N is for Nigeria in a Loving Relationship

The purpose of this essay is to add a little icing to the cake that sweetens our democracy. When we govern ourselves through our responsive representatives, we practice democracy.

 It is important that in our democracy we are concerned with solving problems that concern us  rather than beating about the bush, chasing the whirlwinds  and serving the non-essentials.

 

We are in a marching band and our song is a mantra by which we solemnly swear to uphold our nation at whatever cost even with tears and laughter:

We are Nigerians first and foremost, let’s make Nigeria nice and glorious

The emblem of steadfast stability, the devotion of every fiber in our being

Raise the triumphal shout high; let not the feet touch the ground

We’re the Alpha and Omega, First of all and Servant of all

Nigeria is a relationship, not just a piece of land or the expansive, sprawling. capacious forest ; it is an enduring  relationship.

A relationship is the connection, association, affiliation, rapport , bond, liaison, link, correlation, or bond that binds us and represents to our common goal.

This essay is devoted to the 5 healthy ingredients that Nigerian needs as we march toward the next Century. We need Self-Love.

In order to have a healthy, loving relationship with another human being, you must first learn to love yourself.

Self-love is not the self-absorption that robbers and kidnappers have as they partner in crime. It is the self-abnegation that neglects self, values connection,  and puts others first.

Every Hausa boy shall connect with a fellow child  of another tribe, meaning he shall have love in his heart for every Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba he endeavors to meet and trust.

Trust may seem obvious, but many of us have partners we do not trust. Trust is the faith, belief, hope, conviction, expectation we have that it is good and shall be well with Nigeria.

Trust is the confidence, expectation, reliance we repose in each other. It is the confidence Igbos have in that Western landscape that he shall be safe in the neighborhood as the day shuts its eye in darkness.

Do the Nigerians love other Nigerians and are willing to appreciate their common historical experiences, music, cuisine and religion and negate the differences that divide?

Are Nigerians able to go to the mosque that is beside the United Methodist church that is a stone throw behind the Jehovah Witness  building in which the Jewish observe their Torah on the Sabbath?

Trust may seem obvious, but so many people are with citizens they don't trust. Church burnings and beheading are perpetrated by persons that have no trusting relationships.

In addition to self-love and trust, a Nigerian needs honesty which is the uprightness, morality; honesty is the trustworthiness, goodness, and decency.

Honesty is the goodness, the principles and scrupulousness that prevents involvement in corruption or the giving and taking of bribes.

Honesty  is the rectitude, righteousness that makes the governor easy when teachers’ salaries are held beyond the end of the month; that renders the President uneasy in foreign hospitals.

Honesty is the light that shines in every heart and drives the darkness far away . There can be no relationship without open communication and connection among Nigerians

Communication is the jabbering, the chattering, babbling, prattling, rambling, blathering in every tribal tongue that asks “What’s in the name Nigeria?”

N is our Native Nigeria while the first I is the Independence we shall forever cherish

G is our Generosity and E is the Energy that goes into serving our nation

R is our Reliability and Responsibility in the work of nation-building

The second I stands for the Indebtedness we feel we owe our nation

Finally, the A signifies the Awesomeness that is embodied in Nigeria

Posted Sat, Oct 6, 2o18 at 5:10am

Dr. James C. Agazie, jamesagazie@gmail.com