Arise O' Compatriots
For Nigeria @ 63
By: Abdulhafeez T. Oyewole
In Nigeria's embrace, our fathers laid the stones,
Where our umbilical cords found their sacred home.
They named us here, in this cradle of earth,
Guiding our steps, from infancy to birth.
Sixty-three years have passed in this land,
A nation's journey, in its golden strand.
We ought to celebrate, to raise our voice,
Yet worries persist, giving us little choice.
Doubt finds its place in hearts anew,
For promises broken, not just a few.
Nigerians resilient, strong and true,
In spite of trials, they push through.
They yearn for a nation, united and just,
Where tribes unite without mistrust.
Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and the rest,
One nation strong, in unity's chest.
Leaders must lead with honor and grace,
While followers follow in the same embrace.
Nigeria can rise, a giant once more,
With wealth untold, from shore to shore.
It's not too late, to stand tall and free,
In the comity of nations, where all can see.
Revive the spirit, let heroes not be in vain,
For Nigeria's future, let's break every chain.
Together we rise, to the clarion call,
"Arise O' Compatriots," as we stand tall.
In unity, freedom, and peace, we trust,
One nation bound, in love and faith, we must.
- Abdulhafeez Oyewole is a Nigerian poet and multimedia journalist. He is the author of two poetry collections: "Tides of Verses" and "Air Around Us". He writes from Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.