By Evongwa Ogechi Manneseh
Agba Jalingo, you have been a great asset to our nation, and we are grateful. Today is your birthday and I thank God for your life. I wish you a Happy birthday and a prosperous new decade. May the year 2020 and the new decade be a period that will be safer and less challenging for you and all journalists. I know many others who stand for the truth and fight against injustice and for the progress of our nation. But what makes you standout is the passion with which you do it, to the peril of your life.
The year 2019 and the last decade was not an easy period for you and some journalists on the continent. Many of your colleagues lost their lives in the line of duty. Many others were imprisoned. Others were physically abused. But do not be deterred. You should remain resolute. Gandhi teaches us that the best “way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of humanity.” Much of your service to humanity is not known, but the little some of us know makes it a pride to be associated with you.
As you enter the new year and decade, please be reminded of the crises you face and resolve to deal with them decisively.
The challenges may be many but be always remember that you face such arduous challenges not because you seek to enrich yourself. It is because of the importance of your work to society and the threat you pose to those who seek to thrive on corruption and exploitation.
Those who think they can destabilize you with slander, threats, bullying and attacks of all kinds have still not realized that it is from these things that you draw your strength. The more they try, the more they strengthen you. The Omnipotent God has kept you safe from the snares of the known and unknown fowlers.
Keep fighting to do His will and to help shape the conscience of my generation and help build our nation. And to fight the greed and corruption crippling the beautiful country He has given us. Your fight for freedom and justice for our people will not be easy and indeed, no such fight has ever been easy in the history of humanity. With the support of the masses and with God on your side, you shall overcome the challenges confronting us and contribute to building a better future for Nigeria. And I am happy that those who have cash, cars and castles in exchange for human conscience can attest to the whole world that yours is not up for sale.
God bless you greatly as you celebrate the day God blessed Nigeria through the precious womb of your mother
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