The Impact of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Concord Times (Freetown)

Ngozi O. Sesay

20 May 2011

opinion

Freetown — The celebration of our 50th year anniversary as an independent nation is still very fresh in the mind of even my three-and-half-year-old daughter Adaobi. This past Sunday we were on our way to church and she seemed very much fascinated with one of the miniature flags made for the occasion which she kept waving up and down, singing one of the numerous Rapture Kids songs when her father scolded her not to wave it in his face. She quickly corrected him saying it’s not a flag but that it’s called celebration!

During the period of the celebrations, a first time visitor to the country would have noticed homes, institutions, religious affiliations and shops alike decorated in the national colours. Some people even painted their homes in green, white and blue. What a display of patriotism! Business people took the opportunity to produce various merchandise all in the name of the celebration: T-shirts, badges, caps, flags, shopping bags, fans, scarfs, jewelry etc some of which were even produced outside the country.

Last Monday I read in one of the dailies that the 50th Anniversary Committee were highly commended for organizing events surrounding the celebration, especially as most of its members that saw the anniversary through were appointed only eight weeks before the D-day. To be honest I was at some point skeptical about almost the whole crew being off the planning but thank God their efforts came to fruition and we all enjoyed the period. With a smile I recall in recent times the very interesting issues raised around the subject of celebrating Mama Salone. A fellow passenger in a taxi suggested that we go on to celebrate for a month like other countries, making particular reference to our sister nation Ghana. Another passenger was very much on the fence and suggested that we talk less about celebrating 50 years as there was little to do so, considering how much progress could have been made had there been dedicated leaders and governments since we gained independence.

I am very much thankful that God preserved me to see this celebration for so many reasons. About a month leading up to the day, I developed a sense of nationalism and patriotism to the extent I felt incomplete if my 50th anniversary badge was not pinned on my suit as I left the house for work. At the office I got involved in selling these badges and not only did I sell them, (T-shirts too) but I was also quick to scold all those who had bought the badges off me but left them lying around rather them wear them proudly as I did. I felt that if there was anyone time that people should develop a sense of pride for this great country it was then or never.

Another reason for my appreciation is the role of the media in awareness raising of the country’s rich history, its people, our wealth and our potential to achieve the heights that an average Sierra Leonean thinks impossible. The broadcast media especially was very much crucial to raising a heightened sense of belonging especially among the younger generation. The old and the young alike were proud to be spotted in our green, white and blue colours; the youths in particular were quite creative with this. I did not discuss the celebrations with my 3-year-old but with her constantly watching SLBC, she got to know all the songs and had a sense of what they were about.

A big thumbs up to all Sierra Leonean artists of all genre. You proved your talent by your show of love for your country and I implore you to keep the faith in your quest to make Salone a better nation. Overall the celebration was deemed peaceful by all as it brought together Sierra Leoneans from different backgrounds and affiliations united in the course of raising their flag higher. Let’s keep this up and continue to work together to achieve set goals that will place us in an enviable position. God bless our beautiful Salone!

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