THE SINKING LAND
In the heart of Nigeria’s tale, tragedy unfolds, A saga spanning ages, a story to be told. Ancient echoes whisper of civilizations past, Nok’s terracotta sculptures, memories that last.
Medieval kingdoms rise, mighty and grand, Kanem-Bornu, Hausa, Oyo, rulers command. Trade and agriculture weave their intricate thread, Yet shadows of destiny loom over the widespread.
Trans-Saharan winds carry tales of Islam’s embrace, Kano’s streets echo with scholarly grace. Yet, beneath the surface, currents of change, A tragic transformation, a cultural exchange.
European explorers set foot on distant shores, Portuguese, then British, opening new doors. The Atlantic’s cruel trade, a darkened stain, Millions enslaved, enduring immense pain.
Colonial shackles bind, 1914′s fusion, Northern and Southern, a forced inclusion. British rule, a complex socio-political dance, Leaving scars deep, a tragic circumstance.
Independence dawns, 1960′s hope in the air, But instability reigns, a nation in despair. Ethnic tensions flare, coups disrupt the peace, A tragic symphony, a tumultuous lease.
Biafran War erupts, ’67 to ’70, A nation divided, a grievous tragedy. Ethnic and political strife, a bitter strife, Leaving scars on the fabric of Nigerian life.
Military rule, a dark and turbulent span, Coup after coup, corruption’s cruel hand. Economic challenges, a nation in pain, A tragic chapter, a relentless chain.
Democracy returns in ’99’s light, yet shadows linger, challenges ignite. Corruption’s stain, economic plight, Boko Haram’s shadow, casting the night.
Nigeria’s tale, a tragedy profound, yet resilience endures, hope is found. A vibrant culture, a diverse creed, In the face of tragedy, Nigeria still breathes.
In the shadows of Nigeria’s present, a tragic script unfolds, Buhari, once devilish, now in Tinubu’s hold. Kidnapping, bribery, corruption’s bitter brew, Insecurity entrenched, a nation’s fate askew.
Promises of free education, a folk tale spun, But ASUU’s strike outlasts any holiday sun. The echoes of assurance now hollow and cold, As the youth yearn for knowledge, a future foretold.
Buhari, a wanted angel in this twisted affair, Yet under Tinubu’s rule, the people despair. Kidnappings haunt the night, a tragic refrain, Bribery and corruption, an unrelenting chain.
In the corridors of power, a tragic masquerade, Where morality falters, and justice starts to fade. The nation’s fate hangs in a precarious dance, A precarious rhythm, a dissonant trance.
Long gone are the days of promised reprieve, As the people grapple, and the leaders deceive. Insecurity’s grip tightens, a tragic embrace, Leaving the populace lost in an endless maze.
A tale of Nigeria, marked by strife, Where the fabric of trust tears, unraveling life. But within the chaos, a glimmer may be found, For resilience endures on the battleground.
The echoes of discontent, a tragic symphony, Yet hope persists in the hearts’ epiphany. In the face of despair, a nation’s call, To rise above the tragedy, to stand tall.
October 20, a black day etched in sorrow, Lekki Tollgate, a scene of a dark tomorrow. Youthful dreams wasted, lives laid to rest, A nation’s conscience burdened, put to the test.
Police and military, meant for protection’s grace, Turned instruments of doom, a tragic embrace. What kind of country is this, where youth bleed, Fighting for rights, crushed in their need?
Brutality persists, a relentless force, Police against civilians, a twisted discourse. A waste of time, a futile fight, In the struggle for justice, a haunting night.
Higher officials, avaricious in their quest, Swallowing funds, leaving the nation distressed. Borrowing from afar, trading resources blind, An unknown book called Bible, a dubious bind.
Pilgrimages to foreign lands, money drained, While our culture, heritage, and roots are stained. Religion, not the foe, but leaders unkind, Exploiting faith, leaving sanity behind.
Nigeria, a nation torn, but not all is lost, Resilience persists, despite the cost. Youth rise, voices heard, demanding change, Against the currents, a hopeful exchange.
In the chaos, a call to reflect, On the roots of discord, the issues unchecked. For in unity lies the strength to mend, A nation’s wounds, its future to defend.
Oh, the water of sorrow, my father’s land weeps, In Illupeju, Lagos, where oppression seeps. The eagle, symbol of strength, now slain, By the stones of corruption, a tragic bane.
The horse, once proud, dignity in its stride, Now fallen to fraudsters, unemployed, and defied. Fertile soil, abundant and rich, Yet food prices soar, an unbearable pitch.
The Y shape, emblem of Niger and Benue’s flow, Now a symbol of drowning, in the river we go. Unemployment’s tide, a relentless wave, The nation struggles, unable to save.
Foreigners in our own land, a bitter truth, As the Indian oppresses, stealing our youth. Leaders corrupt, their deeds like a stain, A tragedy repeated, an unending chain.
The coat of arms, a tattered shield, In the face of hardship, the people yield. Yet, in the depths of despair, a glimmer may gleam, A hope for change, a collective dream.
The price of petrol, a burden too great, A shame that weighs on our collective fate. Who will rescue us from this unbearable strife? Innocent lives lost in the north, a reckless military life.
Testing a drone, a tragic event unfolds, Bandits arrested, handed to the military’s hold. The country sold, or so the whispers say, Fulani herdsmen reign, taking lives each day.
Stand up, my people! Wake up from your sleep! Our end draws near, in this silence so deep. Let us fight not for an end, but for a new start, The fear of death itself can tear us apart.
Be your own hero, in this moment of need, Enough is enough, let our voices proceed. Today, we say NO, to the hike in fuel, NO to education’s cost, a burdensome duel.
NO to the high cost of food that we bear, NO to oppression, let the world hear. NO to military threats, police brutality, NO to NDLEA taking our joy, our vitality.
A resounding NO to all that we abhor, We want Nigeria back, as it was before. Let the rallying cry echo, let the people unite, For a brighter future, let’s stand and fight.
WRITTEN BY
ADEKOYA ABIODUN
