Reflections on Children’s Day from the Diaspora
Today marks Children’s Day—a celebration filled with the laughter and dreams that define childhood. Growing up in Nigeria during the 1970s, I cherish those memories of joy and possibility. From my perspective in the diaspora, I think of you, the children of our great nation. Though my heart feels heavy with empathy, it remains bright with unwavering hope.
Cherished Memories from Igbuzo
I once shared your childhood in a village called Igbuzo in Delta State. We played freely, unburdened by walls or gates. Our public schools may have been basic, but they fostered both our minds and bodies. While our textbooks showed signs of wear, the passion of our teachers inspired us. We sang the national anthem and made a meaningful pledge not just as a formality, but as a promise to serve a country that, despite its imperfections, granted us hope.
The Harsh Realities of Today
However, I recognize that your Nigeria differs vastly from the one I experienced. Your childhood is often overshadowed by fear, deprivation, and a leadership that frequently neglects its duty to nurture your dreams. The journey to school may be fraught with danger, electricity is often a luxury, and many educational institutions are mere shadows of what they should be, lacking essential resources. This troubling reality weighs heavily on my heart, but I refuse to give up on you or our nation.
A Source of Strength
When I look into your eyes, I see incredible potential. Watching videos of elementary school children dancing barefoot, or hearing tales of teenagers building drones from scrap materials, fills me with hope. I’ve read about young minds coding in overcrowded classrooms. These stories are testaments to your limitless potential and resilience. While children elsewhere might have access to more resources, you possess an extraordinary strength—the ability to adapt and find joy amid challenges. This is not mere consolation; it is a testament to your true power.
Support from the Diaspora
You are not alone in this journey. Many of us in the diaspora, along with our allies, remain committed to your futures. We are actively working, albeit often unseen, to build bridges across borders. Our advocacy aims to create a better Nigeria, and we are investing in education and technology with the vision of a nation where your dreams can flourish.
Envisioning a Brighter Future
Imagine walking into classrooms equipped with smart boards rather than broken benches. Picture yourself drinking clean water straight from a tap instead of a sachet. You will be flying drones, coding applications, writing novels, performing surgeries, and developing solar farms—not abroad, but right here in Nigeria. This vision is not a distant dream; it is a reality we are actively working toward.
A Message of Hope
On this Children’s Day, I want to convey my love as a grandfather who sees, hears, and believes in you. Never stop dreaming, learning, or having faith in Nigeria, even if the nation sometimes forgets to believe in you. The Nigeria of your aspirations is not a fantasy; it is your birthright, and together we will construct it—brick by brick, voice by voice, nurturing hope for hope.
Nweke serves as an international trade consultant and diaspora advocate. He is the author of “Diaspora Economic Diplomacy” and has previously worked in the Belgian public service, focusing on international trade and economic diplomacy. His insights are shared from Brussels, Belgium.
