As Nigerians settle back into work after the public holiday celebrating 56 years of the country’s independence, reflections on life before 1960 throw light on the country then and now. Those born after Independence might enjoy the sweet and not-so-sweet memories of:
- When there was no quota system of any kind and people lived without being conscious of tribe or ethnicity.
- Having to stay away from the Government Reserved Area (GRA) whether in Benin or in Lagos; the days when Apapa was “European quarter”.
Photo: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/exhibit/ARivCwds - When Park View was called Green Park.
- When most of the built up areas now were just forests with monkeys.
- Eating western brands because Nasco and other indigenous brands didn’t exist.
- When secondary school classes didn’t have more than 25 students each, and teachers knew their students one on one.
- Being surrounded by colonialists and watching them take walks and play tennis.
- When Nigerians lived communally and people could correct other people’s children when they misbehaved.
- When everything in Lagos happened at Race Course.
- Going to the hospital once a month to take castor oil.
- When there weren’t people who lived extravagant lifestyles.
- Having lots of classmates from Cameroon in secondary school.
- Going to and from school using ferries that always left their piers right on schedule.
Asaba-Onitsha ferry crossing, 1959. Photo: http://radionigeria.blogspot.com.ng/ - When Nigerians didn’t need visas.
- Actually missing home when abroad.
- Travelling from Lagos to Ibadan or Abeokuta by train.
- When armed robbers were practically non-existent.
- When we had a thriving export industry.
Photo source: agronigeria.com.ng - Having “wole wole” (sanitation inspectors) in helmets and khaki shorts going around inspecting people’s homes, taking our garbage and even fumigating.
- Only seeing generators on school excursions to big factories.
Bittersweet memories, right? Now generators are everywhere even in private homes, most Nigerians are conscious of which ethnic group the next person is from, classes have many students and not enough teachers, and years of military rule have left us struggling.
Still, we have bright minds coming out of Nigeria, and Nigerians who are more politically and socially conscious than ever. Things like cell phones and huge shopping malls are now commonplace. Young Nigerians are doing great things in a country that gives them little or no support.
What would Nigeria be like with responsible, forward-thinking government? If the thought makes you want to start a revolution, click here to learn how.