GREAT NATION

            With the beautiful voice of Timi Dakolo’s “Great Nation” on replay, my ink stains the screen of my laptop as I paint a picture of the richness of the lyrics of this song. The first time I heard this song, was during the birthday of Archbishop of Church of God Mission International Inc., Most Rev. Dr. Magareth E. Benson –Idahosa.  And the passion with which he sang, struck the patriotic chord within me, and even though I did not have the lyrics, I just had to hum along. Also, just before then someone had reminded mama (Archbishop) of the fact that she said that Nigeria will be one of the most sought after nations by 2025 and the song was just icing on the cake for my mind.

             I have always been and will ever remain a believer in this nation. And when I see partners in the ministry, it gives me great Joy and that was what I found in Timi Dakolo. I never knew that the song (GREAT NATION) had been out for like a year and that even a video was out; imagine such sweet delicacy out in the open and I hadn’t tasted it. But since I got hold of it, irrespective of the “this song is old now” from friends and classmates, I have not let the song go, it has been on replay on my mobile phone, music player... and for me, it has become a theme song that will never leave me, though I might have new ones to add to it. Before I continue let me share with you the lyrics of the song:

Here we stand as a people

With one song: with one voice

We're a nation: undivided and poised

We will take our stand: and build our land

With faith: to defend what we love

Here we are as a people

With one heart: for one cause

We're determined: to rebuild and restore

Where freedom reigns: and truth prevails

A land where there's hope for us all (2x)

(Chorus)

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in this nation, and we know we'll get there

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds

And that one day we'll shine like the sun

We're a great nation

Though we are many people

Different tribes: different tongues

We're united in our strength and resolve

To uphold the honour of our land

And for generations to come

             Can you feel the richness in this lyrics and the kind of faith that emits from it; there is a difference between the work of a believer and a person that is not of the faith. I played this song, the day I downloaded it, and my spirit broke out in unknown tongues in intercession for this nation, and the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. Hence, I know that things were sorted out that day. With the present day situation, the environment leaves little or nothing to believe and the headlines on the newspapers are not just palatable at all.

             Also, when you visit the newspaper stands to hear comments of Nigerians, or you visit schools to hear the reason why children and youths want to be leaders, questions abound on where this nation is heading to. Every day, annoying decisions are made by those in leadership positions, few continue to enjoy the wealth meant for the majority and the leaders of tomorrow imagine maybe there will still be anything left for them to eat out of the national cake. ASUU has been on strike, ASUP was on strike for about two months, and the primary school teachers were on strike for months, considering the importance of education to development, what thought does this leave us with?

             Boko Haram continues to kill in the north and in the south, every little thing the militant threaten to go back to arms; as we sit on a peace bought by settlement (money). The  church which is supposed to be the backbone of the nation is becoming monetized and politicized and the morals of the society is at the lowest ebb, is there still hope? We are the largest exporter of crude oil in Africa and yet we import petroleum products, divided into 3 by water, yet portable water is not for all citizens; a large population of able bodied technocrats and democrats with little or no impact... is there still hope?

            However, in the midst of this dry land the lord is raising an army of believers, who will transform the fortunes of this nation. People who will make sure, spring of waters spring forth to water the plan for freshness to abound again; people who will not only preach but be a partaker of the process of development. Hearts who are founded in unity and not soiled by the stains of ethnicity, religious barriers and partisan politics, will manage resources to make sure the beauty is sustained. Now the question remains, will you be a part of this army or be an onlooker?

             Furthermore, Brethren let us stop the complaining and begin the faith that is accompanied with works. The Lord has spoken upon this nation through the mouths of different prophets, Ministers, small children like me also and his word does not go to the ground without being fulfilled. Will you be part of that nation that stands to take her stand to rebuild and restore the land? We will do it with you or not, but it will be lovely for you to be part of this history making process. For the time cometh and it is not far, where Nigeria will be a nation where the truth prevails and freedom reigns... with God on our side, nothing will stop us.

            In addition, we cry today that our fathers have failed us, would we wait for our children to say the same of us? I refuse to be a part of the complainers Football club, but  I accept my responsibility to be a major stakeholder in the team of responsible builders... these two teams are laid before you today, choose on which side you will be a part of? It pains me most time, when I am around places where things are going on wrong and I hear comments like: “how e go take beta for this country?”, “Nigeria no fit good again ooh”... sometimes ago, an old man called me to ask maybe there was hope for us as the future of this nation, I smiled and told him that I am still alive and that is a sign that there is hope.

             Christians! If you cannot join those praying, please don’t allow your mouth be an accessory for the devil in decreeing the wrong things. Where is your faith, is it still determined by environmental situations? Are those your comments spirit led? Join the sons, for the creations earnestly await the manifestations of the sons of God... Nigeria awaits your manifestation oh O OoooO.  You should not carry God and your lights not shine to those around you. Wake up from slumber, O ye Watchmen of this nation; friends of the king of Glory, hear what the father has to tell you concerning the role you have to play and stop the cursing and “complaint without positive action”.   The king of Isreal had issues, when the letter was sent to him to heal Naaman, but the prophet got to know from where he is and solved the problem. Military tactics where delivered to the government by the prophet, are there no more prophets in Nigeria? Holyghost filled, tongue speaking, Evangelism doing without impact is almost like noise making..., we need Christian manufacturers and business men, multi millionaires with clean naira, dollar and pound- sterling, inventors etc.

            I am not religious bias; I relate with you cordially despite your religion but will not forget my identity as a son of God and an ambassador for Christ. Nigeria needs you, we are all we have...to defend this land, it is not the resources that make us who we are, but who we are gives the resources more prestige.

God bless Benson and Kay Akhigbe Jnr, Timi Dakolo, fela Durotoye , Mama Archbishop Magareth Idahosa,  pastor Chris Delvans , Pastor Bankie, Prophet Bill Hammon, Dr. Steve Adeyemi, Pastor Omadeli Boyo etc... These people have helped in confirming my strong believe in God’s word of a better Nigeria and May God see them through and make them more successful to take this country to greater heights. I   drop my pen, by re- echoing the chorus of this great second national anthem:

(Chorus)

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in this nation, and we know we'll get there

We're all we have, we'll defend our land

We believe in Nigeria and the promise she holds

And that one day we'll shine like the sun

We're a great nation

            Every morning, as you wake up; say the national prayer (second stanza of the national anthem) with great faith in your heart. And put your faith into action, by doing excellent things that will bring glory and honour to God and the betterment of this country. Be hard working in all you do, because do you see a man who is diligent in his works, he will stand before kings and not obscure men. There are breakthroughs that God wants to release unto the world, are you that ready man?