A Holiday Message
As we bask in the encapsulating ambiance of the holiday season, let us all
as Nigerians, irrespective of our nationalities, resolve to be even better
citizens for the good and glory of our beloved country. Yes, we may exchange
insults back and forth, we may call each other names and even at times
exchange both physical and psychological un-pleasantries; however, in the midst
of all this, we must be judicious enough (as we have always found a way to be) to
understand that as Nigerians, we have a higher purpose to fulfill. We must know
that in other to realize the manifest destiny God has ordained for us, we must, now
more than ever, resolve to imbibe the values and ideals of honesty, fairness, probity
and hard-work.
It should be rather obvious to us by now that God loves us immensely. It is
inconceivable that any nation on God's great earth could live through our
recent horrifying and debilitating experiences as a nation...and a people.
We must be honest with one another, regarding how best to take this nation
forward, into the twenty-first century. Every man, woman and child must be taken
along on this journey of revival. No one, and I repeat no one must, and should
be left behind!
The advent of the new millennium with its attendant air of optimism, speaks
to the promise and expectations we have of a better tomorrow; a tomorrow
steeped in the realization of the rewards and dividends, commensurate with a
vibrant democracy...that which we seek and shall attain together!
The inherent freedom of God's children, regardless of sex, race, religion or
background is NON-NEGOTIABLE! We can accomplish much more as a people if we
embrace wholeheartedly, the time tested and proven medium of dialogue (no
matter how contentious), compromise and an unwavering adherence to
established democratic principles.
As the late Oloye Obafemi Awolowo, a true son of Oduduwa and Nigeria once
said, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. It is that we are
powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most
frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, talented and
fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your
playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about
shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. You are born
to make manifest the glory of God that is within you. It is not just in some
of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our
own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
To be born a Nigerian, in my opinion is a privilege. There is no human
being comparable to the Nigerian on the face of this earth! The ingenuity,
intellectual acumen, personal ambition, dogged determination, adaptability
and self-assuredness of our people is unmatched...anywhere on this planet.
We must resolve to harness our vast human and natural resources for the good
of our nation and the advancement of the black race.
We must institute a Nigerian Nationalism that has as its main focus the
continent of Africa, sub-saharran Africa to be precise. We must realize that
no one, no matter how 'powerful' they may be, can stop us unless we stop
ourselves. The salvation of our people and our continent rests squarely on
our shoulders...and no one else's!
May God be with us all. Happy Holidays, and Season’s Greetings.
Soboyejo A.S.A. Awosika-Coker, U.S.A.