Today, May 15th, 2008, bloggers from around the world use one voice to call for human rights for all people. With regards to Nigeria and Nigerians, I cannot help but be reminded at this moment of the recent Brutish Airways incident in which 136 Nigerians were forcibly removed from a flight simply because they were Nigerian.
In a way, today is not about the Brutes or British officials and the deportation of Nigerians, in this case Augustine Eme. For me, this day is simply a day to continue to hope for a time when Nigerians will achieve the creation of the best Nigeria possible. If Nigerians can achieve this, which they can through commitment, determination and perseverance, then I believe that the entire world can achieve the best planet possible. My ideals may appear too lofty, but I have to believe that in this great world of infinite possibilities, the good will ultimately overcome the bad and we can overcome our perceived limitations.
Thus, I wish you a wonderful Thursday, and implore you to say a prayer for Myanmar (formerly called Burma) and China. And, finally, I leave you with the sounds of Asa's 'Jailer'.
Further Reading:
- List of Bloggers Unite articles - May 15th, 2008

11 Curiosities. Add Yours.:
Your optimisim is so inspiring my sister. It puts us cynical ones to shame sometimes. My own prayer is simple; May Solomonsydelle's faith never waver. The world needs more of her.
I see you are on a serious Asa vibe at the moment. She is arguably our most talented female musical export. An honorific which I do not use lightly.
Thanks for sharing the hope, we will get there.
And for passing on the info about May 15th!
And ooh, i'm sure you've heard of her, but just in case you haven't, check out Ayo Ogunmakin, another musician (European born but half Nigerian) - you might like her song, "Life is Real" for starters.
Tk care dear!
Like you pointed out, the Nigerian incident doesn't even feature on BA's radar as part of their problems, and that in itself is a problem...
If we really want our rights to be respected world wide we have to start respecting the rights of fellow Nigerians first. No where is the human right of a Nigerian more violated than in Nigeria.
I 2nd Atutu there on Your Faith and massive optimism..
I love Asa too...
i third atutu...i don't have to second jaja, right?...and asa is divine!...
@ atutu: Thanks for stopping by. And not to worry, I can be cynical too. I am naturally an optimistic pessimist but, when it comes to Nigeria, I have to always remind myself that "e go betta"!
And as for Asa, more grease to her elbow...
@ The AfroBeat: Yes, by Gods grace and sheer determination, Nigeria and its people will get 'there'. Thanks for the heads up on Ayo. I've heard of her but am yet t hear her. Will go searching for her right now. Thanks for always adding to the conversation.
@ Chxta: too true. Nigeria and Nigerians seemingly do not register on BA's radar. What a shame. They have an opportunity to develop some serious goodwill with very simple tactics. But, if we don't teach them a lesson, they, and others, will never learn. Hopefully, good intentioned Nigerians will work together to set the precedent on how Nigerians are to be treated by foreigners and even our own. Thanks and nice post about your recent trip home.
@ Doja: Reading your comment left me a little emotional. Let me explain. I think like many others, I love Nigeria to a fault, and my connection to the land of my ancestors makes watching the current ongoings in that country frustrating and disappointing. Your comment is the truth that I hope every Nigerian will take from the recent BA incident and from life in general. We must treat ourselves better. In doing so, we will be able to effectively set the pace for others to treat us well and in doing so, can stand with pride for the rights of any other human being whether they are Nigerian, African or not.
@ Jaja: long time no see! Welcome. Thanks, so much. Everytime you stop by you always leave an encouraging word. It is greatly appreciated. I hope you have updated your blog. I'm going to visit soon.
@ GNaija: My sista, you have been sorely missed around this side. lol! no you don't have to second Jaja. =) Yes, Asa is pretty good. I can't believe I don't have her album yet, but that is just out of habit. I don't buy any music until I am sure it is a worthy investment and in general, hardly ever buy music, except for the classics (Sunny Ade, Fela etc). I know her album is buy-worthy, but habits die hard...
Did you say you haven't bought Asa'a album? You have no excuse, it is totally worth the money! Really, it's about appreciating good music and supporting such a talented singer.
Thanks for putting up this post about Nigeria and Nigerians. We have to keep our belief in ourselves and the fact that slowly but gradually, we will make the changes that we need, to move forward.
e go beta!
I agree that you have great optimism.
That is what Nigeria needs in order to see real change for the better -- people being optimistic and recognizing what could be.
Thanks for the video link as well. I had not seen the video before.
And thanks for taking part in the Blogger's Unite campaign. I, too, wrote, but not on Nigeria... not directly. I wrote on modern-day slavery world-wide.
How is the BA boycott going on?
Post a Comment
Get curious...share your thoughts, long and short. But, do remain civil.