As we turn 49 and mark our anniversary with several other countries that gained independence in the same year, we worry if there is anything to celebrate. The picture is gory, the news is depressing, the future looks bleak, and there is nothing about the country that is particularly exciting. From politics to sports, from the market place to the church, it appears nothing good is coming out of naija. Every day we are affected by the realities of the enormous problems plaguing the nation. We are not sure of which or whose script our leaders are following as they discharge their responsibilities. We could go on and on. Now, all we want to do is run away or maybe wake up and realize that we were just having a bad dream. Yet the image of the country keeps following us like a badly caricatured shadow. And the truth is that the blood flowing in our veins has the name ‘Nigeria’ embedded somewhere in it. The mud thrown at Nigeria is definitely also slung at our faces too. This nation belongs to us.

If there is anything we can do, it is to continuously bring our nation before the Lord. Yes, we have been praying and I believe our prayers have worked in the past. I have seen the power of prayer concerning certain national issues. Prayer has helped sustain this seemingly divided unity we call Nigeria. Let us keep praying. Let us pray for the restoration of Nigeria. That classic scripture in the Bible, II Chronicles 7:14, is still very relevant today. If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. The word of God also says in Isaiah 14:28 that, as He as thought, so shall it come to pass; and as He has purposed, so shall it stand. God’s word is true and His good thoughts for Nigeria shall be fulfilled.

This independence anniversary is a good opportunity for all children of God to lift up their voices on behalf of the nation and pray down the mercy, justice, righteousness and prosperity of God upon Nigeria. This we should do and continue to do daily. Though it might tarry, change will definitely come. Since a man’s belly shall be satisfied by the fruit of his lips, I also believe that the citizens’ nation (Naija) shall be satisfied by the fruits of their lips (their prayers and declarations in righteousness, not curses) Proverbs 18:20. History is replete with stories of nations that have sunk to the lowest levels of failure and risen to the highest pinnacle of success and remained there. Our story can have a similar ending. I am told that the darkest hour is usually just before dawn. These might be our darkest hours with our dawn just by the corner. Let us usher it in with our sincere prayers. Keep praying for Nigeria. We shall rise again and we shall all live to witness the turn around. I seem to hear Naija say, ‘Please don’t give up on me.’