Notice that I do not say  Nigeria . This is because "Own Nation" simply means a place where we can be proud of; a great place greater than Barack Obama's America . Another reason for not using Nigeria in this context is because of my firm believe that Nigerians, especially those who call themselves patriots, do not actually love, or even believe in Nigeria . I have proved this in my previous comments and analysis.

I must as well confess that I am neither a fanatic believer in One Nigeria nor a fanatic believer in its dissolution. This is an excruciating personal problem I live with everyday. I simply detest the fraud and dishonesty that herald Nigeria . But at the moment I have no other country even though many keep saying Nigeria is not a country. Although Nigeria was built on fraud by Her Majesty, successive Nigerian governments have done very little to make Nigeria work. And it may never work, not because it cannot work, but because those at the helm of affairs do not want it to work. Yet they say they are patriots.

It is this Obama historic victory that re-kindles my enthusiasm for hope - of a new era for Nigerians all over the world - especially Nigerian Americans. The 4th of November, 2008 should be a moment for reflection for Nigerians in  America who have the opportunity to witness world historical moment. They have huge responsibility to make things happen back home. It is time for them to extend Barack Obama's message of hope and change to their birthplace.

I am particularly calling on them because they are living in a country generally considered as God's Own Country where everything is possible like electing an African-American as the 44th president of the "most powerful nation on earth". They must have seen and learnt a lot from this historical moment. They need to share and ship such wonderful experience to their place of birth. The happiness of this moment will not complete until they transport today's joy to their place of birth.

As Nigerian Americans reap the dividend of democracy in God's Own Country, they must find a way to replace democrazy in their land of birth. It's time for them to fight, to inspire, to change the spirit of thinking; it's time for them to help conquer fear that often grip their people at home; it's time for them to devise a permanent strategy to liberate their people who are in perpetual suffering as each day wax. It's time to educate their people about the importance of today's historical moment in far away America .

Nigerian Americans must not sleep until they help pave way for a new era in their land of birth. Obama's phenomenon should have opened their eyes that nothing is impossible which is what Obama's historical victory stands for. Let them help us battle the fear that has rendered their people useless in their own land. Let them fight and flood their land of birth with everlasting energy that would last forever. Let them fight and fight, for until our votes count in Nigeria or Biafra or Odua or Arewa, Obama hope of change will have been in vain. This is because Obama is a global and world class fellow. His message must last.

One thing I have noticed about American people is their unwavering loyalty and belief in America . Even John Mcain in defeat puts America first in his concession speech that slowly moved me to tears. This is what I am living for: a country where votes count, where hope can energize my children and yours, where patriotism means patriotism and nothing else, where our grandchildren would love so much as to want to fight for it. A nation where genuine leaders leads genuine citizens; a nation we truly want to build; a genuinely open society.

At this juncture, I must confess that I had my doubt about this Obama's saga even when that influential American woman, Oprah Winfrey, endorsed him at the very beginning. I didn't believe that Americans were ready for African-American president. I had thought that White House is a symbolic monument for whites only. But as I have joyfully learnt, nobody could stop change. I really don't know whether this Obama thing is what people called destiny. Now I know that we are helpless in the face of Destiny. I admire those who saw this change from the very beginning and never wavered until the end, especially Nigerian Americans.

With Barack Obama's historic victory, America has reinforced whatever makes it a great country. I think it is such a great country despite its shortcomings because Americans are never afraid to make history. It will even be greater if nobody assassinates the president-elect like they assassinated Martin Luther King Jr. whose "I have a dream speech" became a reality as soon as the son of a former slave was elected American president. So Reverend King, a civil rights leader, knew about this moment even before I was born. We certainly have a lot of lessons to learn during this historical moment. And of course uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. 

Copyright 2008    mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Robot  # 1 | 05.11.2008 19:33

Nigerian Americans mustn't sleep until they help build a nation in their land of birth. Obama's phenomenon should have opened their eyes that nothing is impossible which is whatthis historical victory stands for. Let them help us battle the fear that has rendered their people useless in their own land. Let them fight and flood their land of birth with everlasting energy that would last forever. Let them fight and fight, for they now know they have the chance to do so....Read the full article.

Danmeka  # 2 | 06.11.2008 08:39

Brother Hakeem, you have done well but it is neither or never for us to see uhuru. Example: America Rosa Parks sat so that Martin Luther King could march. Martin Luther King march so that Barack Obama could run.Barack Obama ran and won so as to give Americans hope for a better society. Nigeria: Awo,Zik and Balewa started the race, the army stopped the race.Gowon,Mohammed and Obasanjo started the race and handed to Shagari. Shagari continue Buhari stopped it. Buhari launched the race but Babaginda maradonised him and re-launched it. Babaginda started the race but maradonised himself and Shonekan took over but the dark shade genius in the name of Abacha was too smart and stopped the race. Abacha re-launched the race but was kumasutramitised and Abdul Salam took over. Abdul Salam relaunched the race and handed over to Obasanjo,Obansanjo continue and tried to third-termised the race but to no avail so he handed over to Yar Adua who is still running and our generation,not yet uhuru IS THERE HOPE IN NIGERIA,THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES

Domeremember  # 3 | 06.11.2008 11:51

I beleive strongly within me and something tells me that sooner than later the same change will come to Nigeria with or without the help of those abroard. You just can't stop change.

Oguguo Yakere  # 4 | 06.11.2008 17:20

America was built by people who came together and agreed to build a nation. The various states, upon seeing the good thing in the union voluntarily joined the union one by one until the count reached 51 today. See the magnitude of autonomy in each state and the progress they keep making according to their capabilities. Can we compare the origin of America to that of Nigeria? Have the corrupt leaders of Nigeria accepted the national conference that the people have been yearning for to sit down and agree like America, to build a nation? Have the same click allowed a fair election? Do Nigerians allow enlightened candidates to emmerge? What about the killings of those they percieve as threath. What happened with the only relatively fair election that took place that Abiola won? Finally let us not decieve ourselves. America has a regretable past as regards race, but the truth is that they have been improving year after year giving hope to the people that their tomorrow will be better; lo and behold that hope has become vindicated. With Obama as President it has come to pass. On the other hand Nigeria's ugly past has not been improving, instead things have been getting worse year after year shattering any atom of hope among the people and making them see no light at the end of the tunnel. When you are climbing out of a deep hole step by step you will at least undure, knowing that sooner or later you will come out to the surface. But when you are on your way down digging yourself farther into the hole, what good expectation do you have other than self destruction?