MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF

ORGANIZATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF NIGERIANS

(O.A.N. INC.)

 Congratulations to all on this occasion of the 45th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

As Nigeria forges ahead in a new direction, she needs to renew her goals, reshapes her perspectives, and recognizes the responsibilities to her citizens. However, this job falls on the shoulders of us all, both in and out of government. We all have great hopes and vision for our country. For those hopes and vision to become realities, deep commitment, selfless efforts and systematic continuity are basic requisites.

A builder shall I be

The greatness of Nigeria rests on the shoulders of all. We need to look ourselves in the mirror and ask one homogeneous question: What have I contributed to the uplifting of my beloved Nigeria? And pledge to the nation: A builder shall I be, not a destroyer. We should consolidate our energy and join hands together to move the country forward.

We are all stakeholders in the success of Nigeria. The more successful the nation becomes, the higher the intrinsic value of our stakes. And we will all reap the benefits of the dividends of sound education, better health care, improved infrastructure, more employment opportunities, mind-at-peace safety and security.

Put The People First

The responsibilities of nation building rest squarely with the leadership as well as the citizenry. As we prepare for the imminent 2007 elections, potential candidates must be cognizant of the fact that the people are clamoring for leadership that will continue the forward-ever march. Years of sojourning in the wilderness are over. Integrity, transparency, accountability, and selfless service to the people of Nigeria must be the focus of our leaders. There is a valuable lesson in the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

An estimated 10 million Nigerians in the Diaspora must contribute to the nation building. Absentee ballots need to be provided for the 2007 elections to involve Nigerians away from home in electing the future administrators of their country. Absentee balloting is doable, possible, and the machinery must be put in place for the 2007 elections. It is an inalienable right of every qualified Nigerian to vote.

Stability and Sustainability

There is an evolutionary effect from Stability to Sustainability. Stable government and stable economy will yield Sustainability, i.e., Growth, Development, Productivity. Our beloved Nigeria is blessed with both human and natural resources. In the 70s, Nigeria was rising up the ascending scale of development with potentials to shed the yoke of underdeveloped nations. What happened? It is no use to dwell on the missteps of the past; however, the lessons learned should shape our perspectives and lay the building blocks of future greatness.

Nigeria has the requisite resources to provide quality education, adequate health care, higher employment opportunities, safety and security for her people and property.

To paraphrase a Yoruba adage: The uplifting of the lowly we ask for, not the downfall of the great. The extermination of the happiest people on the face of the earth and the most populous black nation, as predicted by doomsayers, will never come to pass. It is a task for all to ensure that the giant of Africa does not lose her big footing.

Unity and Progress

Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians, in collaboration with other Nigerian organizations, has been working relentlessly and selflessly showcasing the positive image of our homeland since 1991 when we started the Nigeria Independence Day Parade. In 2003 we introduced the Naija Youth Network, which is a forum where our Nigerian youths meet, network, get to know each other, and develop strong ties of brotherhood and sisterhood. We annually organize OAN Family Picnic for the entire community. Strong families are the backbone of a strong community. We are working tirelessly to build a united and formidable community that will collectively effect positive as well as progressive changes in our fatherland. We invite all Nigerians to join hands with us to carry Nigeria high and continue showing the world her greatness.

God bless Nigeria!!!!! Long live Nigeria!!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!!

Michael Adeniyi
President

*For information on OAN, please contact Mike Adeniyi at (646) 489-5341; Peter Usiomwanta at (718) 410-0815; or visit our website at www.oanweb.org