Beyond the lines — The concept of The Pledge I

THE YOU FACTOR

It sounds lovely when chorused, fun when used sarcastically, but powerful when recited by those who understand it’s lines and are sincere with every word they declare. The Nigerian National Pledge was carefully and thoughtfully written by Prof (Mrs.) Felicia Adeyoyin to fuel a nationality consciousness amongst citizens. This 5-part weekly series will be giving us an expository to the force embedded in between those few lines.

As bright and beautiful as the crown of a tree can be, it is worthless without its roots. Regardless of their seemingly invincibility, they are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, storing food, as well as anchoring the tree to the soil and keeping it steady. Likewise goes for citizens, we have everything it takes to give life to, or take it away from the country. Our actions may not be seen, but they'll definitely be felt. It will therefore be irresponsibility to conclude that nothing about the country touches on you. Your significance as a citizen is second to none; without you, the country will only be a landmass.

The words "I" and "My" were particularly stated to personalise your membership and validate your ownership. You didn't make the pledge on behalf of someone else, or to some other country; in fact, a root is structurally configured to hold up the plant it belongs to. Your office as the citizen is the most important, your actions matter, your voice matters, your decisions matter, you matter in Nigeria.