ODE: "NIGERIA, MY PRIDE" BY ABDUL MUHEEZ ISHOLA SOFIYULLAH.

Don’t dare my fruitful land 

A land I was dedicated to 

For we are many in my land like sand. 

We would love for a century but then ask me

How long do you fight: 

I said: 

For just an hour, friend. 

I am Nigerian

By birth, 

By loyalty, 

By knowledge,

Not forced to be, 

But wished to be. 

I owe you my life, my country

Oh! Nigeria 

You build me, 

You raise me, 

You feed me, 

Not just your rights,

But your loved habit. 

Oh! Nigeria, 

I salute thee. 

My country is accommodative ,

A country who allows

For millions of tribes,

But a tripod human. 

You call for Yoruba, 

You call for Igbo,

You call for Hausa. 

In the morning I say in Yoruba: 

E kaaaaro

In the Afternoon I say in Igbo: 

Ndewo mgbede 

In the evening I say in Hausa: 

Ku gari 

For these are our tongues. 

We have converged on a part of Nigeria 

A place called Lagos 

For Lagos is our meeting point. 

Don’t dare ridicule us! 

For we have come together. 

In the time of war & peace. 

You would know us better, 

When you glance through our

NATIONAL PLEDGE. 

Oh! My wonderful country. 

I salute thee. 

We celebrate you today, 

Nigeria; The Giant of Africa 

You age 66 today, 

May we be there to celebrate you more. 

October 1st, 1960. 

A day that would never and never

Be forgotten. 

I congratulate our Nationalists. 

Who fought for the freedom. 

Oh! Fellow Nigerians. 

Would you let us celebrate 

Our Day. 

Oh! Nigeria, 

I salute thee.

©ABDUL MUHEEZ ISHOLA SOFIYULLAH

-Nigeria 

 “Nigeria, My Pride” by Abdul Mueez Ishola Sofiyullah celebrates Nigeria as a beloved nation and expresses the poet’s deep sense of patriotism, loyalty, and national pride. The poet identifies himself as a Nigerian by birth and personal conviction, acknowledging the country’s role in shaping and nurturing its citizens. He celebrates Nigeria’s cultural diversity, highlighting the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa ethnic groups as symbols of the nation’s multicultural identity. Lagos is presented as a meeting point where people from different backgrounds converge, demonstrating the possibility of peaceful coexistence and national unity. Furthermore, the poet commemorates Nigeria’s independence on 1 October 1960 and pays tribute to the nationalists who fought for the country’s freedom. Through his repeated salute to Nigeria, he encourages fellow citizens to celebrate their national identity, embrace unity, and remain hopeful for the nation’s future.

The poem teaches patriotism, national unity, cultural tolerance, and appreciation of Nigeria’s independence and heritage.