Green, White, Green

There are certain periods in the year that all business people make a killing, I have heard many people call such periods ‘season’. It appears every business has a particular ‘season’ when goods and services are in high demand.

Hairdressers keep vigil in their shops in the days leading up to Christmas, churning out all manner of hairstyles, so also shops selling clothes, shoes, chickens and other such things that people erroneously believe are needed to celebrate.

Over the years, i have discovered another group making cool cash. Every year, towards the end of September, like 19^th of the month or thereabouts, you will begin to see small and big flags, beautiful tops, mufflers, bandanas and jeans all coloured green and white.

Every 1^st October, Nigeria marks her independence and for sure, it is an event worth celebrating.  The Social media is not usually left out; Dps, status updates and all what not proclaim our love for our dear country Nigeria. Similarly, all manner of shows and events are advertised in Churches, stadia and event halls, all geared towards marking Nigeria’s Independence. There is palpable excitement in the air and you can cut the national pride with even a blunt knife.

Sadly, it all ends on 2^nd October.

For some strange reason, we think patriotism ends with such displays.

Many citizens do not even know the words of the National Anthem and therefore singing it never evokes any ethos. We are always irritated and somewhat entertained when our ministerial nominees bungle it but sadly, we are not any better.

Patriotism is simply defined as; love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it.

Can we honestly say we embody this definition?

Patriotism is not wearing Green and white and waving flags upandan on.

It is doing the right thing at the right time and in the right way;

It is being orderly in public and being honest in office;

It is reporting all suspicious persons and activities in our neighbourhoods, instead of shielding suspects because they are ‘our brothers and sisters’.

It is refusing to bribe or be bribed to do what you should do;

It is supporting the Government of the day to succeed;

 It is calling our leaders out when they underperform instead of being a ‘wailer or hailer’ while things slide down hill.

We all have a conscience and patriotism is listening to that still small voice and choosing to do the right that we know we should even if we are hungry, in debt, frustrated or facing eviction or even death.

Until we get to that point, we might as well wear black tomorrow.

Happy 56^th birthday, Nigeria, may the odds be in your favour!