Nigeria is celebrating its 64th Independence Day on October 1, 2024. The federal government has already announced plans that celebrations will be a low key affair while civil rights activists have announced their own plans for a nationwide protest against decades of bad governance which have led to skyrocketing food prices, fuel scarcity, police brutality – all under the umbrella of corruption.
However, this does not mean you should not celebrate even in the midst of all these chaos. Nigeria may be a mess, with the so-called oil subsidy removal which has led to the surugede dance between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Dangote Refinery. Furthermore, the Naira keeps losing its value in the foreign exchange market, poverty and crime are on the rise and institutions like education, health and the likes are in shambles.
Still, there is a reason to be thankful, especially if you have a family. After all, when there is life, there is hope. Without digressing any further, this article presents 20 ways to make the Independence Day interesting for you and your family.
20 ways to make the Independence Day interesting for you and your family
With the announcement of a planned nationwide peaceful protest which may turn violent, it is probably a bad idea to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day with your family outside the comfort of your home. Therefore, below are 20 fun activities you can enjoy with your family during celebrations.
1. Organise a picnic
Picnics must not be organised at beaches or public parks. You can actually enjoy a great picnic in your compound if you live alone, or your terrace and even your living room. For the living room, just remove the centre table, spread your mat with food in the middle of the room and have a great time with your family. For the best experience, switch off your TV and just play background music if you like.
2. Organise cultural fashion parade
Cultural displays should not be limited to schools and churches. You can organise yours with your family. Have each member of your family put on a national costume and parade in front of everyone. They will also explain their costumes and the culture that they represent. This serves as not just a fun family Independence Day celebration, it is also an avenue for your little kids to learn about Nigeria’s diverse cultures and traditions.
ALSO READ: Nigeria’s Independence Day: Facts and importance of the national birthday
3. Make meals and treats together
A family that cooks together, stay together. Cooking is one of the best ways to bond as a family. It is even more special if there is something to celebrate like Independence Day. This is a great time for everyone to learn and make their special meals and treats. If you do not know how to make a preferred meal, you can go to YouTube for rescue.
4. Start a talent show
What can be a more interesting activity with family than a talent show? This a fun way for every member of your family to showcase their talent. Who knows, the next Wizkid or Tiwa Savage may be discovered. You can put a prize for the winner or not. Your choice. But just make sure the entire activity is educative and fun.
5. Create art and craft
Art and craft are evergreen skills that should be encouraged in your home. The Independence Day celebration is a great opportunity to get everyone to create something they will be proud of. You may well nurture the next Michelangelo. How about that?
6. Watch patriotic movies together
The best part of the Independence Day is that it is a public holiday when you have an entire day to do whatever you want. This also means binge watching movies with your family. There are lots of options out there. Enjoy with popcorn and any drink if your choice.
7. Plan a game night
After all the food and parades are done, you can engage your mind by playing some interesting games. Sudoku, chess, scrabble, monopoly, charades, treasure hunt are some of the games to engage to engage your family.
8. Engage in outdoor games
Games should not be limited indoors. If you are hoping to shake off all that heavy food and junk, have everyone go outside to play. There are numerous games that your family can enjoy outdoors such as football, hide and seek, basketball, capture the flag, obstacle course, treasure hunt, etc.
9. Play video games together
Set up a fantasy football league and play against one another either as individuals or as different teams. There are other interesting competitive videos game your family can enjoy such as Minecraft.
Nigerians may be angry with their leaders but they will not reject kindness, especially now that things are so expensive. You can spread kindness to your neighbour by taking your family to share food items with them.
11. Get involved in volunteer activities together
Give back to your community by engaging in volunteer work with your family. Look for opportunities that align with your interests, such as helping out at a food bank, participating in a neighbourhood clean-up, or organising a donation event.
12. Play pool games
If you have a swimming pool or there is one around your neighbourhood, you may as well enjoy the public holiday to the fullest by engaging in pool games with your family. Stock up on pool floats, water basketball sets, and blow-up beach balls to treat your loved ones to a fantastic swimming experience.
13. Study Nigerian history together
While you can make your Independence Day celebration all fun and games, you can incorporate studying Nigerian history into the whole mix. Organise a fun Nigerian trivia with your family as a way to help your children learn more about their country of origin.
14. Host a backyard barbecue
Who does not enjoy barbecue? The Independence Day is the perfect time for a cookout while hanging out with your family. If your extended family can make it to your party, the better. After all, the more, the merrier.
15. Camp in your backyard
Camping is another interesting activity you can engage in with your family. However, it is best done if you live in your own home or you rented the entire space. This will give you all the freedom and privacy you want. Also, make sure your location is safe to avoid stories that touch the heart.
16. Send care package to soldiers
Bring your family together to help assemble the care packages to send to soldiers around your location. These soldiers deserve to be appreciated for the sacrifices to protect lives and properties.
17. Go shopping together
If your location is safe, you can go to the nearest mall with your family for shopping. There are surely some interesting items you might want to purchase or generally have fun window shopping.
18. Watch local events together
Is there any interesting family-friendly event going on around your area and you have been invited? You do not have to lock your family indoor. Take them to these events and have fun.
19. Play patriotic music
Music makes life sweet and spicy. So, line up a festive and lively playlist full of everyone’s favourite patriotic tunes. You can ditch the playlist and simply compose your own music and sing together.
20. Send care messages and donations to charity organisations
You do not have to be physically there to show love and kindness to the less privileged. You can send them messages of love and hope as a family. All you need to do is find the contact of an organisation that aligns with your cause on their social media handle and send whatever you can.
ALSO READ: Old national anthem: Return of classic ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ as new national tune
