October 1st, a day of claimed pride,
Nigeria's independence, a partial stride,
From colonial chains, we broke the mold,
But subtle bonds remain, our progress to hold.
The masters left, but their systems stay,
Institutions rigged, to keep us at bay,
Economic strings, pulled from afar,
Our resources exploited, like a scar.
Foreign powers meddle, with hidden hands,
Influencing policies, that grip our lands,
IMF and World Bank, with conditional ties,
Shackling our growth, with debt's disguise.
Our leaders, puppets on a string,
Dancing to tunes, that aren't their own sing,
Corruption thrives, as they line their pockets,
While the masses suffer, in endless pockets.
The Biafran war, a tragic, ****** stain,
Unaddressed wounds, that still remain,
Resource control, a contentious fight,
Between the haves and have-nots, day and night.
Our oil, a curse, or so it seems,
Foreign corporations, with exploitative dreams,
80% control, a staggering fact,
Leaving us with crumbs, from our own act.
But still we rise, with resilient hearts,
Demanding true freedom, and a brand new start,
For a Nigeria, where all can thrive,
Not just the privileged, but the masses alive.
We'll break these chains, of neocolonial might,
And forge our path, with self-determined light,
No more indirect rule, no more hidden hand,
Nigeria will rise, and take her stand.
With education, we'll empower our minds,
And shake off cultural imperialism's binds,
Our history, our culture, we'll reclaim,
And build a nation, where all can proclaim.
With infrastructure, we'll build our base,
And attract investment, with a steady pace,
Agriculture, manufacturing, and tech,
Will drive our growth, and make us connect.
With resource nationalism, we'll take control,
And ensure our wealth, benefits our soul,
No more exploitation, no more deceit,
Nigeria's resources, for Nigerians' feet.
With regional cooperation, we'll unite,
And challenge external dominance, with all our might,
ECOWAS, African Union, we'll stand tall,
And forge a continent, where all can enthrall.
Our nationalism, will foster pride,
And self-determination, will be our guide,
Civil society, will demand change,
And hold our leaders, accountable to range.
Nigeria, arise, and claim thy place,
Among the nations, show thy face,
Unshackled, yet enchained no more,
Nigeria will rise, and forever soar