CELEBRATION is in the air. Nigeria is currently celebrating 50 years of independence – freedom from British colonial rule.  The colossal amount approved for this event shows how highly rated the anniversary is to those in authority.

British Colonial administration had lasted from 1914 – 1960 in amalgamated Nigeria, during which time the flag flown in Nigeria was the Union Jack, the anthem was the British national anthem, the first line goes thus:  God save our Gracious Queen.

We even celebrated with great joy and pleasure, the Empire Day – a celebration which highlighted the fact that Britain ruled the waves – a typical example being Britain in Europe ruling Nigeria in West Africa.

However, an important corollary of the British rule in Nigeria was evident in the fact that to a large extent many things they did was of top quality.  Our civil service compared very favourably with the best in the world.

Education was of very high standard; there were many schools of high repute – the Government Colleges and the very many mission schools with the missions taking the lead in founding schools in the country.  University degrees awarded in the two universities existing then received recognition the world over.

There was peace, there was security.  One remembers travelling by Armels lorry from Sapele in now Delta State to Ibadan in Oyo State in the night without one entertaining any fear of attack by armed robbers.

This stable situation not withstanding the wind of change which had already reached Gold Coast thus transforming her into an independent nation with a new name of Ghana could not bypass Nigeria.

Worthy of note is the fact that Ghana is in the same geographical area with Nigeria, very small in land size and population as compared with Nigeria though it is not size as such that determines the strength of a nation and under the same British Colonial administration.

The commitment of our founding fathers: Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sarduana of Sokoto; Dr Nnamdi Azikwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo. One must mention too the first and so far only Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Tafawa Balewa and also Chief Anthony Enahoro, led to Nigeria gaining her independence on  October 1, 1960 –  her freedom from the British Colonial administration.

Nigeria’s freedom certainly was won on a platter of gold, certainly not the way America gained her independence of the British. There was not even anything like the Boston Tea Party, no struggle at Apapa Wharf or in any other place.  The Union Jack went that day, God save the Queen was sung for the last time as Nigeria’s national anthem; similarly Empire Day Celebration came to an end.  Nigeria became free, at least politically.

50 years after, Nigeria has remained the single entity the British Government left in 1960, this inspite of the country fighting a civil war which lasted three years.  This fact alone calls for celebration.  However in the midst of all the celebration there should be sober reflection on the part of all Nigerians.

Mrs. J.O. EJUEYITCHIE-OROYE a commentator on national issues, writes from Lagos.