As Nigeria Marks It's 62nd Independence Anniversary
By Bernadette Idalu
Even a day before Nigeria marks it's 62nd Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2022, there are no signs of brisk sales of mementos such as the Nigerian flag, mufflers in the green, white, green colours or other memorabilia in moving traffic to commemorate the occasion.
A walk around the Oba Ovonranmwen Square popularly referred to as the Ring Road was devoid of such sales. On the Sapele Road axis, in Benin City, close to the Adesua junction, there were also no wares on display reflective of the Nigerian independence anniversary. When asked, one of the traffic vendors stated, "Time never reach to sell flag, pipo wen dey sellam never bring am come."
However, at Aiguobasimwin road, off Sapele road and adjacent Third Junction, one man was seen making brisk sales of aforementioned items.
Speaking with a respondent, Bryan Oyakhilome on his thoughts concerning the Nigerian independence anniversary, he stated, "I don't really have much to say about the independence because so far, I have not really seen the benefit but I am hopeful for the election that would happen next year. Maybe, when things change, I would have a better opinion of independence."
An anonymous respondent who voiced on the low key preparation explained, "I feel the Independence celebration has really degenerated due to the economic situation in the country. As a kid, years ago, we used to go to the stadium to match but these days, due to the security situation which has been made worse by the action of Boko Haram Jihadists, banditry and activities of kidnappers, it is no longer safe to allow children to go for match past or go for come together activities if not too sure of such environment.
"Independence celebration used to be a unifying force for the country but it no longer is. In our present environment, it is some non governmental organizations (NGO's) and some churches who still give a sense of belonging to youths by inviting students for get together activities to give them an insight about Independence and the need to celebrate it."
Throwing more light on unfolding scenario, the respondent continued, "If you take a close look around, people that used to sell small Nigerian flags are not really around this year because it is only a few that can buy. People do not really have much money. People are struggling to eat due to the poor economic situation in the country.
"I am happy we got our independence from Britain in 1960 without recourse to bloodshed and also bless God that i am alive to see this day. That is where it ends. But, as for celebrating the occasion this year, for me, it is of no use as there is nothing worth celebrating.
As of the time of filing in this report, entertainment spots which displayed banners and blared loud music last year as a form of advertisement to showcase their lineup of independence activities are yet to do same.
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