They say I come from the most populous black land.
They say where I come from as been called “a developing land” for ages, yet there is no meaningful growth.
They say the country I come from is tagged “the eighth wonder of the world” i.e. where anything funny and strange can happen.
They say it’s a pity I come from a country where milk and honey has its residence, but corruption, greed and non-patriotism has made our milk go sour.
They say I, Efosa, come from a country, where the best and most creative hands are not privileged to have their turns.
They say I come from a country where intelligent and patriotic minds take the back seat, fold their hands, smiling even as tears fill their heart for the fear of death for speaking the truth. Yet, they still have good thoughts towards their motherland.
They say I come from a country where leaders are selected and not elected.
I would not forget this! They also say I come from a country where the future of the youths is not respected. They say that is why the leaders find it very difficult to spend meaningfully on education and youths developments
They say I come from a country where human life is seen as chicken life, where the protection of life is at its minimum, a country where the attorney general of the nation was gruesomely murdered and several politicians were also killed (not to mention the common man who has always been a victim of rituals, armed robbery, rape attacks and untimely death without getting at least an aorta of justice).
I was made to remember that it’s a pity I come from a country where human resource management, talent and potential development have nose-dived, thereby reducing the chances of technological advancement, creativity and calculated growth.
To add salt upon injury, the beautiful ones in white skins who seem to believe with great pride that they have been born in their treasure island pointed at me and in conclusion said “You are a Nigerian, what do we expect from you?”
Without wasting time, I replied like a loaded gun whose trigger is impatient to yawn. I started, first of all, by reminding them that it was never and can never be a mistake for me to be a Nigerian or be born Nigerian. In fact, I made it known to them that it’s a blessing and a great privilege to be born ‘omo-Naija.’
It’s not important how people may see me or what they call me. Rather what was important is how I see myself and how much I belief in myself; The degree to which I belief in myself is all that matters. Although Nigeria might be tagged all the wrongs, very soon the storm would be over. This I see. I made them understand that I may not be able to change the Nigeria I see around me but I can change the Nigeria I see within me. And since I can change the Nigeria within me, then I have the right to create a programme to combat the wrongs I see. I believe this is definitely in minds of millions of Nigeria. All over the world, I bet you, very soon Nigerians will shock the world positively.
Dear friends, this is a great challenge to us all, we live in a time when the least is expected from us as Nigerians; but we can shock pessimists. I once spoke with a friend who once told me nothing good can ever come out of our country, from that very day; he ceased to be my friend. The most painful part of all these is that as youths, we have many things at stake, since we still have a long way to go. The best option we have is to think, live and live out the Nigeria of our dreams.
Let’s remember countries like France, Germany, United state of America, Russia, South Africa and a host of others, that even after their independence, had similar situations like those that face Nigeria today. But do you know that the positivity of youths, the visions of their founding fathers and the zeal in their heart in attaining a productive and prosperous state made them what they are today.
As youths, even in the field of academics, we must strike no compromise and rise up to our responsibilities, by having great plans, visions, positive attitudes, a sense of commitment and responsibility to our nation. Above all, always say a word of prayer for Nigeria.
…LAWAL EFOSA…
0703 848 4219
efosarich@yahoo.com
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