In 2010, coinciding with Nigeria’s 50th year of Independence anniversary, I had an assignment to write on the Nigeria of my dreams. Something close to the popular “I have a dream” speech of Martin Luther King. I did not know how to begin but with the help of a dear friend (she is reading this now) who helped me with a draft, then I was able to come up with the Speech and delivered it nicely. I hope you find it inspiring!
50 years ago, a nation was presented to the world. A country christened NIGERIA, which her name comes from a combination of the words "Niger" (the country's longest river) and "Area".
Our land is richly blessed with millions of acres of arable land and lush vegetation expressed with the green colour of our flag.
Our desire for peace and unity within our country is radiantly expressed with the white colour.
Underneath our great country lies an abundant storage of some of the world’s most valuable resources: crude oil, gas, tin, iron ore, coal, limestone just to mention a few.
We boast of some of the world’s best human capabilities in arts, finance, literature, business and sports and proudly represent the world in the advancement of human life.
We are ethnically blessed beyond measure, with its rich and diverse cultural heritage from the different tribal groups.
We possess all these great potentials for everything bright and beautiful;
However, we have been through many things in the last fifty years.
We have experienced and survived wars, corrupt government, hunger, loss of lives through avoidable plane and road crashes, increased crime rate, communal clashes; embezzlement of funds by public and even private custodians and brutal mismanagement of our resources.
Our industries have moved on a continuous scale of progression and then regression.
Today, as a people we stand beaten and torn apart, like a rag doll with limbs seperated from body.
Today, our cry for peace and stability echoes from the mountain top and reaches down to the depth of the earth.
Yet there is hope!
There is hope that our educational system will no more be an embarrassment that strongly discriminates against her citizens but a platform that impacts applicable knowledge and morals to the people.
There is hope that our locally made goods that are now considered inferior and dispelled like the birth of a still born will be made from the highest quality standard that you can get anywhere in the world.
There is hope that our health institutions that currently echo the cry of an inconsolable mother whose children have been stolen from her arms by a string of cruel illnesses will be a place where hopes are restored and shouts of rejoicing.
I see peace in our land, from the north to the south like a blanket spread over this nation, I see abundant peace. A place where tribes are inconsequential and unity binds our hearts in temperance and love.
I see a future where our leaders have fully given their lives to serve and not be served. A government that is truly defined ‘by the people for the people’. An institution that is free of corruption and misuse of public office. Leaders who strongly appreciate the call and privilege of their roles.
I see the development of our infrastructures and the provision of essential requirements copiously accessible to the needs of every citizen of this country. A place where food, shelter, medical care and education is unarguably a right of everyone.
I see our youths engaging their hearts and minds in noble endeavors, totally free and nurtured in an environment of trust and accountability.
I see Nigeria proud and full of grace.
I see our mouth filled with laughter and our tongues with singing. And this is our hope and our faith and the reason we would vote this time.
The reason we won’t allow ourselves to be fooled by the sweet mouthed glutton wolves not even in sheep’s clothing.
The reason we would put principles beyond personalities, tribes, ethnicities or even religion.
The reason we would stand until our vote is counted and our vote counts.
It is the birth of a new Nigeria and I see the giant of Africa rise again.
Thank you.
Joseph Adenuga Nov 2010
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