Nigeria's Best Days Poem by Viola Akhigbe

Some old look back at the days gone by
And say to themselves, 'what good old days'
When currency in shilling could so much buy
And life was bliss in many ways.
They speak of peace and neighbourliness
The joy of hard work that marked their ways
And as a people with nostalgic reminiscence
They wish for a return to those days.

Some young look on as the days go by
And wonder at themselves, 'what manner of days? '
When currency in naira can so little buy
And life seems harsh in many ways.
They speak of crime and self-centredness
The search for jobs that mark their ways
And as a people in great distress
They long to see some better days.

Oh Nigeria! Let's look ahead at the days coming by
And proclaim in faith, 'what glorious days! '
When currency isn't God for what it could buy
And life is treasured in all its ways.
Let's speak of love and righteousness
Divine prosperity marking our ways
And as a people overwhelmed by gladness
Sing songs of praise to the ancient of days.

Though five scores in years have all rolled by
Of Nigeria's painfully evolving days
Her currency cursed for what it could buy
And life despised in many ways.
The world will yet speak of her greatness
Peace and progress that mark her ways
And her people declare with all boldness
My! My! These are the best of days.