The Green-White Dream

By Ifeanyi Eze, Asaba, Nigeria

Ifeanyi was known in his school as “the daydreamer.” Teachers often caught him staring out the window during lessons, lost in thoughts that seemed far away from the classroom. But Ifeanyi’s dreams were not ordinary: they were about Nigeria.

When the principal announced that there would be an inter-school debate on “The Nigeria of My Dreams,” most students avoided eye contact, afraid of being chosen. To everyone’s surprise, Ifeanyi raised his hand.

“I will do it, sir,” he said, his voice steadier than he felt.

That evening, walking home, he noticed things he had often ignored. The boys at the mechanic workshop, laughing as they fixed engines with oily hands. Women in the market, bargaining loudly as they worked to provide for their families. Okadas zigzagging through potholes like dancers avoiding traps. These images planted words in his heart.

On the day of the debate, Ifeanyi stood on stage, his hands trembling. But once he began to speak, his voice grew firm, carrying the weight of his vision.

“The Nigeria of my dreams is not a fairy tale. It is a country where the mechanic’s son can become an engineer, and the market woman’s daughter can become a doctor. It is a Nigeria where roads are smooth, light does not vanish with NEPA, and leaders serve instead of steal.

I see a Nigeria where education is not a burden but a bridge. Where agriculture feeds not just our stomachs but our economy. Where football fields are not just play grounds but breeding grounds for world champions.

The Nigeria I want to see is already here: in our classrooms, in our workshops, in our markets. It is in us, the youths. All we need is the courage to build it.”

When he finished, the hall was silent for a moment, then applause erupted like thunder. His classmates shouted his name, proud of the boy they once called a daydreamer.

That night, as Ifeanyi lay on his bed, he whispered to himself: Nigeria will rise. And maybe, just maybe, it will rise with me.