Celebrating 50!

October 1st is Nigeria's Independence Day. In fact, Nigeria is one of the first countries in Africa to gain independence from colonial rule. So, Friday was the 50th anniversary. We had a day off from school and were excited to join in on some of the festivities around town. We knew this independence day was special when we noticed hot air balloons advertising 50 years and jets practicing their display routine for the big day. Due to bomb threats, the US Embassy, declared the festivities to be unsafe and suggested no one go. We know that things are hot in the country and decided against going to any events. We did head over to the Blazeks house to relax and enjoy their company. While there we heard, what we thought, were explosions. Of course, we couldn't see anything. We called people that were watching the parade and event on tv and they claimed that nothing was going on, so we dismissed what we heard. Within in the next hour, Brian, who has connections with anyone and everyone important in the expat community, received numerous calls from people in the know. We soon found out that the explosions we heard were in fact car bombs and seven people were killed. We want all of you to know that we're okay. We were no where near Eagle Square and were not affected by the incidents at all.

It depends on who you ask, but some wonder what Nigeria has to celebrate. With known corruption and mass poverty the positives seem bleak. Since living here, we have experienced great hospitality from Nigerians and people who have a genuine heart. On that note, we do see the affect of corruption everyday and wonder if there is light at the end of the tunnel.

This year is very important for Nigeria. Not only is Nigeria celebrating 50 years, but the presidential elections are scheduled for January. Early last year, President Yar'Adua died and his Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan took over. Since Nigeria is split with Muslims in the north and Christians in the south, the ruling party's unwritten policy requires executive power to rotate every eight years. Since Yar'Adua, a northern Muslim, died before his term was up and his Vice President, who took over, was a Christian, there is some hostility. Muslims believe the next president should be a Muslim, whereas Christians believe that that term is up for Muslims and their leader is rightfully up for election.

As you drive around Nigeria, you notice billboards with political ads and propaganda. "A breath of fresh air..." is the ad for President Goodluck Jonathan who seems to be a breath of the same air...so far. For the last couple months, his ads were the only ones seen around town, but just yesterday we noticed an ad for a new candidate. The opposing candidate is IBB. If you've heard the name, you know that Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) was a repressive military dictator of Nigeria years ago.

The 50th anniversary year may be a pivotal and critical juncture in Nigerian history.