A Humbling Feedback

As a rule, I don’t publish ‘fan mails’ in my column even when I receive many on a weekly basis. I, however, crave the indulgence of readers to publish a recent admonition that I found both uplifting and humbling at the same time. I am posting it because it may also benefit someone, especially in a season when encouragements and kind words are in short supply.

Upon receiving a particular video clip about a public official, I forwarded it to some of my contacts with a pithy two-line comment about the level to which our country had been reduced. But not long after, I got a reply from Mr. Ferdinand Agu, an architect but easily one of the most profound Nigerian thinkers around.

Agu’s comment: “Ordinarily, it would not be difficult to agree with your comment on the video. In fact, I could well have said what you wrote or I could accept it from some other persons; but not from you, Segun. You have to realize that at this moment in time, you cannot afford to join the rest of us in despair or cynicism about Nigeria. You are one of the few people with the capacity and platform to lift our national gaze to a vista beyond this south-bound course of the present state of affairs. You can make a lot of us to look at the stars instead of bemoaning the gutter in which we are all stuck. That is why I endeavour to send you inspirational clips or pieces of writing. You must keep your aim high, your heart pure and your head focused on the best there is in us. With that spirit, and in that mode, you will continue to inspire us as you are uniquely gifted to do. That is your calling. Be faithful to it.”

I thank my brother, Ferdinand Agu for that inspiring and uplifting message. I won’t forget!