Nationalism (Letter To Nigerians)

 

LETTER TO MY KINSMEN, TRIBESMEN, AND FELLOW NIGERIANS.

New dawn begins at sixty. My eyes are saggy, my feet are weary, but my spirit is as youthful as ever.

As a man in Gen X, I vividly recall the days of my youth. I had an older brother who served in the army. We were seven; he was the oldest and I was the youngest. He was patriotic, and he gave his life in military service in World War II. The battle wasn't ours. Now that we are an independent sovereignty, I want to know… our heroes and patriots, is this what they gave their lives for?

The Zik of Africa, who drove the country to her independence through journalism and advocacy, made the citizens yearn for political and economic freedom through his writings. He is the first President of Nigeria, His Excellency, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Now we are free. But are we?

Late Chief Anthony Enahoro Emorosele — the youngest editor in Nigeria (at his time) — was the first to push for Nigeria's independence. He was branded a rebel and had his fair share of prison frivolities. Yet he was resilient and patriotic. It is said, "Great men are well accustomed to prison bars." He tasted prison for our liberty.

May the legacy of His Excellency, the late General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, (who was convicted of felony for his advocacy of democracy) continually inspire us. He did not back down on his conviction of nobility and service. He held on unrepentantly to his conviction till death.

I ponder… what our past heroes sacrificed their lives for — are we honoring it? Their legacies? Their dreams? Their visions?

The National Anthem handed to us, the pledge, the coat of arms — the freedom — are we upholding their significance? The baton handed to us by our predecessors — are we maintaining a good pace?

Biafran War.

My people, why are we fighting? Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa? Are we not one? My fellow Nigerians, let us answer “The Call” of Nigeria and come together as “One Big Happy Family.” We may speak different dialects, but we all share the same soil, the same heritage. Divided we fall, united we stand. Let the clergy do their work, let the politicians do their work, let the citizens do their work. If we all uphold “Justice” and “Integrity,” we can implement unity, faith, peace, and progress.

We are rich; we are a healthy people. We have fertile ground and good natural resources… The land is green.

I implore the elders to ponder: “What dynasty would we like to leave for our children?” Let’s not criticize our leaders. The poverty, the insecurity, the tribalism, the social rascalism, and crime — are they all the responsibility of the government to amend? Life is not lived in years but in deeds. If we all have the consciousness of devoted service, there is so much we can amend. If all of us do little, we have all done much.

Regarding our nation, what are our convictions? Can we pass down a legacy our successors would be proud of?

I have a dream.

I close my eyes; I see what we can be.

We can renew our reverence in the government.

We can uphold our faith and purity in religion.

We can have the continents of the world influenced by our economy.

We can be able to boast of our system of education.

We can nurture the best athletes in sports.

We can have the world buy our merchandise of entertainment.

We can all agree to be a united, inseparable family.

Can we strengthen the pillars of our society? Yes, we can, as a united people.

I have a dream.

Nigeria — wounded as she may be, an epitome of ridicule, jest, and scorn, would someday stand alongside her sisters in all her beauty, clothed with a garment of honour and pride.

I close my eyes and see: someday our economy would stand out; young boys and girls oozing wealth; not from devious means — but from opportunities well served at the breakfast table of the government.

I dare to dream for my country that leaders after the hearts of their people would emerge and fall to command. They won’t just see the pains of the people; they’d make them go away.

We are the Giant of Africa. Let us maintain our post.

Beyond the four corners of academia and my alma mater’s assembly ground, I’ll always look myself in the mirror and I’ll forever — as long as I still breathe the air of our nation — pledge to Nigeria, my country, to be faithful, loyal, and honest; to serve Nigeria with all my might; to defend her unity; and uphold her honour and glory. So help me God.

So there’s a call, and if there’s a call, what are you?

You — my friend — are the answer.

This, my fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters, is my dream: a dream for all; a dream of goodwill and hope.

What is yours?

Sincerely Yours,

A Father, Son, and Brother.

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