In Praise of the Naija Pikin

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"There are two things children should get from their parents: roots and wings." Goethe

According to Wikipedia, "Children's Day is recognized on various days in many places around the world.

It celebrates children globally. Children's Day was begun on the second Sunday of June in 1856 by the Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts."

The International Day for Protection of Children is observed in many countries as Children's Day on 1 June since 1950.

*Universal Children's Day takes place annually on 20 November. First proclaimed by the United Kingdom in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world's children."

Today we celebrate *Children's Day* in Nigeria, it is an event established in 1964. Every Nigerian child looks forward to this day even though not all of them benefit from the day's celebrations.

Why?

The growing spate of inequality in the distribution of our Commonwealth, increase in child abuse and molestation, and of course child mortality among others.

The Nigerian Child still suffers from malnutrition, lack of clean water, he dies of Polio, Malaria and other preventable diseases due to a decay in our healthcare system.

he still goes to school and​ sits in the floor, the Nigerian Child's future is bleak because the parents entrusted with the duty of providing solid roots and strong wings have disappointed him. Instead of deep roots, they have placed him on quick sand, placing him in swampy threshold where he continues to gasp for survival.

Pythagoras once said "Educate the children and it won't be necessary to punish the men." Maria Montessori puts it well when she said  "If help and salvation are to come, they can only come from the children, for the children are the makers of men."

Conversely, the "Naija pikin" wakes up to stories of disunity, kidnapping, embezzlement and misappropriation of funds meant to cater for his future. The parent has failed to rise to the challenges of personal example which is the hallmark of leadership.

They say he's the leader of tomorrow, yet they deny him the right opportunities and platforms to learn, to grow, to blossom. How then can he lead? How can he stand when there are no deep roots? How can he soar to heights on end when his wings have been taken away from him?

But the Nigerian Child is beautiful! The dexterity and doggedness with which he fights for his life is such that it inspires even the adult. He continues to clear his own path, to live above board, to make his parents proud even though they continue to disappoint him.

Today the Nigerian Child celebrates despite the many odds in his way. This one is in praise of the Naija Pikin!

PS

It's good to be back on this platform. Been going through some stuff. I trust you find our new look delightful?

It's all for you!

OjisiEmezie

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2 comments

  1. Okpalaojioma Christian27 May 2017 at 02:58

    I was wondering what happened to www.ojisi.com, but thank God they are back, with a smashing New look. Welcome back

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    1. Thanks so much Chris.

      We went on break to come back with a fresh look. We appreciate your concern a d support.

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