Deep, heavy, negro spiritual sigh. It’s another independence day for our long-suffering country and even though we are begging the almighty to remove us from his list of strongest soldiers, we can’t help but look back on some thoughtful things our past and present leaders, activists, and celebrities have said about Nigeria on different independence day celebrations. It’s our 64th birthday after all.
Independence Day quotes by the founding fathers of Nigeria
“As we celebrate our Independence, let us not forget that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
– Nnamdi Azikiwe, October 1, 1960
This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience, compelled to watch one country after another overtaking us on the road when we had so nearly reached our goal.
-Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, October 1, 1960
“Our Independence should remind us of the sacrifices made by our forebears and the hopes they had for a united and prosperous Nigeria.”
-Shehu Shagari, October 1, 1980
As we continue to move along the path of success and progress in all sectors, we should rededicate ourselves to the cause of our great Nation and attain yet greater heights in all fields of our National endeavour.
– Sani Abacha, October 1, 1960
Memorable Independence Day quotes by Nigeria’s leaders in the 4th republic
All those who struggled for our independence remain our greatest heroes, in whatever way they may have contributed to the common goal. They recovered our dignity from the clutches of foreign imperialism. They inspired us with a sense of common dignity. They claimed for us, a country with much promise.
-Olusegun Obasanjo, October 1, 2000
We must see today’s challenges as veritable opportunities waiting to be translated into stepping stones to an assured destiny of peace, progress, and prosperity for our common posterity.
-Umar Musa Yar’adua, October 1,2009
On this day, we reflect on our journey and reaffirm our commitment to building a Nigeria that is united, peaceful, and prosperous.
-Goodluck Jonathan, October 1, 2013
The sacrifices of our heroes past must never be in vain. We must unite and strive to build a country that future generations will be proud of.
-Muhammadu Buhari, October 1, 2015
We have succeeded in deepening our democracy. The task before us now is peace, unity, and nation-building.
-Atiku Abubakar, October 1, 2015
For our country to move forward, we must prioritize the democratization of opportunities for all Nigerians!
-Bukola Saraki, October 1, 2021
We must rescue and turn our country around. It is our challenge and our duty. We, therefore, cannot ignore the present deafening clarion call for change.
-Peter Obi, October 1, 2022
Memorable Independence Day quotes from Nigerian activists and celebrities.
This is the country that is wholly mine. I have to give it my all to get its all.
-Aisha Yesufu, October 1, 2015
No matter how long it has taken, someday soon, Nigeria shall attain greatness.
-Oby Ezekwesili, October 1, 2017
Greatness is not far off; let’s work diligently with our leaders towards it.
-Tony Elumelu, 2014
Nigeria my country! I will continue to do everything I can to let the world see how beautiful my people are
-Ayodeji Balogun, AKA Wizkid, October 1, 2016
Deciding to be a part of the revolution that would positively alter the state of affairs is enough motivation for your brother, sister, friend, or partner. Being unbothered is not the answer. We have to do it together.
-Folarin Falana, AKA, Falz, October 1, 2018
Our Independence is a reminder that we are stronger together. Let’s celebrate our diversity and build the Nigeria we all dream of
-Genevieve Nnaji, October 1, 2019
The true spirit of independence is in our ability to inspire change. Let us use our voices to uplift Nigeria and create opportunities for all.
-Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde , October 1, 2018
Whilst the task of a generation was to bring us an independent nation, clearly the task ahead of our generation today is to deliver freedom to an independent people.
-Fela Durotoye, October 1, 2018
Independence means freedom to be yourself and to fight for a better tomorrow. Nigeria is our home and it’s up to us to make it what we want.
Damini Ogulu, AKA, Burna Boy, October 1, 2021
Memorable Independence Day quote from Nigeria’s current president.
Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands and here we shall remain.
-Bola Tinubu, October 1, 2023
Don’t shoot me, but Tinubu, aka T Pain is still our President and even though we are mad at how bad things have gotten, we will still hear his speech today, willingly or unwillingly-sorry in advance.
Tinubu’s doings and his policies have been choking Nigerians for a long time now. From the banger he released on his first day in office to his sharp jets, the highest inflation rate the country has seen in 28 years, we just can’t keep up.
It seems as if we are in a loop because our Independence Day celebrations in recent history all look the same. Nigerians wished for better times under Buhari and after a hectic general election, we are wishing even harder but hey, it’s a public holiday and you get to spend it how you want; if you want to rock and roll in the First Lady’s legendary asoebi, go ahead. If you want to call out the government on Twitter, you have my full support. If you are not interested in any of these and are looking for options on what to do with this Capitalism-free day, I still got you. Here’s a list of activities and a quiz to help you make up your mind.
In whatever you choose to do today, make sure you eat jollof rice because as our government is not letting us breathe this is the only way we can assert dominance over our Ghanian brothers.
