Unity is the opposite of being divided. The Cambridge Dictionary defines unity as a state of being joined together or in agreement. The fourth line of the national pledge is “to defend her unity.” We also have the word unity in the last line of the first stanza of our national anthem; ‘One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity.” The verbal form of the noun unity is to unite.
It’s no wonder the global, intergovernmental organisation with 193 nations is called United Nations. It seemed like a few days ago when we welcomed 2023 and in the next few hours or days, the curtains will be closing on this year and be opening to a leap year.
Before we usher in 2024, have we thought of many ways we can build Nigeria. As Johnny Drille put in his song, “How are you, my friend?” The question, “How are you?” is actually loaded. Mentally, we may be angry but outwardly we may seem fine but really, how are we? Mentally, are we fine? Physically, are we alright?
From sunup to sundown, we have been busy. If we have been active or passive followers of the news, we must have been aware of the endless electioneering tactics to court adjudications and to the fuel subsidy removal. While there may be disagreements in politics, we all seem to unite when Nigeria is playing football and when Nigeria is not playing, we unite behind an African team. Staying away from bad news helps us to maintain our mental health.
For more than a year, I have been absent from writing in The Guardian and from television interviews. I have been overwhelmed in the caregiving of my now strong 85-year-old father. However, in this season of giving, I was once again overwhelmed but not with caregiving activities but the unity and purpose of distinguished men and women from different backgrounds and geo political zones of Nigeria coming together. Asake’s song “Organise” takes aim at planning well. It takes good organisation to bring diverse groups of people that are united in one purpose.
What brought about this reminiscence on unity? Two very distinguished sets; members of classes of 1986 and 1987, University of Lagos, Faculty of Law united and opened the flood gates of their generosity to their former teacher, Emeritus Professor Akintunde Obilade who taught them in 1983 and 1984, about 40 years ago.
I take my article’s title from this unity of purpose and extend it to our leaders both young and old. The Nigeria of 2023 is what we would build on in 2024 and 40 years after. These very distinguished men and women built on what their former lecturer did for them 40 years ago. Similarly, our leaders should learn that whatever they build today is what the citizens are left with and posterity will be the judge. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean but that mighty ocean can be calm and peaceful only if the winds of leadership blowing its way are peaceful. And the waters could be torrential if the under currents of leadership are not united for the good of the citizens under their care.
Recently, I came across a 205-page book that used the word unity 80 times in its 19 chapters. The book was called Buni Yadi Boy. Still on unity, the author, Barrister Niyi Ayoola-Daniels brings to fore the purpose of unity in Nigeria. This intriguing book shines the radar on what good leaders can do and encapsulates what every Nigerian child should not go through because unity for a negative cause can create irreversible damage.
The late Sonny Okosun sang, “Which Way Nigeria?’ And the late Bob Marley sang, “Africa Unite.” As 2023 is drawing to a close, I want us as Nigerians, lovers of Nigeria to unite in a positive sense for the betterment of Nigeria. A lot has been thrown at us this year. But our leaders should strive to unite positively for the advancement of Nigeria. If a group of very distinguished men and women from all over Nigeria could come together, unite together to touch the life of their former lecturer who taught them about 40 years ago, Nigerian leaders can surely learn that good leadership breeds unity of purpose. When men and women come together, we can build together. Thank you to the distinguished members of the 1986 and 1987 sets of University of Lagos, Law Faculty.
Obilade is a Professor of Community Medicine. She wrote from Abuja.
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