Nigeria: Happy Independence Day

In spite of everything, we're still the most resilient of God's creation. Not quite long ago, the international media dubbed us the happiest people on earth. Yes, we are, in spite of everything. Boko Haram came. Kidnapers came. The Bandits came. And the political leaders remain unrelenting in their thieving and squandering of our riches. But we remain resilient and striving as always to be the best of God's creation, believing as we do that no man or institution can take our joy away or impede our inspirations. 

In August of 2008, I embarked on a three-day drive from the East Coast of the United States, to Denver in Colorado. On my third day and in the middle of nowhere in Kansas State, I was becoming delirious and decided to stop and take some rest. I sighted a gas station and drove in. Inside the gas station, I saw a black guy pumping gas for the two customers on sight. I came down in total disbelief, staring at him - as we walk towards each other, I knew instantly that he is a Naija guy. We smiled at each other and I said, "Nnan, wetin you dey do for inside this jungle." He hugged me and replied, "my brother, the same thing wey bring you come here." And we continued our laughter over and over again. He offered me a soda, and asked, "my brother, where you dey go and where you from dey come." I said, I'm coming from New Jersey and I'm going to Denver, Colorado. And you decided to drive? Why didn't you just take a flight? He asked. I told him that I am going to the University of Denver Law School for a one-year graduate program, and I needed my vehicle with me. 

We parted ways after reminiscing about where we are coming from and the situation we left behind at home. I drove on that 1-70 Highway for a whole day, seeing nothing, but farm, farm, and farm. It is like driving from Sokoto to Calabar, with Livestocks farms on both sides of the road. And that was where a Nigerian man was, working at a gas station, making ends meet while taking care of his immediate family and sending "something" home to his extended family. And there is every Nnan in the middle of nowhere all over the world, trying to survive the right way. Happy birthday, folks, and may God continue to abide in us and continue to bring out the best in us, in spite of all odds. Amen.