Following on from the article on the activism of Prof. Soyinka in the area of human rights, my attention was directed to this video this past weekend. Some of us may have already seen it. I think it is apt and timely to follow last week's article. This is by no means a call to activism here by our members but rather a call to critical reviewing of current events.
On the 18th of January, 2012, there was a Nigerian community meeting here in America being attended by the Nigerian federal minister of foreign affairs in New York. Please take some time to follow this link - 'occupy Nigeria' to see this video. Watch our minister and others through our national anthem.
Watch what happens when one of the "OccupyNigeria" guys ("one of us, yoruba guy) takes to the microphone. Pls don't quit early on the video, (it's a short clip) - hear what they have to say especially about how this is America, home of civil rights etc. There's apparently a whole lot of this going now i.e "OccupyLagos" etc
What do you think the now older Prof Soyinka would say to these young men?
The video speaks for itself. Let the discussion begin.
Pls leave a comment!
Funke Abolade, M.D
Social/Publicity Secretary
deThis video is actually hilarious!!! We brought “Nigeria” to “America”. The Minister came one hour and thirty minutes late thinking that he’s dealing with typical Nigerians. These Nigerians have been westernized. The Minister looked very disturbed because he didn’t expect to face that kind of protest.
ReplyDeleteThese young(er) Nigerians may be on to something here - that maybe we don't have to settle for the chaos and corruption and we can demand better accountability and service from our leaders....
ReplyDeleteWell said Mr. Thomas. I felt exactly the same when I watched the clip. Let's just hope this type of activism leads to some desired change in our dear motherland.
ReplyDeleteI truly applaud these young brave men and women that are voicing the concerns that every Nigerian should be tired of putting up with. To those of us that were old enough to experience what life was in Nigeria before Independent till 1982 right after the oil boom, the actions of these protesters are answered prayers. Our people are tired of the injustice and the I don't care attitude of the government in our nation. I hope this is going to be the begining of a New Era for us all, lets continue to pray that our government will wake up and see that what happened in Libiya can take place in Nigeria if change doesn't show up soon.....Olorun a fi iso re so Ilu wa o amin.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Mrs Lawal. I am with you 100%. What does the national anthem say again? "Rise up o compatriots..." We may finally be rising up from our long slumber of years....
ReplyDeleteObviously the young man was very angry and rightfully so. The Organizers conducted themselves with some restraints perhaps because of the environment. Overall,the bravery of the young man is worth celebrating.The time has come for the Nigerian civil society to stand up and hold our leaders ; political or otherwise accountable.
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