Happy Birthday, Nigeria [Featured Artiste: Nosa]

Happy Birthday, Nigeria [Featured Artiste: Nosa]

I knew without a doubt that I wanted to write something in honor of today’s Independence Day celebration, but I had no idea what to write.  Then my mind went to the second stanza of the National Anthem:

Oh God of creation, direct our noble cause

Guide our leaders right

Help our youth the truth to know

In love and honesty to grow

And living just and true

Great lofty heights attain

To build a nation where peace and justice

shall reign*

I don’t know what your personal dream for Nigeria is, but I want to encourage you today to give that dream life.  If you are connected to Nigeria in anyway (yes, I am drawing the circle very wide indeed), then you have a responsibility to help Nigeria. If you have benefited from Nigeria, you definitely have a responsibility. Here’s the test: If Nigeria can be mentioned anywhere in your biography (or autobiography) or history, then you have a responsibility towards her. I am a product of Nigeria’s educational system (as are many of us), so I suppose Nigeria did some things right. Plus, I believe in giving back. Do your part to help Nigeria attain those "great, lofty heights."

Well, Happy Birthday Nigeria. Since we all make up Nigeria, I suppose Happy Birthday to “US” is appropriate. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Featured Artiste: Nosa

Nosa (Full Name: Nosa Omoregie) is no stranger to this blog as I featured him in an earlier post titled "Capture It".

However, when I listened to his song, “I Pledge” again recently (I first heard it last year), I felt it would be best to share it today.  It’s an up-beat song and a bit different from his usual neo-soul / jazz style, but still well put together.   So here is Nosa again, singing “I Pledge.”

I Pledge (Audio):

I Pledge (Unofficial YouTube video): 

On another note, I wonder what I will look like when I am 51 (smiling). I hope you have a memorable Independence Day celebration.  I know I will.

Always and forever optimistic,

*Credit: National Anthem courtesy of Consulate General of Atlanta, Georgia