An acquaintance shared a story this morning. This is the second time in less than three months that I’d be receiving such news. And once again, it evoked strong feelings.
He was celebrating his being granted full citizenship of the USA. His story is moving, but I have to be honest—it pains me deeply that so many Nigerians now feel the need to seek citizenships of foreign nations.
For some, it may be a part of their destiny. For many others, it’s done out of necessity. If our homeland were as it should be, people would still visit, live, study or do business abroad. But the need to secure permanent residency might not arise as frequently as it does these days.
In my view, many are trying to escape or at least secure permanent residency in their country of refuge chiefly because of what we have allowed this blessed continent to become.
Three months ago, another acquaintance of mine obtained UK citizenship. He called to celebrate, and while I was happy for him, it also broke my heart. I think his story cut my heart into pieces because of how many years he worked hard, and applied himself to a man-made system, just to get citizenship that God freely granted us as it pleased Him
Make no mistake, I’m glad that they’re fulfilling their dreams. But stories like these keep breaking my heart, especially knowing what many young Nigerians go through just to “escape” Nigeria – a country that is so richly endowed by God.
These two stories are those of legitimate individuals who applied themselves to a system. What of the many others who get citizenship at the cost of either entering into wrong marriages, or abandoning their destinies?
I won’t lie, my heart was broken again this morning. Not as much as I did three months ago. But the tears only doubled my resolve to contribute my maximum quota, and inspire others to do theirs, so we can collectively fix up the homeland.
Nigeria, and indeed the whole of Africa must become the land God envisioned when He created it. That way our people can comfortably switch from homeland to diaspora, or from diaspora to back home, without having to sacrifice their safety, well-being, and all the other conditions necessary for the full actualization of their God-given potentials.
There is prophesy over this land. It will be known for righteousness. People will work hard just to live in the Goshen that Africa is about to become. But we have work to do. And we are behind time. We must should start now to create that homeland where people don’t feel like they have to leave to thrive.
The night is indeed dark, but Africa’s morning is at hand.
Chima Christian
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