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Giants among men
Every time a person like Dennis Brutus bows out of this
earthly journey, people from all over the world pay tributes
to the life he lived, to the person he was, to the things he
stood for. World history is resplendent with men and women
who were about something and fearlessly spoke up against
evil, against injustice to fellow human beings, and crimes
against our environment.
Dennis Brutus died just at the time Nigerians all over the
world were boiling over as a result of the disappearance of
the Nigerian President Yar'Adua. Beyond the twisted
political machinations within Nigeria fuelled by ethnic
tensions, distrust and disunity in every fabric of the
Nigerian society, many Nigerians felt very insulted by the
lack of official word on the whereabouts of the president.
This situation in Nigeria is exactly the kind of situation
that should birth some Nigerian giants; people who will
commit themselves to challenging the status quo and force a
positive change in the country.
It is my fervent wish that the future of that country, and
elsewhere in the world will benefit from men and women who
must resolve not to live forgettable lives, ordinary lives,
selfish lives. Just by starting with what you do for a
living. See how you can turn it into a tool of social and
political change.
Writers write. Teachers teach. Drivers drive. Let the
message be strong. Let the messenger be bold.
Nnorom Azuonye
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