Whose duty is it to ensure that the labour of our heroes past is not in vain? It is yours and mine. We all have a role to play.
As many Nigerians pointed out when asked what they loved most about Nigeria, this is the place we call home. So the question is, how can we build our home? How can we build a nation where no one is oppressed? How can we hand onto our children a banner without stain?
Much has been said about what we, as Nigerians, can do for our country. In addition, starting a revolution in order to bring about lasting change in Nigeria is also a topic that has been explored in recent times, on and off social media.
Today, as Nigeria turns 54, it is time to ask ourselves certain questions, such as; who are our heroes past? What did they labour for? And what did they stand for? Let’s take a look at the lives of three Nigerian heroes.
1. Herbert Macaulay
Olayinka Herbert Macaulay, the founder of Nigeria’s first political party, Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), is considered the founder of Nigerian nationalism. In 1944, together with Nnamdi Azikiwe, he co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a patriotic organization designed to bring together Nigerians of all classes to demand independence, and became its president. What is he most remembered for?
Boldness: He spoke up boldly when the British claimed they were governing with Nigerians’ true interests at heart. He responded saying, “The dimensions of the true interests of the natives at heart are algebraically equal to the length, breadth and depth of the white man’s pocket.”
Anti-corruption: In 1908 he exposed European corruption in the handling of railway finances.
Justice: In 1919 he argued successfully for the oppressed chiefs whose land had been taken by the British, forcing the colonial government to pay compensation to them.
2. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
It is not for nothing that the Tafawa Balewa Square, one of Nigeria’s most famous event venues, is named after Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria’s first and only prime minister. He was not only committed to the fight for his country’s freedom; the privilege of accepting from Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II the constitutional instruments which were the symbols of Nigeria’s Independence, was his. In his speech, he said, “…We have acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace: it has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well-built upon firm foundations.” What did the man himself stand for?
Unity: Queen Elizabeth II described him as “A true ambassador that assisted in upholding the unity and progress of Nigeria and Nigerians”.
Honesty: In an exclusive biography of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa titled “The Right Honourable Gentleman”, the author Trevor Clark told of how he dutifully returned excess travelling expenses to the treasury on his return from official trips. Quite the opposite for our leaders today.
Tolerance: The value of tolerance as a leadership skill cannot be ignored. Whether holding together Nigeria’s more than 250 ethnic groups- a task which was his for 9 years- or maintaining peaceful relations with the British before and after independence, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa chose to shun violence, put differences aside and use diplomacy to achieve great results.
3. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Nigeria’s first President, Chief Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose face adorns the five hundred naira note, was one of the leading figures of modern Nigerian nationalism. He believed not only in Nigerian unity, but in African unity and liberation as well.What principles did he live by?
Spiritual Balance: He advocated empathy.
Social Regeneration: He discouraged prejudice of all kinds.
Economic Determinism: He prescribed economic self-sufficiency.
Mental Emancipation: He preached the gospel of educated consciousness and awareness.
Political Resurgence: He cherished hope for the recovery of Africa’s sovereignty.
These men, working with many others, devoted their lives to securing Nigeria’s nationhood, and we in turn have pledged to “defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory” so help us God. Are we ready for the work?
About the author: Joy Ehonwa is a writer, copy-editor and online proofreader who is passionate about relationships and personal development. She runs Pinpoint Creatives, a copy-editing, ghostwriting and transcription business, and blogs at www.anafricandiva.wordpress.com and www.girlaware.wordpress.com
