Building a New Nigeria

Earlier this month I caught a glimpse of a New Nigeria.

It was full of creative, confident and courageous young men and women who were courteous, clever and of upstanding character.

This New Nigeria was compassionate, respectful of the rights of everyone to basic human rights, regardless of creed, sexual orientation, tongue or tribe.

Her citizens were tenacious, yet respectful, dogged and determined yet responsible. They were accountable and transparent. I was so proud!!!!

And while their ascendancy has been momentarily and cruelly interrupted, I am confident that they will be back. Better organised, laser focused on their mission. Unstoppable.

In my privileged position as a Music Educator, I get to interact with future generations of this New Nigeria. The ones to whom the baton will be passed in the not too distant future and I feel the weight of responsibility that lies upon my shoulders and on the shoulders of Educators up and down the country, to do good by them.

To provide them with the tools that they need to realise our collective dreams.

To build their Character, to instill in them the Courage to do hard things. To grow their Confidence to speak up in a room full of strangers. To inspire and ignite their Creativity and to develop their Cognitive skills through repeatedly tackling seemingly impossible tasks.

This is my calling. I have no other purpose.

So today,

I renew my pledge to present and future Nigeria

To be faithful, loyal and honest in executing my responsibility

To serve present and future Nigeria with all my might

To defend her unity

And to uphold her power and glory

So help me God.