I write all the time, and have been doing so since I was old enough to hold a pencil. However, when I had to write something that I intended to be meaningful, inspiring and relevant, I faced the biggest challenge of my life. I realized that the act of putting words to paper, or in this case, screen, can actually be exceedingly difficult.
The difficulty arose in writing 'The Nigerian Proclamation'. My goal was to give myself and others a way to express their disappointment and frustrations over the recent Nigerian electoral process and the state of Nigerian affairs, in general. The 'Proclamation' was to be short and concise, yet inspirational. Being short and concise was not necessarily the problem. Although Nigeria is a large and complex nation, it is possible to address its issues in a condensed fashion. But to make one's writing relevant to others and inspirational enough to influence - that was the incredible challenge.
Although I have posted the 'Proclamation', I must admit that I feel that it is far from finished. The reasons for this are complex. First, even though I can condense my post, writing on Nigeria is still a difficult task, so figuring out which issues to focus on is arduous. I spent a lot of time being confused about what to discuss and feel that there are many other things that should have been mentioned.
Second, I wanted others to be able to use the 'Proclamation' to express symbolic protest against the recent electoral process and various failings exhibited by Nigeria. I thus visualized a profound document, a 'manifesto' of sorts. Unfortunately, the posted document still has a way to go before it ever achieves that status.
These are just a few of the issues I faced in writing 'The Nigerian Proclamation'. Despite the fact that I feel that the posted document is far from complete, I still believe that it is relevant as a symbolic response to my country's shortcomings. I thus can comfortably declare that the 'Proclamation' is a document I worked on tirelessly and consider it a work in progress. I hope to improve it and if you see room for constructive criticism, please feel free to share.
I also ask anyone reading this post to take the time to think of Nigeria and its people, particularly the disadvantaged. Local and International election observers have declared our democratic process a sham. If there is any truth to this, then it means that Nigerians were denied their democratic right to vote. If you are disappointed by that, and want Nigeria to improve, then please post the 'Proclamation' at your blog, MySpace page, Facebook page or any other place where you and your friends, regardless of their nationality, congregate. Feel free to also share the document via email with as many people you know. The goal is to ensure that we voice our disappointment and encourage improvement. The 'Proclamation' is simply a means to do so without resorting to other less desirable ways. The 'Proclamation' might not achieve immediate change, but it gives us all an opportunity to 'do something' and not just watch from the sidelines.
So scroll down to the next post and get your copy of The Nigerian Proclamation. But, before you do so, remind yourself of your duty to Nigeria by reading our nation's pledge.
The Nigerian Pledge
I pledge to Nigeria my country.
To be faithful, loyal, and honest.
To serve Nigeria with all my strength.
To defend her unity.
And uphold her honor and glory.
So help me God.
Related articles:
- The Nigerian Proclamation
- Epilogue: The Proclamation
- The Nigerian Proclamation: Making A Statement
- Nigerian Proclamation on BBC
- The Nigerian Proclamation: One Year
- 2 Years Later: Nigerian Proclamation
EPILOGUE: THE PROCLAMATION
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
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16 Curiosities. Add Yours.:
I think you did it a great job! Well done, saw your comment on my blog, Oh girl, I have been here oh, just did not leave comments (laziness, I apologise). I love this idea,its up on my blog already, I really hope people get it on time! Take care.
Great Idea...
Great post guys!
ill be back
Excellent idea S, we will get there!!
ur love for our country is so pure,its admirable.will post it on my facebook!U have so many blogs wasnt sure which to go 2!
I am so in this. and i loooooove our pledge in nigeria,its been agessssss since i said it..... maybe secondary school....wow!!!!!!!
Babes...just replied ur email now...you know i think this idea is fantastic...as its about tyme we stop talking and start doing sumthin...and altho it may seem lyk a little thing,but as you said...you never know where this myt end up...kudos!!!
This is a wonderful idea...to change our country nigeria, it has to start from somewhere...first a voice is heard...then action is put into every word spoken...
Great Job!!!
Coooooooooool! I just love this, wish many people could think the same way.
okay!i am just reading this nigerian proclamation thingy properly now...i actually thot it was the Nigerian Government that came up with it and i was initailly like yeah right they inititated a proclamation and they will kukuma be the one to break it now...so whats new...but now i am reading it properly and i can see you came up with it!Okay thats a nice one..Good job..i guess if everyone can help in any little way...things will get better..slowly but surely....keep on Rocking...one love
Congrats!!! BBC has their eyes on you
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6701559.stm
It seems I've been away for too long... Saw your post on my blog... It's really awesome to know that blogging can be used as a tool to protect and uphold our democracy... thanks for using your voice...Atta girl!!!
@ everyone: Thanks for reading the epilogue. I thought it was important to give the Proclamation some context and reach out for help from all of you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...
@ Pink Satin: It is good to hear from you. Was worried after reading a comment somewhere else and didn't know how to reach out to you. So, thanks for stopping by and leaving such wisdom for us...
"if everyone can help in any little way...things will get better..slowly but surely....keep on Rocking...one love."
Truer words have not been spoken...
This NIgeria proclammation said nothing above true federalism and equitable revenue sharing formular. Commot for here with your silly declaration.
@ anonymous June 1, 2007 5:40 PM
A proclamation sets the tone for the music and all the players will cue in to play a great melody.
This is just the begining!!!
Hey I just found your blog and I must admit that I've been reading for the last half hour. Nice blog, like it..
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