Nigeria at Independence: Are We Truly Free?

On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered, and the Green-White-Green flag of Nigeria was raised for the first time. It was a moment of great hope and pride—the birth of a nation, free at last from British colonial rule. Leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Sir Tafawa Balewa envisioned a Nigeria where liberty, unity, and progress would flourish.

Yet, more than six decades later, the question rings louder than ever: Are we truly independent?

A Journey Through History

Pre-Colonial Nigeria: Long before the British arrived, Nigeria was a land of thriving kingdoms and empires—the Nok, Oyo, Benin, Kanem-Bornu, and Sokoto Caliphate—rich in trade, culture, and governance.
Colonial Rule (1861–1960): The British merged diverse ethnic nationalities into one entity in 1914, largely for economic exploitation. This artificial union sowed seeds of division, yet it also created the framework of the modern Nigerian state.
Independence (1960): Nigeria emerged with optimism, hailed as the "giant of Africa." However, internal rivalries, military coups, and a devastating civil war (1967–1970) tested its unity.
Post-Independence Struggles: Military rule dominated for nearly three decades. Civilian democracy was restored in 1999, but corruption, tribalism, insecurity, and economic dependency remain daunting challenges.

The Meaning of Independence

Independence is more than self-rule. It is the freedom to:

Govern ourselves with justice and integrity.
Manage our resources without exploitation.
Educate and empower our citizens.
Build a nation where unity transcends tribe, religion, and class.

But today, many Nigerians still feel economically dependent, politically manipulated, and socially divided. Foreign powers still heavily influence our economy, multinational corporations control our natural resources, and debt dependence limits national sovereignty.

A Call to Reflection

True independence is not just political—it is mental, economic, and moral liberation. Nigeria’s greatness will not be found in flags, speeches, or celebrations, but in a people determined to rise above corruption, greed, and division.

As the late Chinua Achebe warned, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” But leadership begins with every citizen—choosing integrity over compromise, unity over division, hope over despair.

👉 So today, as we mark another Independence Day, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly free—or are we still in chains of our own making?

A Prophetic Reflection

On October 1, 1960, the chains of colonialism were broken and the Green-White-Green flag was lifted with joy. Nigeria stepped into the community of nations, clothed with the promise of greatness. Many prophets, statesmen, and visionaries declared then that Nigeria was destined to be the light of Africa.

But six decades later, we must pause and ask: Have we truly walked into freedom, or have we exchanged one form of bondage for another?

The Prophetic Meaning of Independence

True independence is not just the lowering of one flag and the raising of another. It is the power to rise above oppression, to walk in righteousness, to chart our destiny under God without external or internal chains.

The Scriptures remind us:

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

Nigeria received political independence, but we are yet to fully receive moral, economic, and spiritual independence.

Our Chains Today

We are still chained to corruption, where leaders exploit instead of serve.
We are still chained to tribalism and division, instead of standing as one people.
We are still chained to economic dependence, where foreign nations dictate the price of our resources, and debt enslaves us.
We are still chained to violence and bloodshed, where insecurity and injustice reign.

These are not the chains of Britain; they are the chains of our own making. Like Israel of old, Nigeria cries for deliverance—not from Pharaoh, but from the idols of greed, selfishness, and disobedience to God.

The Prophetic Hope for Nigeria

Yet the Lord has not forsaken this land. The voice of prophecy has spoken over Nigeria:

Nigeria shall be a birthing ground for revival. Out of this nation, firebrands of the Gospel will arise, and many nations will drink from her spiritual wells.
Nigeria shall be a Joseph nation in Africa, carrying bread for others in times of famine.
Nigeria shall yet rise above her shame and wear garments of glory, for the Lord has appointed a remnant that has not bowed to Baal.

A Call to the People

Independence Day is not just a date—it is a call. God is asking Nigeria:

Will you break free from the chains of corruption?
Will you seek My face and return to Me?
Will you raise leaders after My heart?
Will you be the light to Africa that I ordained you to be?

The destiny of this nation is tied to her submission to God. Until righteousness flows like a river from our courts, our classrooms, our markets, and our homes, true independence will remain incomplete.

Prophetic Declaration

Today, I declare over Nigeria:

Nigeria, arise and shine, for your light has come! (Isaiah 60:1)
The chains of corruption, greed, and division are broken!
The Spirit of God shall brood over this land again, and rivers of revival shall flow from the North to the South, from the East to the West.
Nigeria shall fulfill her prophetic destiny as the giant of Africa—not in name, but in truth.

✝️ Nigeria, the Lord has called you. Your freedom will not be found in governments or foreign aid but in the righteousness of God. Return to Him, and you shall be free indeed.

Search This Blog

SincereMilkDevotional and FaithWatch Reflection