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‘…Help Us to Build a Nation…’
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, and proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour'd,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
- Nigeria’s National Anthem 1960-1978
‘Good Country, Great People!!’ is not just a slogan, it’s the blood that runs through our veins! True Nigerians – ethical, passionate,
intellectual and dedicated to our community … that’s who we are!
In January 2014, Nigeria marked 100 years of its amalgamation and this offered a unique
opportunity to focus attention on Nigeria, her history, people, achievements and aspirations. It
also was an opportunity to re-inspire the unity of Nigeria and to portray Nigeria as a country that
holds great promise.
As Nigerians struggle to lift their heads and prove to the world that its labeling as a corrupt and
seemingly ‘dysfunctional’ nation, is more perception than reality, we need to take a step back
into the past, remember who we were and what we stood for, if this battle is to be won. Re-
learning our history and getting the younger generation to learn about our rich heritage and the
lofty dreams and passions of our heroes would help build a sense of pride and purpose. There is
therefore an urgent need to etch unto every Nigerian heart, the Nigerian ‘pride, dream and
citizenship’. We ARE a Great people. Diverse. Distinct. United. Patriotic!
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Just like Martin Luther King’s famous speech -“I have a dream” inspires the African-American,
excerpts from the words of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Belewa’s 1960 Independence Day Speech still
resonates strongly as a promise and rallying speech to be handed down to generations of
Nigerians-
“Today is Independence Day…. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now
indeed an independent sovereign nation. Words cannot adequately express my joy and
pride at being the Nigerian citizen privileged to accept from Her Royal Highness these
Constitutional Instruments that are the symbols of Nigeria’s Independence. It is a
unique privilege… and it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the
service of our country… I feel sure that history will show that the building of our
nation … has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm
foundations…”
Regardless of varying arguments and opinions on the structures of that era, I believe that the
passion that we had as a birthed entity, stirred up great aspirations within us. As I gaze into the
past, I wonder if the ‘crowd of witnesses’ of Nigerian heroes would see an actualization of their
dreams and the fruit of their lives if they looked down to see what has been built on their
foundations. I am not very convinced that they would be extremely pleased. Beyond this, what
are the dreams of our generation...? Is there substance? Is it compelling? Is it integrating? Have
we laid foundations on which the next generation can proudly build? Are they thorough and
lofty enough for us to stake our lives on? Whatever the answers, we still have ‘dreamers’ and
‘builders’, ‘repairers of the broken breaches’ in every corner and every field of endeavour
especially in the Performance Arts industry.
Brett Bailey’s message marking 2014 World Theatre Day was brilliant and gave much food for
thought. Excerpts from his words are:
“..Wherever there is human society, the irrepressible Spirit of Performance
manifests. Are we, the artists of arenas and stages, conforming to the sanitized demands of the
market, or seizing the power that we have: to clear a space in the hearts and minds of society, to
gather people around us, to inspire, enchant and inform, and to create a world of hope and open-
hearted collaboration?...”
Driving his message closer home, it’s a wake-up call for us in the Performance Arts industry
particularly the Theatre Arts space. Let’s take a moment to reflect. What are we actually
creating? Are we clearing a space in the hearts and minds of Nigerians? This challenge is
particularly thrown open the those of us in the world of theatre today because we have the
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power to create unique experiences, transport the audience into an ideal community or make
them see a better proposition through the art of the actors. It's indeed a rare privilege to have
such power to inspire, enchant and inform!
As part of the Nigerian dream, The THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions is using the platform of
the stage to create in the minds and hearts of people, the possibilities of a unified Nigeria and visuals
of values that we hold dear to our hearts. We believe that the dreams and aspirations for Nigeria can
be achieved if each person uses his platform and voice to push this message of social reorientation
and the values that make Nigeria a great brand.
What’s your platform?
Where’s your voice?
What’s your message?
Our platform is the stage, our voice is echoed through the scripts and performances of actors and our
message is that we are a good country, great people with bright prospects. Deep thoughts to soberly
reflect on as we celebrate our country Nigeria and indeed the proud and resilient ‘Naija’ spirit lives
within us…’
To others in the Theatre Arts space and Performance Arts industry at large, it’s up to us to build our
world and our community through the manifestation of the irresistible ‘Spirit of Performance’!
Ayo Jaiyesimi
THESPIAN Family Theatre & Productions
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