NIGERIA: A MERE GOGRAPHICAL EXPRESSION
I came across a report a while ago which stated that the acting president Yemi Osinbajo was berated by the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, AFENIFERE, for making dismissive comments on late chief Obafemi Awolowo. I was at first eager to read the report but was surprised by the content which indicated that it was about a famous reference of the late Icon that “Nigeria is not a nation but a mere geographical expression” but I was forced afterward to ponder about the statement and the question “is Nigeria truly a mere geographical expression” strucked my mind.
In other to answer this question of mine which I asked myself for days, I had to consult those that existed during the first republic and are still existing and also the World Wide Web. The first answer I got was the meaning of geographical expression – which is a term, applied to a country with no recognized nationality. This definition which I obtained from the web is simply saying that “Nigeria is a country with no recognized nationality” and this prompted another question- “is that true?”
Well according to history, ”Nigeria” came into existence in the year 1914 when the Northern and Southern protectorate were merged together by the then Governor-General, Lord Luggard- A coming together of over 400 ethnic groups, some ridiculing it as a forceful one while others said it was a mutual agreement but the fact remains that that mere geographical expression after 56years is still in existence though faced with a lot of challenges. Nigeria moved beyond being a mere geographical expression when its locals started mixing together, living under the same roof.
Though the present Nigeria is not what we dreamt of after independence or hope to dream of but amidst her challenges and circumstances, I have witnessed her, even if slowly, transformed within the years and still stands out among other African countries, still a leader and will continue to be.
It will be unfair of anyone to describe Nigeria as a mere geographical expression because it’s not. It is a nation with different ethnic group, religion, tradition but peaceful, blessed and focused with her populace- loving, caring and understandable.
Kindly resteem if you see this article fascinating.