The Nigerian Democracy Day: A Celebration of Hope and Resilience
By Aishat Sanusi
As I stood amidst the sea of green and white, the colors of the Nigerian flag, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and hope. Today, June 12th, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's journey towards democracy. The day commemorates the annulled presidential election of 1993, which was won by Moshood Abiola, a champion of democracy.
The atmosphere was electric, with Nigerians from all walks of life gathered to celebrate this hard-won democracy. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the sound of drums beating in unison. I watched as young and old alike sang along to the national anthem, their voices filled with passion and conviction. As I observed the celebrations, I couldn't help but think about the journey that has brought Nigeria to this point. The struggles, the sacrifices, the tears, and the triumphs. The country has come a long way, and yet, there is still much work to be done.
But today, we celebrate hope. Hope that a better tomorrow is possible. Hope that our collective efforts will yield a brighter future for all. The theme of this year's ZODML Poetry Prize, "Hopefulness", resonates deeply with the spirit of this day. The platform provides a unique opportunity for Nigerian youths to express themselves, to share their dreams, fears, and aspirations. Through poetry, these young voices are able to capture the heartbeat of the nation, to give expression to the hopes and desires of a generation. And ZODML is providing a platform for these voices to be heard, with monetary rewards to encourage and support their creative endeavors.
As I looked out at the crowd, I knew that better days are coming to Nigeria. Days filled with promise, progress, and prosperity. Days where every citizen can live their lives with dignity and purpose. The struggles of the past have not been in vain, for they have shaped us into the resilient and hopeful people we are today. In the words of a sage, "Hope is the light that guides us through the darkest of nights, the fire that burns within our souls, the wind that lifts our wings to fly." Indeed, hope is what has brought us this far, and hope is what will carry us forward.
So let us celebrate this Democracy Day with joy and gratitude, knowing that a brighter future is on the horizon. A future where every Nigerian can thrive, where every voice can be heard, and where hope is not just a feeling, but a reality.
