The 1st of
October is much more that flags and partying, it’s about Nigeria
severing ties with the British and declaring independence. No doubt the
day is special
for every Nigerian, be it a child or an octogenarian. It is the day of
patriotism and one cannot help but be nostalgic of this very day every
year.
Most
Nigerians even celebrate Independence Day for a span of around four to
five days as they engage in several cultural activities and community
gatherings to make it memorable. This year with the holiday falling on a
Saturday, the government has declared the Monday a public holiday, making the weekend even longer.
Hang Nigerian Flags Everywhere
Have you ever noticed how a few days to October 1st, you find hawkers selling Nigerian flags as well as other items with green, white and green all around town, especially in Abuja?
From the tiny fluttering flags flanking both sides of an automobile or
Keke to the huge ones billowing in the wind atop large buildings, you
see Nigerian flags hoisted and flapping everywhere, even in places you won’t expect to see them at. Basically, when it comes to hanging the Nigerian flag on Independence Day, Nigerians tend to go a little overboard.
Organize A Local Parade
The
Independence Day celebrations can become a “fancy” affair in some
locations around the country. A lot of people organize, participate as
well as gather to watch processions and parades which usually include elaborate dressing in green and white costumes, Role
plays, skits, musicals and a lot of performances. Keep in mind these
may not be fancy parades like you see abroad or on foreign TV.
Go For Parties And Shows
Since it is a paid national holiday for most Nigerians, a full day of people partying and going for shows with friends istypical of Independence Day celebrations.
Basically, every organization, company or business hosts some kind of
party or event and a number of them are free. The ones which require a
fee are usually affordable too.
Throw KnockOuts And Fireworks
Nigerians
never fail to seize opportunities to throw knock-outs and crack
fireworks and they usually make a big deal of it during Independence
Day. In some places, people get together to enjoy some fireworks while
in other places they just throw it randomly into the street. You may
want to be vigilant when moving around to be just you don’t become a
victim of the fire play.
See Historical Films At Cinemas
New
historical films are either released or old ones make a comeback during
Independence Day as a way of revving up national pride and patriotism
as well as honoring of Nigeria’s independence. There was a major
explosion in 2014 with movies like October 1st, A place in
the stars and Half of a Yellow sun. What better way to celebrate
Independence Day holiday with your friends and family, than a good movie
and some home-made snacks at any of the cinemas in your town?
Sleep And Social Media Binge
Another
thing most Nigerians do on independence day is stay indoors and sleep
all day or spend their entire time online either stalking people on
Social Media or engaging in other online activities such as gaming
e.t.c. With the economic situation right now, a number of people have
been on extra hustle and they do not take the `holiday to sleep and
unwind anymore, they stay on the hustle. Basically, there certainly may
not be a larger number of people sleeping in this year, especially in Lagos.
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