Of Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa

The second is that Nigeria is the only true black Regional power in Africa with Oil & Gas Reserves with its citizens in control of its economy. We may have made our mistakes along the line but unlike Nigeria the economies of both countries were in the hands of minority whites and foreigners respectively. In […]

The second is that Nigeria is the only true black Regional power in Africa with Oil & Gas Reserves with its citizens in control of its economy. We may have made our mistakes along the line but unlike Nigeria the economies of both countries were in the hands of minority whites and foreigners respectively. In South Africa, it is entrenched while Ghana economy can’t survive without foreign investors even if they are retailers and there are a lot of Lebanese, Indians, Irish, Chinese etc in that line of business.
Coming back to Nigeria to face the inconveniences associated with the disconnection between policies and development my mind went to work again and living up to the maxim “Think what you will do for your country and not what your country will do for you” I recognize the need to go back to the basics- to those seemingly small things that inspires citizens both the leaders and followers to become good patriots full of zeal to live and die for their homeland. As I went about with these thoughts in my mind I observed that most Nigerian motorists hang the Ghana National Flag and the America flag alongside the flag of their favorite football club in their vehicles. I also noticed that only few put on the Nigeria flag the Green White Green. And as you can imagine I was again perplexed. I then decided to study some National flags including Brazilian, South African, USA, France, Chinese flags etc. I found out that the Green Splashes on white is not inspiring enough that if any country has to glorify Green so much by giving it double space on its National flag it has to be Brazil with its vast canopy of Greenery in the Amazon Virgin forest the largest in the world. Regarding the white colour of our National flag we should always project peaceful resolution both in our internal and international relations but that amiable, cheerful and carefree disposition has cost us Bakkasi peninsular. It has also lead to huge revenue losses caused by porous friendly borders with our neighbours especially the entre-port trade in the same border and shipment of subsidized petroleum products across our Northern borders. In view of these and other observations I have therefore conceptualize a New National Flag with matching themes which I am looking forward to discuss with the Director General of National Orientation Agency in the weeks ahead. To an outsider, a cursory look at our coat of arms shows a chicken without any resemblance to an Eagle Super imposed on it. While the horse and land mass are no longer very good projections of strength in the modern world. As the only truly black nation aspiring for Super Power status I have an idea on how to make both the flag and the coat of arms more inspiring& arousing. As we prepare to mark our centenary of course hundred years of existence doesn’t call for celebration alone, it is also time for sober-reflection and time to effect some changes as we continue to re-invent ourselves while preparing for the task ahead. Even the unity, faith, peace and progress is too convoluted I think that unity & strength will be more appreciate.
Ekene is Executive Director,  Special projects/PollStar Opinion Poll & Survey, Abuja