Our Symbols are crying too!

As usual, the media has been buzzing about our 54th Independence Anniversary and advertising several talk shows and analytical programmes to reminisce on our progress so far and the way forward as a nation. 
I couldn't help but think about our symbols of National Identity and how we treat them.
I remember being taught that our Symbols of identity as a nation are sacred and should be honoured as such.  
But that isn't the case today.

The other day, I came across the Nigerian Flag in front of a library and I wondered if the flag was a true reflection of the present day Nigeria. The green 3rd of the flag was hanging on to the middle white portion by just a few strands of material. It seemed like it was struggling to stay united with the greater part of the flag.
The ethnic, tribal and religious rivalry in Nigeria is still very palpable in our society, even after 54 years of coexistence as a people and we appear to be struggling to remain together as a nation.

Fast forward to how we handle the Naira. 
On a typical work day, I couldn't help but comment on the way a bike man squashed and squeezed several naira notes into his pocket and handed me a 50 naira note. It would be an understatement to say that the note was a shadow of itself. 
Maybe i'll start a free wallet campaign with bike men and help them treat the Naira better. 

Our National Anthem and pledge are also victims of our desecration. It wouldn't hurt to stop and spare a few minutes to pay attention to the lyrics of our anthem and words of our pledge whenever it is being sung and recited. constant reflection on these words could help us become better citizens. 

The only symbol that seems to have been shielded from disdain and disregard so far, is our coat of arms and I would love it to remain so. Yet, a few people have come up with a caricature of that too. Its components seemed to have become complacent in their posts and just whiled away time; very similar to what you find in several government owned offices.

As we celebrate our 54th year of Independence, let us honour our symbols of National identity and pay attention to what they represent: strength, dignity, unity, fertility, peace, progress and beauty. 

God bless Nigeria.