TRIBUTE TO NELSON MANDELA

Today the world has lost a rare gem, a genius, a colossus, a dogged fighter, a relentless optimist and a renowned freedom figher.

Today, the world stands still not only to mourn the passing unto glory one of the greatest heroes of our time, but also to celebrate his laudable and noble ideals.

Africa and the world at large has lost an enigma of our collective political history and for generations to come, it will be difficult to fill the vacuum created by the demise of this world class hero and lover of humanity.

Today we are not only reminded as a people of the vanity of life but we are made conscious of the cardinal principles of love, forgiveness, compassion and sacrifice which Nelson Mandela courageously stood for during his lifetime.

Today we are propelled by his ideals to believe in the possibility of our dreams and to love one another unconditionally irrespective of our ethnic, religious and racial differences.

By the legacy he left behind, we are made to realise the nobility in fighting for a cause and being determined and standing by that cause till we achieve our dreams and liberate the oppressed in society.

We are made to realise that leadership should be selfless at all times and that no matter how long evil people perpetuate their deeds, good will surely triumph over evil.

As a people, individually and collectively, we should be guided by these principles and seek to contribute in our own ways to making the world a better place, no matter how little we can.

Goodnight our hero. Goodnight our daddy. Goodnight our dogged fighter. Goodnight my Learned Colleague in the Temple of Justice and our unforgettable freedom figher who liberated South Africa from the evil of oppression.

Goodnight Nelson Mandela, may your gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.
- By Tayo Demola