Congratulations, Nigerians! We Won SARS, We Will Win Others.
What a good time to be alive. I am aware of the SARS protest that started about 3 days ago. Many youths and some supportive mothers and fathers lent their voices for this cause. Even though we had cried out to the government on social media prior to the time we started the protest, we brought down the mansion of SARS built by our corrupt political leaders in just 3 days. In solidarity, we fought for what belong to us; the freedom to look good without being harassed by the police, the right to live without the fear of police brutality, the privilege to breathe the air that is devoid of fear.
Many celebrities, concerned Nigerian youths, both home and abroad came out to protest. My new article is born out of the will to publish, display, keep, record and consolidate our little efforts pulled together. In a movement like this, we would have our differences; the fight for oneself, our religious and tribal differences may creep up but with a story, like the singular voice we had during the SARS protest, the labour of people like Jimoh Isiaka, the guy who was shot dead by the police during the Ogbomoso peaceful protest, and Fredrick from Edo State that was killed during an argument with a policeman, not to be in vain, our solidarity would thrive.
This is neither about myself nor any of us but it is about all of us, the youths. The movement has not ended. No, it hasn’t. We are all worthy of recognition. We won and we will keep winning. We all stood under the sun, moving from one point to another to pass a very loud and clear message to our failed government. We were all concerned. We gave our time, our energy, our attention, our schedule, our budget to this just cause. We were brave. We had faith. We were so determined. Beyond our tribal differences, we stood up together.
Popular comedian, Mr. Macaroni wasn’t even joking when himself and other amazing individuals slept right in front of the House of Assembly till the following morning. They were tired but they didn’t give up. Aisha Yesufu fought selflessly among other people.
Nigeria will change but gradually. Our educational system will be the pride of Africa. Our public hospitals will be at the same level with Johns Hopkins Hospital of the United States, our HDI will go through the roof. Our Ease of Doing Business will jump many places. We will appreciate our differences even our sexuality. Our society will be free and fair. We will build a nation where peace and justice reign. Temptations may arise, internal conflicts may surface, especially the fight for power by any group of people, but we won’t allow history repeat itself. We must remember how we started; how we won the SARS protest.
My little efforts, your little efforts, joined together will produce a massive result. I hope we will win the rest.
photo credit: @tobijamescandids on Instagram