This Sunday’s first reading, the Book of Zechariah (9:9-10), may initially sound somewhat exclusive in its language, given its direct call to the daughter of Zion to rejoice, even though both men and women equally experience the joys and burdens of a nation’s political and social realities. In the Gospel, however, Jesus broadens the invitation in Matthew (11:25-30), where he extended His call to all who labor and are overburdened, including all daughters and sons. Paul the Apostle follows the same inclusive vision in today’s Epistle to the Romans (8:9, 11-13), reminding every “brother or sister” that God’s mission is to bring all people into life in Christ Jesus.
The prophet Zechariah, whose name means “The Lord remembers,” stood among his people around 520-518 BC, encouraging them as they returned from the Babylonian captivity. These returnees came home to ruined homes, broken public spaces, and devastated sociopolitical and economic structures. Hope was scarce, and restoration seemed distant. Nevertheless, God raised Zechariah’s voice to speak to the downtrodden and forgotten, assuring them that despair would not have the final word and that restoration lay ahead (Zechariah 9:9-10).
As I reflect on the Jews in Zechariah’s time this weekend of the US Independence Anniversary (July 4th), my thoughts turn to my home country, Nigeria. I remember growing up in a nation of remarkable promise and abundance. I recall returning to boarding school with cartons of milk, beverages, and food supplies to supplement our regular meal allowances. Despite corruption, even then, Nigeria still had enough to feed its citizens and support millions of others who sought refuge and opportunity within its borders. People from across the world came to study in Nigerian universities, and our healthcare sector was strong enough to attract presidents and international dignitaries because of its quality and excellence. That was the Nigeria of the 1970s and early 1980s.
At one point, despite the evils of colonization, one British pound was worth about two Naira. A return flight from Lagos to New York and back costs less than ₦17,500. When Nigeria’s Prime Minister visited the United States, the American President personally received him with great ceremony and honor. How the mighty have fallen. Today, even crumbs seem like a luxury to many in a nation that was once a major global power, despite its huge human capital and natural resources.
I do not recount these realities to invite pity on myself from anyone. We were, in many ways, architects of our own misfortune, and sadly, we have continued to inflict hardship upon ourselves as though there were no tomorrow, borrowing and mortgaging national treasures and happiness with peanuts that are worth nothing after they arrive in Nigeria’s treasury. I recount this history instead to rekindle collective hope for a better nation, in the same spirit in which I wish other nations well and caution against walking the same destructive path that has brought us to where we are as Nigerians.
As I write this reflection, I borrow the voice of the prophet Zechariah to comfort and reassure the people of my dear country, Nigeria, and all who live within her borders to rejoice and shout for joy, for restoration is POssible. We may never have leaders in similar conditions to those of José “Pepe” Mujica of Uruguay (2010-2015) and others who led their countries through very difficult times, because Nigeria is rich in everything but “ab-used.” However, recent developments indicate that a new era of politics and leadership is emerging for Nigeria. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We must rise and move toward that light, toward freedom, justice, and prosperity. No one will liberate us for us. We must take responsibility and courageously seize the task of rebuilding our fallen nation.
The days of fear, passivity, and fence-sitting must come to an end. Yes, we have contributed to our decline, but there is hope because God has not turned His back on His people; He is still at work among us. The same God who allowed us to witness our brokenness will empower us to become instruments of our restoration. We must choose to join the side of renewal, hope, and transformation. And for you reading this message, count yourself fortunate to be part of that journey and be included among those who praise God and proclaim Him King and Lord in our lives (Psalms 145:1).
