A SPECIAL REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS
EVAN JEROME
International Day of Happiness is a global celebration observed on March 20th every year to promote happiness, well-being, and sustainability. This day is set aside to recognise happiness as a fundamental human goal and aspiration. Happiness is a positive emotional state characterised by feelings of joy, contentment, and fulfilment.
In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 20th as the International Day of Happiness. This resolution was introduced by Bhutan, a country known for its commitment to measuring Gross National Happiness (GNH). The day was chosen to coincide with the spring equinox, symbolising the arrival of longer days and the return of sunshine.
The idea of an International Day of Happiness gained momentum in 2011 when Jayme Illien, a UN adviser, suggested the concept. The first celebration of International Day of Happiness took place on March 20, 2013.
Back home, Nigerians were sadder in 2020 than ever as the country’s happiness ranking dropped by 31 places to 116 position out of 149 countries. The United Nation’s World Happiness Report on 2020 shows that Nigeria ranks 18th position in Africa.
The report focused on the effects of Covid-19 and how people all over the world fared.. Surveys ask respondents to indicate on a 1-10 scale how much social support they feel they have if something goes wrong, their freedom to make their own life choices, their sense of how corrupt their society is and how generous they are. Further analysis also showed that Nigeria’s current ranking is the worst since the report started in 2013. The ranking does not come as a surprise as Nigeria’s current realities such as high inflation, unemployment and fragile economic growth, have made citizens more miserable.
A student of Delta State University, Bennita Odu, opined that: "Happiness shouldn’t be built on things or moments alone. Also, knowing that you have a future, a career and a dream of your own can also generate happiness. You prioritise it by making every little chore and habit of yours count in achieving who you want to become and where you want to be".
A resident of Umuahia in Abia State, Prince Chibueze, said that for him, “starting and completing a specific task with a timeline attached to it, talking to someone who understands him and seeing others succeeding in their respective endeavours, make him happy.”
A news editor at Eagles FM Abuja, Mr Innocent Raphael, said that seeing people around him grow, and taking care of his family (brothers and sisters) basically everybody, make him happy.
Moreover, a resident of Calabar, Michael Favour, commented that life itself makes him happy.
Wisdom Marcus a hustling youth stated saying that Drawing, listening to good music and especially being able to take care of his needs.
In Conclusion, International Day of Happiness is a reminder that happiness is a fundamental human right. By prioritising happiness and well-being, we can create a better world for ourselves and future generations. So, take a moment to celebrate this special day and remember to spread happiness throughout the year!
Happiness is not a circumstance but a choice.
