INDEPENDENCE DAY
The verdant joy filled the atmosphere like an escaped gases released from a closed cylinder that has been kept for several years.
Happiness engulfed the cloudy clime, as Nigerians were about to be freed from the shackles of the British.
Gloria was a little girl, she loved dancing, which made her teacher choose her as the dancing group leader of her school.
She approached her dad who was sitting at the dinning room waiting for her wife to bring the hot water for tea.
"Daddy I'm happy I will be meeting Queen Elizabeth today" she said.
"You are right my daughter, Queen Elizabeth is coming today to declared Nigeria freedom" Her father replied.
"Wow, That's great daddy, I'm really happy"
she said in a playful manner, she moved closer a bit to her daddy.
"You should be, my daughter. For Nigeria will be free from the British, hence we are no longer a slave", He said while touching the cheek of her daughter and they both laughed hysterically.
The mother was coming from the rear with an hot water for the tea. Unknowingly, Gloria swayed her arm backwards, she hit the jug that contains the hot water, the jug felled and the water splashed on her leg.
She cried out "ouch! It hurts",
The mother shouted
"oh my God!"
why did you sway your arm like that?".
"That's not the issue now Mama Gloria, okay?let's quickly take her to the hospital", said her father.
She was rushed to the nearby hospital, the nurses quickly took her to the room for treatment.
They checked the doctor in his office, he wasn't there. Her mother was so worried.
"Is there no one that can attend to her!?", she said angrily.
"N-n-o ma" she replied with a shaking voice.
"My dear calm down now, the doctor will soon come", her husband told her calmly.
"I hope so Baba Gloria, because my daughter! must attend that independence ceremony", she replied.
The husband moved closer to her "She will, my dear".
The doctor arrived, went straight to the treatment room, gave her the required treatment and finally they went home.
Tafawa balewa square was stormed and filled to brim by the happy Nigerians, The celebration was kicked-off with the eloquent speech of the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, he expressed his joy and happiness for the newly liberated nation and her people, the new flag was hoisted.
Princess Alexandra, a member of the British royal family who represented Queen Elizabeth at the ceremony declared Nigeria's freedom.
School children paraded down the field, marched forward to the princess and Gloria presented the flower to the Princess, she collected it, gave her a handshake and the photographer captured them.
The party began, and the sky above wore rainbow colors of fireworks, with the cacophonous sounds of happy independence.
Dancers from different ethnic groups exhibited their dancing prowess, masquerades and acrobats also displayed their skills to wowed and enthralled the audience.
Citizens and foreigners mingled, wined, dined and danced with each other.
"Indeed, it was an unforgettable day",
said Gloria to her children and grandchildren at her 60th birthday.
©® Jamiu Ahmed
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