Journey to Independence

A story so true, my old Mama told in assurance,
of a people so endowed with natural abundance,
But the heads in ignorance, her secret do advertise,
Unto strangers of peace and religion in disguise,

Whose deceit they hid with the Bible as bait,
Promising salvation while destruction they await,
And peace they preach indeed onto bondage,
While our fathers, their heart do open to their advantage

And afterwards when the deal of peace was made,
Then their fellows they summoned behind the gates,
With uniforms and bullets armed to the teeth,
Horses, chariots, flags; all for a weak without sheath

Alas, what fiery fury! what cabalistic confusion!
Naked and bare the innocent fled for no destination;
Her virgins they forced, her strength they scorned,
Her land they stormed, her oil they explored,

To the neck, hand and foot they were bound, one to one,
Panting in chains through the path of no return,
And with tears of weakness were led towards that old ship,
Unto a chartless site so full of labour and hardship.

But bold and determined was told of her heroes past,
As they cried 'Freedom! freedom!' and that steadfast,
Until the strange dominance they sent with sure confidence,
Singing peace Freedom to a core Independence.

O, Nigeria! Nigeria!
The Goliath of Africa!

The Eden of peace and Haven of Prosperity,
With one Foundation housing a thousand tongues in unity!
Ever unto the last generation will your praises ring.

© Atonuje Efe