MUSA-ODODO ABDULRAHAMAN
BELOVED NIGERIANS, LET US LEARN FROM THE ANCIENT LANDMARKS
On the 7th of October, 1960 – standing before the world at the podium of the United Nations – our revered First Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, uttered words that were not merely diplomatic niceties, but a universal proclamation of Nigeria’s ordained destiny. He said:
“Cooperation is for each man to be true to his religious belief and to reaffirm the basic principles of his particular creed. It may be that, when we hear the world crying out for peace, we may receive the inspiration to deal with these intractable problems and be able to really devote all our resources to the advancement of mankind by applying those eternal truths which will inevitably persist long after we ourselves are utterly forgotten.”
This was not an ordinary speech. It was a prophetic declaration, a moral compass, and a national covenant. Papa Balewa was pointing Nigeria toward a destiny grounded in something deeper than politics, deeper than ethnicity, deeper even than nationality – the eternal truths that sustain every civilization, uphold every righteous nation, and empower every people who aspire toward greatness.
Today, as Nigerians facing profound challenges, we must return to this ancient landmark. We must re-anchor our collective destiny upon these enduring truths and reclaim Balewa’s charge to the world.
WHAT ARE THESE “ETERNAL TRUTHS”?
The Foundations of Any Civilization and Nationhood
“Eternal truths” are not theories, ideologies, or temporary political slogans. They are the timeless principles upon which every enduring civilization has stood:
- Truth and Justice – the soul of human society
Civilizations collapse wherever injustice becomes normal. Nations rise wherever truth, fairness, and equity guide public life.
- Unity of Purpose – the covenant that binds people into a nation
A nation is not formed by geography but by shared vision. Without unity of purpose, no society can cultivate aspirations or sustain development.
- Human Dignity – the recognition that every human carries divine worth
Where human dignity is protected, creativity blossoms, harmony flourishes, and peace becomes possible.
- Moral Discipline and Responsibility – the backbone of leadership
No great civilization was built by indiscipline. They were built by men and women who chose restraint, order, sacrifice, conscience, and duty over selfishness.
- Dialogue and Wisdom – the ancient instrument of resolving conflict
Dialogue is not weakness; it is the most powerful spiritual tool ever known to humanity. It is the foundation of peace, order, stability, and national transformation.
These are the eternal truths Balewa pointed toward – truths that will remain long after we ourselves are forgotten.
THE MEANING OF “DIALOGUE WITH WISDOM”
The Spiritual and Philosophical Pillar of National Healing
Dialogue with Wisdom is more than conversation. It is more than negotiation. It is more than conference or debate. It is a sacred precept, rooted in the deepest spiritual and philosophical traditions of humanity:
- Spiritually
Dialogue with Wisdom is the act of listening before speaking; seeking understanding before judgment; choosing peace over ego; and allowing truth to guide action. Every major religion teaches this principle – from the prophets of old, to the sages of Africa, to the philosophers of Greece, to the modern leaders who shaped the world.
- Philosophically
It means resolving conflicts through reason, reflection, fairness, and the humility to accept better ideas. It is a discipline of thinking that produces harmony, clarity, and unity – something that violence, coercion, or political force can never achieve.
- Historically
Every nation that overcame deep crises – Japan after the Meiji Restoration, South Africa after apartheid, Rwanda after genocide, Singapore after collapse – worked through structured, inclusive dialogue. None rose by force alone. Wisdom guided their transformation.
Dialogue with Wisdom is therefore not a slogan; it is a civilizational tool.
It is how societies survive their worst moments and evolve into stronger, more united, and more enlightened nations.
THE EXAMPLE OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS
How Dialogue Helped Nigeria Attain Independence Without Bloodshed
Before independence, Nigeria’s founding fathers found themselves at a historical crossroads. The colonial powers held political control. Nigerians had grievances. Regions were divided by identity and interest. Conflicts could easily have erupted into widespread struggle.
But our founding fathers – Balewa, Azikiwe, Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Herbert Macaulay and others – chose the path of wisdom. They used meekness of wisdom, not confrontation, to negotiate Nigeria’s sovereignty.
- They negotiated, they consulted, they reasoned together.
Even with their differences, they upheld the higher calling of national destiny.
- They subordinated personal ambition to the collective good.
That is Wisdom.
- They refused bitterness, pride, or vengeance.
That is Meekness.
- They secured independence without bloodshed, without war, without the bitterness that marked many other nations.
That is Dialogue with Wisdom.
This was Nigeria’s first great triumph as a people, and it was achieved through the same principle we must return to today.
NIGERIA AT A NEW TURNING POINT
Today, we stand at the cusp of our most significant national transition since independence. Our institutions are strained, our citizens anxious, our unity fragile, and our destiny hanging in the balance.
What we face today cannot be solved by politics alone.
It cannot be solved by force. It cannot be solved by propaganda. It cannot be solved by ethnic sentiment or partisan rivalry.
It can only be solved through a Broad National Dialogue – a Dialogue with Wisdom.
A dialogue where:
Nigerians speak to Nigerians
leaders listen to citizens
grievances are heard with humility
truth is embraced without fear
unity becomes a national covenant
wisdom becomes the guiding light
eternal truths become our foundation again
Just as our founding fathers used Dialogue with Wisdom to secure independence, we must use Dialogue with Wisdom to secure Stability, Unity, and our National Rebirth.
This is the only remedy for our national malady.
This is the path to a New Nigeria.
This is the Call of Destiny!
Shepherd of Nigerian Divine Destiny
Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman
Founder, Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE)
Convener, The Conscious Creation of a New Nigeria
Chairman, National Policy Dialogue.
www.nationalpolicydialogue.org
