This Is Nigeria

This is Nigeria, 

A national characterized by political hysteria, 

Here we spend all we have on burial, 

And no one is safe, not even in your own area. 

This is a national divided by tribalism, 

We have been held back by nepotism, 

So many lives wasted by religious fanatism, 

Yet some would say our biggest problem is terrorism. 

Our leaders see themselves as deities, 

They feel that they are above the law, 

The western world see us as non-enetities, 

They believe we are a people full of flaws. 

We don't even have the basic amenities, 

We live in our own country like outlaws, 

Yet we are blessed with tremendous gifts and abilities, 

But many of them are not utilized and so remain raw. 

We are a nation in confusion, 

A people perpetually in division, 

We are talented yet largely lack vision, 

So we find ourselves in this ugly situation. 

Nothing cripples us as much as corruption, 

We are constantly under the threat of inflation, 

Hardship has forced many youths to crime and prostitution, 

And our armed forces act without compunction. 

We are just getting out of recession, 

Our universities are hardly ever in session, 

So many of our citizens are living in depression, 

When will it end? This ugly procession. 

This is a nation choked up by hypocrisy, 

Just to make extra cash people become sleazy, 

Yes I know that things are not so easy, 

But how come any time a brother needs help everyone becomes busy? 

But enough of the darkness,

Let's stop focusing on the bleakness, 

Let's look on the bright side, 

And turn the coin to the other side. 

Even in a country full of vultures, 

I still believe there is hope for our future, 

We just have to sit up and change this culture, 

Of selfish thinking and failing to see the big picture. 

Even as we pray for Divine intervention, 

We must be active and play a part in our own salvation, 

No one will help you if you refuse to stand up and take action, 

And work together to find a solution. 

Honestly, I am tired of this comedy, 

This country is nothing but a tragedy, 

However, you and I can be the remedy, 

But we have to discard the old play books and stale melodies. 

It's up to us to make Nigeria great, 

Crime and injustice we must no longer perpetrate, 

Bribery and corruption we must cease to accommodate, 

And all the forces of evil we must jointly frustrate. 

Arise O Compatriots, 

It's time to put off this albatross, 

Nigeria's call obey, 

We must make these wicked leaders pay. 

To serve our father's land, 

We must all rise up and take a stand, 

We must get rid of all the dross, 

So that this nation would no longer be so gross. 

The labours of our heroes past, 

Shall never be in vain, 

We must do something really fast, 

And save ourselves from all this pain. 

This is my country, 

This is our country,

With all sense of urgency and alacrity, 

We must make it legendary. 

Nigeria must be examplary, 

And it will take all of us to achieve it.

 © iymmahnuel