Gentlemen of the press. It gives me great delight to be alive to witness the 20th uninterrupted democratic journey of our nascent democracy, peacefully handed to the outgoing generation by the then Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar (GCFR).
History will forever remain fair to you sir.
Special thanks goes to all those who laid down their lives, selflessly at the blink of our journey to independence and nationhood. We remain grateful to you all, for your sacrifices, and your believe in one Nigeria, which you all paid the price, before, during and after the Independence celebration of 1st October, 1960 that led to our dear nation becoming a Republic in 1963.
To say Nigeria hasn’t made progress since independence is to allude to the fact that we aren’t being fair to those who have sincerely paid one price or the other, in secret or in the open, to keep the nation one.
Sadly, recent developments especially in the fourth republic, has given us reasons to pause and ask series of questions: is it worth continuing as an independent state? Why is the outgoing generation so desperate for power that they can go the extra mile to murder those they claim they intend to govern? If everyone is murdered, who then will they govern? These and many more questions are begging for answers from a generation that knew no pain, but chose to give us real pains. A generation that built its foundation on lies and hypocrisy, yet, want a sincere and patriotic followership. How possible can this be? While they are about leaving the stage of life, they are still desirous of raising their kinds, so we will continue to live in illusion.
For those of us, who have watched the democratic space since the inception of the fourth republic, we have vowed under God that we won’t watch this quagmire continue. Because if we do, our children and unborn children may arise to wish they were never born. God forbid!
Friends, the recent general election has given us more questions than answers to our democratic journey as a people. The lies, intrigues, murder and character assassinations that beclouded the 2019 general elections, is not what we wish our enemies, not even to their fourth generation. Those who got their victories at gun points are nothing but Murderers. It doesn’t matter what title they are about to bear, as they are being sworn in today either at the state or National level. Posterity already has your record as Honourable – Murderer, His Excellency – Murderer, Distinguished – Murderer, just to mention a few. No matter how many times religious leaders and Evil Societies (Stomach Civil Society Organizations) honour you with awards and accolades, in the World’s book of record, written in the hearts of men, your singular act of imposing yourself against the wishes of those you intend to represent or govern, has tagged you a murderer or a black sheep.
What then are we supposed to do, now that we are beclouded with so much hypocrisy and division, by the same people whom ought to unite or govern us? The first point of call is for all a sundry to note that God created Nigeria for a purpose and whether humans like it or not, it will accomplish same purpose, while life last. Hence, the need for us all, to play our little roles, in our little corners since you have been called to think global but act local.
Never despise the days of small beginnings. While you expect the leaders to play the bigger role of fixing the economy, engaging in meaningful ventures will also go a long way, since it has been established that developed nations thrive via Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Discover a need around you, and dare to meet that need, either individually or corporately. Never you ever give up on our dear nation, because you never can tell, the hope of our State or Nation may have divinely been rested on your shoulders.
No thanks to actions being taken by our leaders, who turned down the Bill to rejuvenate the ailing Ajaokuta Steel Company. One will wonder if this company was in another region of our country, will it be treated with kid gloves? Posterity will judge us all. This is also to assure Kogites and Nigerians at large, that whether the current government signs it into law or not, Ajaokuta steel will stand on her feet some day, and will become the resource centre of not just the Northern Nigeria, but the entire Africa. Sadly, those who opposed it, will be remembered on the negative side of history.
As we celebrate this 20years of our democratic journey, i would love to appreciate these personalities and organizations, whose contribution to national development, and intern, had a direct impact on my personal life. They include;
1.UMORU MUSA YAR’ADUA (GCFR). He is a man I so much respect for his sincerity of purpose and kind act, towards the development of our dear country. I learned how to speak less and act more from this gentle former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
2. GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN (GCFR). This is a man who is an embodiment of humility and one whom I’ve learned how to leave things in God’s hands. For whoever leaves everything in God’s hands, sees God’s hands in everything. While we are still alive, all those who betrayed him have lived to face the music of their actions both in public and in secret. I had the privilege to introduce my Educational Knowledge Tab, that was meant to transform our schools, prior to the 2015 General elections, but we never had the opportunity to implement same gesture imported from Maryland USA, by my NGO. The cream of our relationship was when my name was included amongst the National officials, who worked for his re-election. How my name got to Aso Villa, is still a mystery I am yet to understand. The experience gotten then, will forever be utilized in my political journey of restoring both Kogi state, and Nigeria at large.
3. PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU – ADOJA ATTAH. My experience with this great leader, who turned father, was in 2015, when he prevailed on me, alongside 2 others, to suspend all my engagements, so we can return to Kogi state, with the sole purpose of paying the price to salvage our people.
Though we paid the price to the very end, the rest is now history for posterity to judge. He was a man full of life. There can never be a dull moment with him. Hardly will he make 3 sentences and you wont sense his deep love and concern for his people. His greatest wish was to handover to the next generation, after completing his tenure. Though his desire saw the light of day. Sadly, the occupant misplaced priority and hence, the need to now have a visionary leader, who will succeed the visionless young leader.
Since darkness precedes light. And for there to be good news, bad news must precede it. We your political family will forever live to implement your very blueprint, we all painstakingly worked on _(in tears…)_
4. LT. GEN JOSHUA DOGONYARO (CFR). I know a man who loves to live a quiet life. Even at that, his supposed to be ‘enemies’ are always restless, at any move he makes. He is a lover of his dear country. He is one African icon I have passionately longed to meet in my life’s journey. He is currently the Grand-Patron, Sunday Bala Oma Foundation. I remain forever grateful for your multiple counsels and constant admonition, towards the actualization of my God given dream.
5. PROF GABRIEL OYIBO. Here is a man who ought to be recognized as the World greatest scientist, since 2005, for discovering the GAGUT (God Almighty Grand Unified Theorem .) Till date, world leaders have in connivance with some of our Nigerian leaders be it in the executive or legislative arm of government. Deliberately frustrated this dream from attaining stardom, with Headquarters of the Institute, billed to be established in Kogi State, Nigeria. Shame on all our leaders who have stood in the wheels of progress for Kogi state and Africa as a whole. Posterity will forever judge you all, on the evil side of history.
Prof Gabriel Oyibo was in Kogi State University to unveil his GAGUT Theorem, in 2008, meant to address all human problems, under God’s inspiration. I was barely in my final year when that rare opportunity presented itself. Having followed him closely for over a decade, I was surprised to receive a call from New York, sometimes last year (2018) , 10 years after I sat under his tutelage. I thought it was the usual call from my late Boss, Sen Gen John Shagaya (OFR), who traveled to several countries, all for my sake and to put my initiative on the world map, prior to my governorship declaration in 2018. He was used to calling me his boss, and with all kinds of foreign numbers, notifying me of the progress report on the mega project we were planning to execute. Sen. John Shagaya thought me simplicity, no matter the height one attains. Alas, this time, it was the call of Prof Gabriel Oyibo, who appreciated me for my kind acts of service to humanity and the need to persevere, no matter the cost. He has severally called to remind me that I have been nominated the GAGUT Governorship Candidate for the 2019 Kogi Governorship election slated for November 16, 2019. Intern, i have encouraged him never to give up on his dreams, like Albert Einstein, nobody can stop his dream from seeing the light of day, whether he is alive or not, posterity will forever remember him as the greatest scientist ever lived.
I use this medium to inform the entire world, just like i did 10yrs ago, that nothing can stop a dream, whose origin is God. _For an invasion of an army can be resisted, but not an idea, whose time has come ( Victor_ _Hugo)_ . It doesn’t matter if this world press conference will be blocked by some so called super powers, the way some of my previous publications were blocked on some of our global platforms, just because I, Sunday Bala Oma, chose to align with Prof Gabriel Oyibo’s findings. The world must hear once again, that Africa is set to become the next world power, and Nigeria is central to this. This is not premise on how much guns and arms we have, but on the information that will be saturated in the entire continent, that will make other world countries, to come down to learn. This is going to happen.
6. ALIKO DANGOT. This is a man who loves to dare the impossible. He is an accomplished entrepreneur, whose persistent doggedness has made him Africa’s richest. I had the privilege of doing my Industrial Training at Obajana Cement Company PLC (Dangote Group), where I was honoured with an acknowledgement. I had the blank cheque opportunity to return as a field geologist, after my youth service, I declined because I had a bigger picture of the destination I already envisioned while at age 17. I remain grateful for all i learned. Amongst which is your simplicity and steadfastness, to achieve whatsoever you have set to achieve.
7. PROF. FRANCIS IDACHABA. Prof was and remains a world class professor of high repute. He remains a model to several young people in this 4th Republic, even though he is no more. I was privileged to be acknowledged by him, while an undergraduate, as the only undergraduate to have written and published two books, a decade ago. Your legacies remain fresh on our hearts sir. Sleep on.
8. MARTIN LUTHER KING JNR. Whatever I have become, or whatever I will forever be, cannot be written without the input of a trans-generational leader, who passed on, 15 years before I was launched into mother earth. At age 17, I had read at least 50 inspirational books. Until I came in contact with his books and documentaries. My view about life changed completely in 1999, when I was about leaving secondary school. His vision has helped me define my mission on earth.
It is a mission I am prepared to live for, or if need be, die for, if it has to come to that because of this trans-generational leader, my passion for books has known no bounds, as I have read about 500 books in my sojourn on earth. I realised that not all those who dreamt, lived to see the reality of their dreams. God alone determines that.Here was a man who dreamt in 1968. Few days after declaring his dream, he was gun down by James Earl Ray. 30years after, James Earl Ray, the murderer, died in detention in 1998.
Ten years after James Earl Rays’ demise, exactly 40 years after Rev King Jnr. declared his dream for the American race, the fullness of his dream, saw the light of day, when a black man, became the first ever black American to become the number one citizen of the entire human race. Though his dream killer is being remembered as a murderer, Rev Martin Luther King Jnr. has and will forever be remembered for his dream, achieved via non violent movement. I remain indebted to you and to humanity Sir.
9. LT GEN THEOPHILUS DANJUMA. I met this great leader in 2010, when I was being introduced as an emerging leader, right at his Asokoro residence, in Abuja. It was like a dream to me. In all of our discuss, towards getting a multimillion naira assistance to establish my NGO, back then, known as The Nigerian Dream Foundation, which is now referred to as Sunday Bala Oma Foundation. After all said and done, he concluded with this phrase; GO AND GROW UP! Today, same boy has grown to the point of daring the impossible. I remain grateful for not handing over such sum of money to me back then. I would have been sincerely unprepared for it. Your desire to say the truth, no matter on whose hoax is gored, has remained the albatross of your supposed enemies.
10. UNCLE GBILE AKANNI. In my search for purpose, I came across a man and father, whose love and commitment to God was unfathomable. His simplicity in life and his deep insight in the knowledge of God and His word was exceptional. In my search for true purpose of existence, i will travel miles away, not minding if it was close to Semester exams, just to seat and hear this humble Man of God speak. God’s word will hit me as if, the meeting or conference was arranged, just for me. In 2004, when the youth conference for students tagged “STUDENT CONGRESS” was organized by Peace House, Gboko, we were the first undergraduate students to attend. The theme for that year was “NOW THAT YOU ARE YOUNG”. This program was all I needed to get focused and determined to pay the price of leadership. Since 2002 when I first attended Ministers Leadership Retreat, Gboko, my life has never remained the same. Thank you sir, for choosing to let go all, just to be a tool for reshaping generational leaders, in all spheres of human endeavours.
The list may go on and on, but for want of space and time. My special appreciation goes to the following organizations that were part of my remoulding, to become whom God destined me to be and for whom I have become. These are;
1. My family: The Alfas, Balas, Dansumas, Edogbos and Augustine’s families. I remain forever grateful to all those who belong to this “Olopu” ancestral lineage.
2. Command Children School Jos, under the then Head Mistress, Mrs E. Umoren. Thank you.
3. Command Secondary School, Jos under the then Commandant Brig Gen Atere (rtd) and all other Commandants, staff and students. You believed in me when I was elected Annex B House Captain as well as the then FCS President. Thank you.
4. My ECWA Family – Worldwide, with particular reference to my children and Teens teachers. The immediate past Reverend, Joshua Tuwan, as well as the current leadership under Rev Charles Dah of ECWA Goodnews Church, 54 Ahmadu Bello Way, Jos, Nigeria. God bless you all.
5. Chapel of Victory , ATBU, Bauchi. Where I served in NIFES. I am grateful for all the assistance in kind and cash. God bless you all.
6. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, under the then Vice Chancellor Prof Sambo. Where I finished remedial studies but was never admitted due to an error in names “two persons bearing Bala Sunday”, of which was no fault of ours. If I hadn’t left, i might not have found bearing to life’s purpose.
7. Eternity Ministries. Under the leadership of Dr Ferdinand Nweke. A Commando of the 82 (Pioneer set). Same year I was launched into mother earth. You helped me found my bearing in life. You assisted me, when I didn’t have anyone to look up to. I remain forever grateful Sir.
8. Kogi State University, Anyigba. Thank you for shaping my life in the department of earth sciences (Geology), the NIFES Fellowship family where I served as Bible Study Facilitator, as well as Chapel of Restoration, under the leadership of Evang. Tokumbo Salami. Your labour of love, will never go unrewarded sir.
9. Command Jos Old students Association, under the current National President Kasumu Ademola and the Jos Chapter Chairman Engr Femi Akinpelu. To the immediate past National President, who doubles as the 2019 Presidential Candidate for YPP, Sir Victor Okhai as well as the man I worked under as state chairman Prof Simon Yiltok. You all are amazing. To all the members across the World, who have contributed to making me who I have become, thank you.
10. Apostle Prof Ademu Idama Fasting Festival. Thank you sir for the tedious work done on me, i forever remain indebted to my generation and generations yet unborn. Continue to rest in Gods bosom.
11. Gospel Inn Ministries Ugwolawo. Under the leadership of Pastor Ameh Amana. I thank God for the grace of God upon your life. I appreciate your labour of love in Anne Igala.
12. Living Faith Church Worldwide. Thank you Bishop Oyedepo for the numerous opportunities I had to seat under your tutelage, directly or indirectly.
13. Dunamis Church Int’l Thank you Dr Paul Enenche for your sincere and frank teachings. They have formed part of what I have become.
14. Redeem Christian Church of God. Thank you Pst. E.A Adeboye. You have remained a model for generations and those yet unborn. I remain grateful sir. I appreciate the rare opportunity given to me, to serve as Associate Pastor, over there in Bayelsa state, while serving as a Corps Member. Thank you for this rare trust and partnership.
15. Gospel Pillars International: Thank you for impacting in me. Thank you Pst Wesley, Pst. Peace Adame and all those who haven’t stopped praying for me. I appreciate.
16. Special thanks to the following organizations, for finding me worthy to be given Awards and Honors both Nationally and Internationally. These are:A. LEAP Africa for the Fellows awardB. International Youth Foundation (Youth Action Net), Maryland USA, for the Fellows Award.C. NYSC/MDGs Local Govt., Bayelsa State and National Honors, for my contribution to humanity. Thank you also for the opportunity to serve as the Corps Liaison Officer.
I wont forget so soon, the partnership between NYSC and INEC in 2011, that exposed me to my first ever political assignment as a Polling Officer, both for the Presidential and Governorship elections. Our firm resolve never to compromise, was recognized by INEC headquarters, which led to few of us in Bayelsa state, being recruited for the rerun Governorship election in Delta state, where I still served as Polling Officer. Thanks to Brig Gen Tsiga (the then NYSC DG and Prof Attahiru Jega (former INEC Chairman), for this trust.D. I appreciate National Institute of Management Consultants, Worldwide, for nominating me for double honors. FIMC – Fellow, Institute of Management Consultant & CMC – Certified Management Consultant. I do not take these honors for granted.
17. To all the foreign universities, hosting my books as research materials, I remain grateful. University of California, Indiana University, North Western University, New York Public Library System, as well as Stanford University, all based in the United States of America. I feel fulfilled.
18. Very special thanks to the Team at Sunday Bala Oma Foundation. Its been ten years of faith work. Leaving the good pleasures of accepting Federal Government Job as well as other openings, for the purpose of raising selfless leaders, is a task that could be summed up as ; THUS FAR, HAS THE LORD HELPED US. Time and space won’t allow me mention names. The students, staff, volunteers and Registered Trustees, I say thank you. The Patron- Elder Aniefiok Ukobo, you have being an amazing pillar. God bless you. To our Matron- Mrs Victoria Lot, we remain grateful to you. To our Grand patron, Lt Gen Joshua Dogonyaro (CFR), God bless you sir.
19. To my political family; The Middle Belt Congress under the leadership of Hon Minzo Gadzama, the Prince Abubakar Audu Political family, the Middle Belt Liberation Group as well as Kogi State Liberation Group, all under my leadership. I say God bless you all. How can I forget my current and ever dogged Campaign Council, with 15 Departments, and 48 Council Members, ensuring and working tirelessly, so I emerge, not only as the consensus candidate, but to become the next governor, come November 16th 2019. I lack words to express how grateful i am to all your sacrifices.
20. To all our partners; The United States Embassy; LEAP Africa; Abuja Global Shapers; Teach A Man To Fish, United Kingdom; and the several Schools, Organizations, States and Federal Governments we have partnered with, I say thank you, on behalf of our organization.
Finally, to God Almighty, who have made it possible for me to leave all, to follow Him, not knowing where the way leads, but very confident of the One leading me. I say to you be all the praise, glory and honor forevermore, amen.
In conclusion, I see a Kogi state on or before 2030, hosting the World’s largest entrepreneurship Institute. I foresee a new Nigeria on or before 2050, where 80% of Nigerian communities, will have basic access to the fundamental needs of life for their enjoyment. Amongst which are portable water, good infrastructures, quality education, constant power as well as quality health care delivery services. This is going to happen because whatsoever happens in the mind, will happen in time, since the mind is the drawing board for tomorrow’s circumstances. It takes just two to bring about transformation which is God and you. You must arise and become the change you want to see. For if you do not see a problem solved in your mind, that problem will remain. Transformation in this generation is inevitable, because God is the author of transformation.
As you celebrate 20 years of uninterrupted democracy, you must know that you have a daily role to play. For the greatest of all tears, shed over graves, are for words left unsaid, and deeds, left undone. Never you leave what you ought to do today, for the morrow, because no one, not even I, will live forever.
Being a world press conference delivered by Sunday Bala Oma, Kogi state 2019 governorship aspirant, on the 20th anniversary of our democratic dispensation in the fourth republic (1999-2019).
Delivered this day, Wednesday, 29th May, 2019.
