Check out this post at http:///19jBn26. God bless Nigeria!!!

He once stood as the giant of Africa

Till he was brought down

Not by enemies without, but by those within

Nigeria, my country



Corruption, greed, and the like

Culture of laziness, apathy, mediocrity, favouritism

Bribery, sharp practices, terrorism all became the order of the day

Nigeria, my country



The old men suddenly stopped showing good example

The culture of “anything goes” soon became the order of the day

Men amassed wealth illegally for their generations yet unborn

In Nigeria, my country



The young people soon jumped in on the bandwagon

Let’s do all we can to also partake of this “national cake”

The cake can never be exhausted, so no need to worry about baking more

Oh, Nigeria, my country



So, instead of emphasis on agriculture, technology, education and other areas to build us up

Many people are looking for oil money so they can grow rich overnight and buy the latest products in the market

The consumption bug has hit us all

Nigeria, my country



Listen! A generation is on the way

This generation has vowed to restore the lost glory of Nigeria

It has also vowed to take this great icon back to her original place among the comity of nations

And make her once more the pride of all



Nigeria, my country

You are still the giant of Africa

You are still on the way to an even greater level of greatness

Even though many, within and without, no longer believe in you



Why do I say so?

There’s a quiet revolution going on across the land

There are a people not ready to rest on their oars

Until you begin to shine again



A people that insist on standards, and shun mediocrity

A people that will not compromise on values of integrity, character, diligence, hard work, and righteousness

A people devoted to exporting, not just commodities, but ideas that will revolutionize the world

And make you a voice to be reckoned with all over the world



A people that will not take NO for an answer

A people that will no longer tolerate the status quo, and the old, corrupt and outdated way of doing things

A people that will not take a moment rest

Until you are once more established



These people are now found everywhere

Yes! They can be found in government, politics, institutions of learning, on the streets, in our churches and mosques

Even in far away foreign lands

They have infiltrated every known area of human endeavor



Though in different sectors

Their objective remains the same

“Restore Nigeria to a place of glory and pride”

Through personal sacrifice, values, creativity, a sense of personal mission



Nigeria, you shall be great again

It is just a matter of time

In fact, you are already great right now

Even though what we see on the outside at the moment looks disheartening



The day shall come, and it shall come soon

When people will line up to come and have a place in you

All your sons and daughters that fled to foreign lands in search of “greener” pastures will come rushing back

Because the “greenest” pastures will be here



You shall then be a source of light to your brethren in Africa and all over the world

You shall lead the campaign to revolutionize the world for better

God bless you, today and always

Nigeria, my country.

He was rushed into the Accident & Emergency Room

Polytraumatized and unconscious

Accompanied by friends and relatives

Can this man live again?



The doctors and nurses got down to work on him

ABC of resuscitation, check; blood samples were taken for grouping and cross-matching

Other measures were also employed to save him

Can this man live again?



Out there in the waiting room, friends and relatives anxiously paced the floor

Concerned as to the fate of their loved one

One or two, however, silently wished he wouldn't make it

Can this man live again?



Forty-five minutes later, one of the doctors entered the waiting room

To the wife, he said, "Your husband's condition is critical but we've managed to stabilize him"

"With the level of degradation in his system, we're surprised he made it this far"

"Most people with similar problems end up dead even before they get to the hospital"



"We've carried out blood and urine tests", the doctor continued

"And detected life-threatening levels of corruption, immorality, recklessness, violence and greed"

"Poor project implementation, tribalism, dishonesty and other ills were also detected"

"How on earth did this happen to him"?



The relations shook their heads and sighed

"Doctor, we know this man and his bad lifestyle"

"Even though he's bad, many of us believe something good can still come out of him"

"And besides, yesterday was his 52nd birthday"

That's why we still ask, "Can this man live again"?



"We really cannot say at the moment", the doctor continued

"We've sent for 4 units of fresh blood to replace the ones he's lost"

"Fresh blood, free from corruption and toxins"

"Perhaps, that would be a good starting point"



"Over the next couple of hours or days, we hope to ensure he regains consciousness"

"But when he does, his progress becomes largely dependent on him"

"He needs to co-operate with us in the treatment measures we're going to adopt"

"The situation is dicey here, but, yes, this man can live again"

God bless Nigeria!!!

(This poem was written a year ago to commemorate Nigeria's 52nd Independence Anniversary).