Photo credit:www123rf.com.
By Dada Ahmed.
Sunny Okosun, a great Nigerian musician of the blessed memory was the one who sang a song,”Together we shall win forever, forever we shall win together.”
Even as Nigeria marks its 62nd independent anniversary on Saturday, the song remains a constant reminder for Nigerians, irrespective of divisive expressions,to see themselves as one and translate that to other spheres of calling for peace and development of the country.
The song did not only raise Okosun to stardom in entertainment industry,but remains an eloquent reminder to Nigerians, on the need to unite for the sake of Nigeria.
For about 30 years that the song was released, it has never lost its relevance and flavour as a veritable reference point each time national discourse comes up among Nigerians, on the imperative of using their unity in diversity as a potent weapon to defeat forces trying to divide Nigeria into fragments.
The essence of this evergreen song re-echoed recently during my train trip from Warri in Delta State to Itapke in kogi state involving Nigerians of different backgrounds with divergent views on the current social economic and security challenges confronting Nigeria.
The frenzy movement by passengers in the coach 27 of the train, eagerly scouting for seats soon metamorphosed into quiet setting and the train kicked off from Agbarho station to Itapke with the usual snailly but steady movement.
Sensing the not-too-bright mood of passengers in response to the characteristic movement of a typical Nigerian train with the attendant boredom, two fledgling but promising young Nigerian comedians quickly cashed in on the situation to exibit what they know how to do best by setting the hilarious ball rolling to put smile on dull faces.
This they did with dexterity by injecting rib- cracking jokes into the charged atmosphere and within some minutes, most passengers in the coach suddenly fell into profused laughing galore to forget worries.
In the lively scene, a couple with their two children fell on one another, laughter with tears of joy as the comedians electrified the jokes to “kill” boredom.
As the journey progressed, the lighter note gradually snowballed into serious discussion as the passengers engaged each other on how Nigeria got to her present level of socio-economic and security predicament as well as suggesting the way out.
As the journey began to wind down,few kilometres to Itapke;the terminal station, some passengers capped the five-hour friendship they cemented with each other by posing in selfie photographs, exchanging telephone numbers, addresses while others bidding another good bye,as if the journey should not end,a development depicting a trip to remember.
However, some passengers were of the opinion that what transpired in the train should be seen beyond mere joke infected development.
They described it as an expenditure of a collective effort by Nigerians who cherish the cause of working in unison to forge the much needed unity of purpose for the emergence of a great Nigeria waiting to occupy befitting seat in the comity of nations, globally, in the nearest future.
Others expressed delight over the atmosphere during the journey, arguing that by maximising the principle of unity in diversity,as vividly displayed in the train, Nigerians of diverse cultures were beginning to demonstrate, consciously or other wise, that the key to solving Nigeria’s problems also rest in their hands, not the leaders alone
Nigeria with about 200 million population of diverse people and cultures,more than 250 ethnic nationalities and blessed with enormous human and natural resources,has the potential of being a great country and earn global recognition in the scheme of things.
The problem, however, lies in the inability of its citizens, especially members of the political class, to maximise their differences to foster unity in order to achieve that greatness of oneness.
The hope is that,with sincerity of purpose, anchored on collective resolve of the people to have a great nation, as well as their leaders demonstrating the political willto fulfill their yearnings and aspirations, Nigeria will surely overcome its security and other critical problems begging for lasting solution.
The success of this collective efforts will determine the readiness of Nigeria to be a giant country in all spheres of human endeavour, sooner than later.
“Can you see in a just few hours of a train journey, how Nigerians of different backgrounds put aside their sentiments and other divisive expressions to make friends, chatted, united, laughed together,some even shared biscuits and above, all frankly discussed the nation’s problems and suggested the ways forward?
” This, to me is marvelous and one of the best ways for the citizens to behave, with a view to putting a nation on a path of real development.
“I firmly believe that Nigerians can achieve this feat because we all have the potential to bring this noble cause to reality for the sake of our nation and its citizens.
“God that created us with different backgrounds did not make mistake.He did that for us to use our divergent views and other divisive expressions to achieve a common goal of using our resources to elevate our nation to greatness. But unfortunately, many are not on the same page with this divine design,” Mrs Bridget William explained.
The import of that train trip and its relevance to national discourse cannot be overemphasized, especially now that Nigeria is warming to elect another set of leaders in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Political stakeholders believe that the with collective resolve by the electorate to jettison money politics, youths shunning thuggery, politicians discarding luring youths into ungodly acts to win election, in preference for one nation,one destiny,Nigeria will emerge as a great nation to be reckoned with globally and next leadership brings much development and dividends of democracy to the people.
Indeed, history has it that no nation becomes great where the citizens relate on the basis of subjective expressions in contrast to the collective efforts aimed at achieving a common goal or cause for meaningful development for the benefit of all and sundry.
This is what political analysts believe should be paramount in the minds of peace-loving Nigerians, as they warm to usher Nigeria to the next level of polical dispensation in 2023,where it is hoped that there will be less social economic, polical and security challenges.
Reacting to the issue highlighted in the piece, a veteran Journalist, Mr E Asuquo said:”Great, interesting piece.
“From such interactions and what we observe in the markets across the country, one can safely conclude that Nigerians have no problem interacting with one another.
“The politicians are the ones who cause disunity amongst us to achieve their selfish political goals.The average Nigerian has no problem relating with his or her neighbour.
“We all see ourselves as one and our country,Nigeria, as an indivisible entity but are the politicians on the same page with us? another citizen,Said Mamman, asked.
The more I reflect on this memorable trip, among my fellow brothers and sisters from another parents, the more my sense of optimism for the unity and development of my beloved country, Nigeria, gets strengthened. It will come,it is just a question of time.
Ahmed is a Journalist,the publisher of The Reporters and member, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
