Fathers aren’t smiling!

Nigeria’s National Anthem has generated  controversy, since Bola Tinubu’s government reverted to the old version. Many have wondered the relevance of such move. This article discusses one of the issues. 

Pa Udo sat on his rickety chair, listening to the radio. A sports analyst with Ernest Okonkwo’s recognizable voice was delivering his commentary. Suddenly, Nigeria’s national anthem –  the new one –  played: “Nigeria, we hail thee…Nigerians all are proud to serve, our sovereign MOTHERLAND.”

Pa Udo sighed deeply and muttered, “Even the anthem has turned against us.”

The previously discarded Nigeria’s national anthem urged citizens to “arise…To serve our FATHERLAND.” However, Tinubu and his uninspiring lawmakers now claim that, we continue with the old anthem, everything would “arise,” except our manhood. Still, issues like inflation, rising fuel prices, the cost of living, corruption, insecurity, and high blood pressure continue to escalate.

This shift in Nigeria’s national anthem signifies more than a mere change; it represents a symbolic coup de grâce. The transition from “fatherland” to “motherland” has effectively sidelined fathers, who once held prominent positions in Nigeria’s national anthem. The new anthem now feels like a direct affront to fathers, as it celebrates mothers while relegating fathers to the background.

Disparity  By Nigeria’s National Anthem

Mothers already enjoy the highest recognition in many families and societies. For instance, Mother’s Day is celebrated with numerous observances, including Anglican, Catholic, international, and African events, each marked by flowers, gifts, and accolades.

In contrast, Father’s Day is a single occasion where dads might receive some mention and, if they are fortunate, a new pair of socks.

In some parts of Nigeria, mothers are pampered during “Omugwo.” During this period, mothers travel to various cities or countries, where their daughters lavish them with attention following the birth of a grandchild. Much like Nigeria’s national anthem’s shift, mothers are rarely sidelined for long.

Meanwhile, fathers remain anchored in their villages, occasionally invited to extended family gatherings. Yet, if a father were to partake in “Omugwo” like Bobrisky, the reaction would be dramatic!

Financial Disparity: Mothers vs. Fathers

Financial disparities also highlight this issue. Mothers receive bundles of naira notes discreetly in the bedroom, whereas fathers often receive a public display of N2,000, only for their wives to later take N1,000 from it. Despite this, many fathers still pass away first, allowing mothers to continue enjoying the benefits.

The Call for Men’s Rights Advocacy

Men deserve an association to advocate for their rights! I hereby initiate this protest!

Tinubu has deprived fathers of their due appreciation in Nigeria’s national anthem. Sadly, this situation arises just as fathers had begun to believe things couldn’t get any worse.

A new version, which honours the “motherland,” has replaced the one which celebrated serving our “fatherland” with pride.

Nigeria’s injustices persist as we grapple with the highest inflation rates in nearly three decades. Also, soaring food prices have turned shopping into a daunting task.

Ironically, our leaders seem to think that solving our problems involves changing Nigeria’s national anthem from celebrating the “fatherland” to praising the “motherland.” Although this may seem like a minor adjustment, for Nigerian fathers, it could be the final straw in a long series of slights.

Fathers, take heart, smile through the tears, and hold up half the sky. The truth is, if you don’t laugh at the absurdities from our leaders, you might end up crying and flooding the streets!