shows who we are:
A people not ruled by fear, hatred, bitterness or strive but of love and of a sound mind
Only then can we truly experience in our lives, in our lands much more evident The undoubted peace and Unity...
The type which the God of creation has bestowed on us so gracefully
Along with creative minds jealously directing our noble course
Through a bearing of sincerity angled on the basis of sacrifice constructed on the decrees love

A compass of truth in hand that would guide our leaders right
Only to do not of their will but of that which takes each son and daughter of this land on the strong wings of the eagle flying up to our highest height
Soaring on the chronicles of integrity that would help our youth the truth to know
One that would easily flow from generation to generation we would plant it in the fertile soil of love and honesty and patiently watch it grow
And with every of our deeds live in and not living out being just and true.

All these can start today as we turn 52
The number of years that we all share both old and young
Seeing the possibilities of miracles through faith happening... Understanding the significance of the numbers we now attain 5 and 2
Remember Christ fed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes A miracle that surpasses just hopes and wishes
But of a conscious mind with a belief of constantly achieving One day at a time the type of greatness and glory that you as a Nigerian will now live in
We would grow in it, flourish with pride in it, attaining great lofty heights in it and with diligent hands building a nation where Peace and justice now reigns supreme in it
So rejoice Nigeria for the creator has given us the power to succeed complete
No more mourning only a change of heart towards this calling
For we are magnificent and we are Nigerians
Happy 52nd Independence day celebrations
by Philip Asaya.