I know that in your modest way, you may detest the openness of this letter, especially as it affects the issues I will raise in the next paragraph. I beg that you bear with me for I perceive this, as the only style, that will help actualize the aims of this piece. This clearly smirks of de ja vu: my first letter to you, and the open reply it got in the Daily Independent of 29th September, 2004.
It all began some months back, when as a naïve young graduate, I had approached you. Then, I was simmering with views that relate to the problems of Nigerian youths, and how to grant the country a stable and better future, by attending to the present problems of the youths. Inhibited by my feeling that there are no platforms for the expression of my view, I was not able to express these views, until I called on you. In your sagacious way, you had offered an advice that has in the long run, began to prove profitable. I have been writing, and most of my articles have been published especially in the web. Many thanks to you.
This has brought me into contact with many Nigerian youths scattered all over the globe. As I write this letter, I have been in contact with a group of youths called “Movement for Actualization of Youths International (MYAI), sprouting from the tiny state of Delta. This group has turned to me for guidance, on how best to actualize the dreams of Nigerian youths. I have no much sense of guidance my self, hence my decision to turn to you and many other near guileless social critics as Sabella Abidde, Tony Awonyinfa, Steve Nwosu and others. Experienced as you are you will definitely have a lot of advice to offer MYAI.
I was paralyzed when one Nigerian in Asia wrote me, informing me of the numerous pains most Nigerian youths in that continent face. According to him, the streets of Asia are littered with many jobless Nigerian youths. He made one touching point: these youths cannot come home because to them, there is no HOME. I believe this view is representative of the views of so many Nigerian youths abroad, who have been frustrated out of their Motherland by the blood sucking antics of our so called leaders. This is surely a plunge into the destruction of the future of this country, which the youths are symbolic of. That is why I am approaching you and other almost guileless social critics, to step in, and identify with “Movement of Actualization of Youth International.
Now why do I want you to identify with this group? In my many correspondences with them, I have continuously informed them, that I see in them, the future of this country. This is because this group is more or less virgin in terms of corrupt political affiliations. Identification with them will lead to the laying of a rock-hard foundation of saintliness that cannot be destroyed later, when this group grows to a formidable political force in the country. This will of course be in keeping with the Biblical injunction captured in Proverbs 22:6; “Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.”
Indeed, I have completely lost hope in the generation that controls the affairs of this country. That clique of rogues cannot be remedied. A bright future for our country therefore resides in the formation and careful upbringing of a new set of people whose eyes are ringed from infancy with the chalk of responsible governance, with the ‘ofo’ and ‘ogu’ placed in their hands. In MYAI, I see the school that will raise this new generation.
I know that you and many others have your entire beings, pulsating with patriotic ideals and desires for a better country for us all. That is why I feel it extremely urgent to invite you to come and whip this group into the path of accuracy and patriotism. Without this guidance, they are bound to go astray, and end up as toys, in the hands of political manipulators. I see MYAI a force that will eventually cleanse this country of the many ills that afflict her. I see in MYAI doctors that will eventually soothe the pains of our motherland. I see in this great movement the whirlwind that will blow good the way of our suffering motherland.
May I end with this prophetic assertion: MYAI will in the nearest future transform into a formidable social and political force that will change the affairs of this great country to the better. But this will only be possible if we all join hands, and fill her yet breathless form, with the air of statesmanship.
P.S
Dear Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye,
Since the beginning of this year, I have not had the good luck of hearing from you. I guess it probably has to do with your tight schedule. I did this piece a few days back and I am using this opportunity to request from you, that you allow me be a Guest on your column one of this days, with this piece.
Please communicate your feelings to me ASAP.
Thank you,
Nnaemeka.
That was nice, it touched me considering that we are meant to be future leaders and that some of the youths outside the country don't feel acknowledge Nigeria as their home
It is unfortunate that someone can still pin an iota of hope on any group, as the salvaging party, in the face of the harrowing bit and pieces of experience that have been our lot.All the groups have been contaminated with the corruption viruse;Nigeria is doomed;her saviours have not been born!
Segun Akinyode,I think you have a chronic liking for Ayi Kwei Armah of The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born fame.You will have to modify your views and garb it a little bit in optimism.