On the 1st of October 1960, Nigeria gained its independence from the colonial masters and till today, we celebrate our freedom, tagging it the birthdate of Nigeria. In 2023, Nigeria celebrated its 63rd independence anniversary. Independence celebration in many countries of the world who had history of colonization is a usual practice and a day to reflect more than rejoice. A day to recount the journey that led to the new entity and a need to appraise progress made so far. Independence Day, however, is not the same as citizen’s day. Independence Day is a reminder of slavery, a reminder of past loss where another from another land ruled. A day that often blind the citizens to their existence prior to independence. Before colonialization, our people existed and a day must be set aside to sing our songs of unity, a day to rekindle pride in our identity, our histories, a day of great stories, a day of reward for good citizens, a day to celebrate heroes past and heroes present.

Permit a digression into the concept of mental slavery and a mark that never forgets that a people once ruled you and you were incapable of handling your affairs either in the face of threat, fear, or intimidation. Many children growing today does not know who they are and where they are from beyond the history of another forming their identity. A common example is, “who discovered River Niger”? the chorus answer would be Mungo Park and that indeed is a fact but not the history of the Nigerian child. For a Nigerian child, River Niger had always existed, and our forefathers were visibly present. For the whites, their citizen who succeeded in reaching the confluence after several failed attempts is Park. John Ledyard planned to discover the Niger via Egypt but died in Cairo. Lucas, and Houghton in 1789 and 1791 respectfully attempted to discover the course of Niger, prior to Mungo Park first and final expeditions which yielded in the first discovery in 1796 and in 1805, when he discovered the actual course and termination of River Niger successfully.

It is trite that October 1st, 1960, is a significant day in history as well as 1914 where the southern and northern protectorate were amalgamated. The truth however is that what we have handed over to us was a country of different tribes, faith and culture. A country of people who must thereafter work to build a united front to succeed and to not keep falling. Nigeria in her beautiful map, bounded by strength, love and faith must revisit the foundational structure to ensure that her building will not collapse.

The advocacy is for a new Nigeria where the citizens see themselves as one and that desire for a United Nigeria, birthed the #IAMANIGERIAN campaign. There will be another opportunity to talk about the beauty of being united in Nigeria but the focus is a need to have a day set aside in Nigeria to celebrate ourselves as people of this nation. While the country has days set aside for religious celebrations and workers day, there is an urgent need for a day that is not for any religion or region, a day that is not for any class of citizen, but a day for all Nigerians, the IAMANIGERIAN day. The I AM A NIGERIAN day is a solution to the disunity we have experienced so far. If a day is set aside for this purpose, children unborn will come to know of a day when we are all one tribe united in green, white, green, raising the flag and bearing the coat of arms in our hearts. A day Nigerian child abroad can visit the nation, a day you can work into your establishment anywhere in the world with pride. A day the naija sprit can rejoice in her own land.

For a very long time, the IAMANIGERIAN day proposition was unheard of, indeed within Nigeria, the idea was not conceived until Bisayo Busari-Akinnadeju started the campaign officially in 2015. The fact is that every great nation has had to come to a point where their unity is a fabric that must be woven by the citizens themselves. Many would see an American citizen wears the American identity with pride, not because USA is free from poverty, diseases, corruption or insecurity but a foundation was laid as far back as In 1951, when the President of the United States gave the following directive; “NOW, THEREFORE, I, HARRY S. TRUMAN, President of the united States of America, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Congress through Public Resolution 767, approved May 3, 1940 (54 Stat. 178), do hereby designate Sunday, May 20, 1951, as “I Am An American Day”, and do set aside that day as a public occasion for the recognition, observance, and commemoration of United States citizenship, and for the special recognition of those of our youth who have attained their majority and of those foreign-born who have become citizens through naturalization during the past year.” Therefore, setting aside a day to celebrate citizens in Nigeria is not a strange practice.

To demystify the proposition and to continue this advocacy, Project One, a prominent organization in Nigeria , One Nigeria Citizenship Appreciation initiative, has recently rekindled its “IAMANIGERIAN” campaign, advocating for the designation of May 25th as the “IAMANIGERIAN Day”. This ambitious project, “IAMANIGERIAN” campaign commenced officially in the year 2016.

It was the brainchild of Bisayo Busari-Akinnadeju, a Nigerian lawyer, philanthropist who had devoted her time from childhood to the Nigerian ideology and promoting the greatness of the brand.

The “IAMANIGERIAN” campaign is a national project that shapes the narrative of the country to strengthen national unity, recognition of our past hero’s, celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria, and reinforce the collective Nigerian identity. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the “IAMANIGERIAN” campaign and its journey towards establishing May 25th as a special day for all Nigerians.

The “IAMANIGERIAN” Campaign OBJECTIVES
The “IAMANIGERIAN” campaign has been a hallmark of Project One’s efforts over the last seven years. The campaign’s PRIMARY OBJECTIVES are: TO INSTIL IN THE NIGERIAN CHILD A SENSE OF PRIDE IN NATIONAL IDENTITY.
TO BUILD A BRAND THAT DEFINES THE NIGERIAN CITIZEN, TO BUILD A NATION WHERE UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH AND A CALL TO NIGERIA TO TAKE ITS LEAD AMONG THE BLACK RACE.

It is an initiative aimed at unifying a country known for its ethnic and cultural richness, emphasizing the strength that arises from unity in diversity.

“IAMANIGERIAN Day”
The proposal to designate May 25th as ” “IAMANIGERIAN Day” carries profound symbolism for Nigeria. “IAMANIGERIAN Day” in recognition of the historic event on May 25th, which is the African day and May 25, 1967, when Nigeria’s Biafra Civil War began. This conflict was a significant chapter in Nigerian history and had a profound impact on the nation. Designating May 25th as a national holiday could serve as a day of remembrance and reflection, promoting reconciliation and unity among Nigerians by acknowledging the lessons learned from that period and the importance of a unified Nigeria.

Benefits of “IAMANIGERIAN Day”
Celebrating Diversity: “IAMANIGERIAN Day” would serve as a unique platform to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria. It would promote a sense of unity while recognizing and appreciating the unique traditions, languages, and customs that make up the nation.

Strengthening National Unity: This special day would encourage Nigerians to come together, transcending ethnic, religious, and regional boundaries, thereby promoting a stronger and more united nation. 

Cultivating National Pride: “IAMANIGERIAN Day” would encourage citizens to take pride in their heritage, which, in turn, can stimulate a sense of patriotism and dedication to the betterment of the nation. 

Economic Benefits: The celebration of Nigerian culture and heritage on this day could drive tourism and cultural activities, thus contributing to the economic growth of the nation.

Challenges and Considerations
While the idea of designating May 25th as “IAMANIGERIAN Day” is promising, it does come with its share of challenges. Ensuring that the holiday is inclusive and respects the rights and beliefs of all Nigerians is paramount. Additionally, the practical aspects of implementing such a holiday, such as its impact on the economy and logistics, must be examined in depth.

Conclusion
Project One’s revival of the “IAMANIGERIAN Day” campaign and the proposal to establish May 25th as “IAMANIGERIAN Day” marks an important step towards fostering national unity, pride, and patriotism. By celebrating the cultural diversity of Nigeria and reinforcing the shared Nigerian identity, this initiative has the potential to further unite the country. As Project One continues its journey to get all Nigerians home and abroad to embrace the new tribe and slogan, #IAMANIGERIAN, the campaign offers hope for a more united and harmonious Nigeria.

Bisayo Busari-Akinnadeju is the Founder and Convener, Project One – IAMANIGERIAN Conference
[ad unit=2]