write an essay on the nigeria of my dream

Words Rhymes & Rhythm

Words Rhymes & Rhythm Publishers

‘NIGERIA OF MY DREAMS’ BY OCHE CELESTINE ONJEWU

I dream of a land of tranquillity as our founding fathers did beget, Where I shall salute the national flag with zero regret, Where the green part of the flag actually means agriculture, Not some desolated fields where farmers lay dead as food for vulture.

I dream of a country that I shall call home, Where I am welcomed in every part of this dome, A land where I can work anywhere I am residing, Where value addition is better than certificate of origin,

A country where honesty makes sense and integrity holds water, Where elites enter politics because they have something to offer, Where an Igbo man will in sincerity rule Bornu state as he swore, And we shall hear the drums of war no more.

I dream of a country where ‘leaders of tomorrow’ is no longer just some song Making me feel that my teachers all this while were wrong, A country where the young are given due shots at leadership, And are not stuck in an endless loop of recycling politics.

I dream of a country where a child is accounted for And even before birth is cared for. I dream that Religiosity died on the altar of spirituality, Where federal character was sacrificed on the cross of meritocracy.

I dream of a Nigeria with love as its core, Where education is loved and catered for, Without any strikes and hate from the professor.

I dream of a nation where hunger is no longer on, Where the gap between rich and poor is closed-up on, Where due process everywhere is followed to the latter, So that, be you rich or poor, ‘first come, first served’ is our new character.

Finalist of the Brigitte Poirson Poetry Contest (BPPC) , May 2018

Shortlisted for the albert jungers poetry prize (ajpp) 2018, published in the bppc 2018 anthology — citadel of words.

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7 REASONS WHY

“Describing the Nigeria of my dreams”

“All men dream, but not equally.” T. E. Lawrence

The topic “The Nigeria of my dreams” is one of the most talked about issues at different levels of education and at various spheres of age groups. Many of those who have contributed to these talks shared a characteristic of always telling “the Nigeria of my dreams” from their own personal individual standpoint.

With over 200 ethnic groups when Nigeria gained her independence – though I was not born then – the clips from the celebrations shown to us gave me an insight to the great expectation that heralded the event. If the likes of Sir Tafawa Balewa and Chief Obafemi Awolowo were asked then what, in the next 50 years, would be the “The Nigeria of my dreams”, I can say it would not be where we are in the present situation in this century.

But alas! Here we are and still asking ourselves “The Nigeria of my dreams”.

Nigeria today, where life expectancy is one of the lowest in the world; where the health sector is more or less comatose. Even our so-called leaders and lawmakers will travel outside the country to have their medical check ups and treatment. Whereas the fate of that child with a hole in his heart is fastened to such. The mother, probably a petty trader whose capital is not enough for a television subscription, hits a road block because she can never afford to save and send her son abroad for surgery. In her state of despair, if asked what “The Nigeria of my dreams” is, she will tell you that a free, accessible and quality healthcare system is all that clouds her thoughts.

Millions of my fellow students will graduate and have graduated without employment. It is so saddening and makes me wake up in the middle of the night weeping. If we are to ask each and every one of them, they too will tell you their own “The Nigeria of my dreams” story.

While someone decides to spend three billion naira of taxpayers’ money on feeding, some children are going to bed without hope of knowing where to find their next meal. Young Fatima has been robbed of her childhood experience because she has been turned into a bride instead of being allowed to be the child that she is. Some of these street children only have one set of tattered clothes. Meanwhile somewhere in Abuja, our lawmakers are fighting over wardrobe allowances.

Even when sleep became a luxury that some cannot afford because of the rings of poverty, they still keep on dreaming.

So if you still wish to ask me “The Nigeria of my dreams” I will tell you that it is the dream in the heart of that young girl who comes back from school every day, only to hawk for her mother so as to add more money for her to save and get her more text books.

I will tell you that “The Nigeria of my dreams” lies in the heart of that father who lost his house and belongings to fire because the fire service did not respond on time.

I will tell you it lies on the sleepy eyes of that young man who has to wake up 4 am to catch a bus going to lekki to get to the office on time, so that he would not lose the job and risk his ability to put food on the family table. He comes home so late in the night that he cannot help his kids with school assignments.

I will you that it lies in the tears of the old woman selling by the road side, who is so unlucky that anti-street trading officials came to seize her wares because she cannot afford a shop.

I will tell you that it lies on the sweat of the school gateman who earns a small salary as we walk by everyday without saying hello or getting him a chilled coke.

I will tell you that it lies in regrets of students that had to write university admission and matriculation tests four times because there is a limited capacity for enrolment that each public university can admit.

I will tell you that it lies in the pain of those who kept praying for a Nigeria that is free from all forms of terrorism. A Nigeria where the Muslims can go to mosque and the Christians can go to church without having fear of being blown to smithereens.

The Nigeria of my dreams is to live in a new Nigeria where everybody’s dreams can be achieved.

Reach me on Twitter @Simply_dayor

Image URI: http://mrg.bz/q6RndA

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

About me: I am from Nigeria, currently studying International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife Osun state. I’m also the Editor-in- Chief for the department. I love travelling and singing, and have interest in Management and Developmental Issues.

Aside from studying, I work as as the Chairman of my department’s magazine. I want to be a Manager-Human Resource & Conflict Management, and also hope to serve in the Nigerian foreign service.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response. To learn more about becoming a Commonwealth Correspondent please visit: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/submit-articles/commonwealthcorrespondents/

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the nigeria of my dream

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ARISE O' COMPATRIOTS

Jogging down the memory lane, I could remember how full of fun, events, and experiences my childhood days were. I had to learn many things, many times, ranging from simple to complex. Some experiences were gotten unconsciously without any fixed teacher. Some others were taught, either in the classroom, church, or at home. There were lots of experiences that were routine in nature, while there were some others that I was compelled to garner. One usual example starts by observing family morning devotions, to brushing my teeth, to taking my bath, to dressing for school, to eating my breakfast, to going to school, and it goes on like that. One special routine takes place on our school’s assembly ground every 7:45am on weekdays. After singing and dancing to some entertaining and soul-lifting songs led by angelic-voiced seniors, the teacher on duty (for each week) would lead us in prayers, and then we would stand still to sing the national anthem, fac-ing the national flag that always danced in response to the direction of the cool morning breeze. Our teachers would always instruct us never to dance or move our legs while singing the national anthem, as we were meant to stand at attention. They told us to always sing the anthem with passion. Then, we thought passion meant seriousness, so, we used to frown our faces while singing. I usually asked my friends about why we must sing the national anthem every blessed morning (as I had not gotten enough audacity to ask my class teacher such question), but it is unfortunate that none of them could give me the reason. One day, I asked my elder brother (who was then in secondary school), and he told me, “Victor, we are Nigerians, and we must obey the government, because they told us to always sing the national anthem.” I tried to ask further questions like: “Who is that government?” “When did government give that command?” “Who taught government the song?” “How did government teach our teachers?” and so on, but I became speechlessly but inexplicably mute. Over a decade later, I began to have a clearer view of the national anthem. Technological advancements brought the internet. I made researches on the national anthem. I got many facts, and I was becoming a better thinker. Those things I learnt led me to thoughtful meditations. Sometimes, I would sleep with the thoughts of the national anthem in my mind. All these, sometimes, lead to dreams. A particular dream I will never forget came during my sleep in the early hours of Wednesday, February 20, 2013. I saw myself explaining the meaning of each word in the national anthem to some group of people, assumedly a set of students. After my final exams in Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, I began to make line-by-line analyses of the national anthem. I posted each of the analyses I made on my blog, Facebook, Twitter, and I also sent them to my friends on Whatsapp messenger. I got many reactions, both good and bad. Some people encouraged me, some praised me, some appreciated me, some argued against some of my points, some criticized me, and some said I was jobless, but I was never discouraged by anybody! Many people told me to put my analyses together and publish a book. I saw that advice-cum-suggestion as a challenge I thought I wasn’t having the capability to achieve. I saw it as an unachievable target I wasn’t prepared for. Coincidentally, I again saw a replica of the dream I had in 2013, this time in 2015 (February 9). I saw myself addressing a set of Nigerian youths, explaining each line of the national anthem. Then I saw the dream becoming a reality. I dared to dream, and I dared to live the dream. I got the confidence, and with God’s backing, supported by people’s prayers, I succeeded! This book, Arise O’ Compatriots, is not only a dream-turned-reality, but also a message. The messages that lie therein, if fully decoded, are powerful and inspiring. I have carefully outlined and analyzed my points. I have also meticulously addressed some issues that will help throw more light on my line of argument. I also made use of some quotes by different people in almost all walks of life. I believe no man is an island of know-ledge. More so, by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established (2Corinthians 13:1, Holy Bible – NKJV). You will enjoy every bit of the book. Therefore, I enjoin every Nigerian, in all strata, no matter his/her status, should lay his/her hand on a copy of this book, read it carefully, meditate on it, and live by it. My greatest joy would be passing this message across to as many people as are in your reach. Get many copies and pass them on. Give them as gifts. I want every 21st century Nigerian to lay his hand on this. God bless! FAWOLE Victor Olugbenga Hotline: +2348131048604 Email: [email protected] Blog: www.fawoleasegun.wordpress.com

"Nations are not built by Angels or spirits; but by the deliberate efforts of the citizens who love their land" Juliet Binitie I realized that many of us do not have an understanding that Transformation of a nation is a journey, and not an event which is not automated, but nation building is a deliberate efforts of the citizens of the Nation. Nigeria has been going through a roller-coaster of a series of events from her independence and has not shown great Leadership in Africa as she should. She has made some strides and need to do much more than she has done. This write up is not academic; but more like a snapshot to show that the journey to transformation is within our reach. Our national anthem espouses these values that we need to become a better cohesive nation to build the nation of our dreams. The Transformation series is being developed further into an academic book and to give Nigeria a framework to understand that transformation is possible, but will require rigorous, deliberate work by her Leadership and citizens. We are low on the Patriotic index and we must do better as a people to love our land. Therefore, I took the Nigeria national anthem and pledge to show us that we can make transformation happen. This will require understanding that they are areas in our society that we must begin to work on as we journey along. I repeat, this is not an academic standard writing. It is simply a write up of some of the ideas I have gathered and I believe I should develop further. I look forward to your thoughts. I deliberately did not add references; because I am still developing it. However, books like Good to Great by Jim Collins; Buy the Future by Mensa Otabil; Seven Mountain Prophecy by John Enlow and From Third World to First by Lee Kuan Yew has provided me an inroad to my thoughts. Others thoughts came from years of research of other nations; especially England and how she became the nation she is today. I am an Oakseed Executive Leadership graduate from the Institute for National Transformation and now a faculty member of the Institute which has helped me find my bearing in understanding Transformation and Nation building. Your thoughts and ideas are welcome. God bless you.

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Young pupils write their way to the Nigeria of their dreams winning educational grants

Lafarge Africa launched a National Essay Competition themed “Building the Nigeria of my dreams” on the 4th of December, 2020 for pupils in public primary and secondary schools aged 9-13 in both Junior and intermediate categories. 1,600 participants from all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory enrolled for the contest which closed on 15th January, 2021. Lafarge Africa Plc. organised this seventh edition of their competition for young public school students in celebration of Nigeria and the building materials company’s 60th anniversary.

Lafarge Africa launched their literacy intervention in 2014 as a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative and it has since become an annual activity positively impacting children and teachers across the country. Speaking at the prize presentation which held in a hybrid ceremony on the 19th of March, 2021, the Country Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa, Mr. Khaled El-Dokani, noted that the essay competition is a testament to the company’s commitment to contributing to the development of the Nigerian child through literacy. Keynote speaker at the event, renowned Teen Filmmaker, Presidential Envoy & Education Advocate, Zuriel Oduwole encouraged the pupils to always dream. She stated that ‘If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.’

Miss Ewaade Adebowale of Alapere Primary School, Alapere-Lagos, went home with the first prize in the Junior category and was awarded a cash prize of N1.5 million while Zainab Saliu of Ummul Khair Model School, Lagos and Emmanuel Somefun of Community Nursery & Primary School, Magodo Lagos won N1 million and N750,000 respectively. In the Intermediate category, Miss Bilkisu Aliyu of U.B.E Junior Secondary School, Abaji, F.C.T, won a cash prize of N1.5 million as the overall winner, while Ekpono Obot of Uyo High School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom and Alexandra Pearl Egonu of Federal Government Girls College, Nkwelle, Anambra State won N1 million and N750,000 respectively. This was in addition to many other exciting educational consolation prizes.

All submissions for the competition were received through a competition portal and thereafter reviewed and shortlisted by an independent jury made up of Ruth Osime, ThisDay Style Editor, Otto Orondaam, Founder of Slum to School and Dr. Mo Adefeso Olateju, Founder of TEP centre. The submissions were reviewed in three levels of assessments. The National Essay Competition was supported by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEBs), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and the Federal Ministry of Education. Lafarge Africa worked in partnership with the Ovie Brume Foundation and PriceWaterHouseCoopers to deliver the intervention.

Present at the Grand Finale event was the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Gombe State, Her Excellency Hajiya Asma’u Inuwa, the Honourable Commissioner of Education in Ogun State, Gombe State Professor Arigbabu, the Honourable Commissioner of Education Gombe State, Mallam Ibrahim Batari and the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Cross River State, Dr. Amanke Ogar.

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