It may come as a surprise to some, but there are 3 Nigerians in the Regional final list for the 2009/10 White House fellows list. Some might ask; Who is a White House fellow? The White House fellow is a special assistant to Senior White House staff and it is a prestigous job with names like Colin Powell and Sanjay Gupta as Alumni. Invariably, only a dozen or so will make 1600 Pennsylvania Road, but to be on this list means you have shown potential for outstanding leadership and you possess proven dedication to service. Well done to Chisaraokwu N. Asomugha, Abimbola T. Omoniyi and Obinna A. Onyeagoro.
Okay, there are 2 more stages to go through; one to choose the 30 National finalists and then another round of interviews to choose the final elite group, but it would be bloody-mindedness to ignore the inclusion of people who look and carry names like us. It is a thing of pride and a reassurance that unlike what our detractors expouse, we do not carry a 'Fraud' gene.
This is very important to note especially in these times, when Nigeria seems to be devoid of well-meaning administrators. Yes, we call a few names as performing capably in their roles, but the mind boggles when you consider the 'wasted generation' of gifted individuals festering on the pile of unused resources and yet we watch our country go to the dogs. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying the White House list means we have reached the zenith of achievement, but it does confirm that we can stand toe to toe with other nations and be proud of our potential.
Evidently, a day will come when all that potential will translate into worthy deeds and Nigeria will occupy its rightful place in the league of nations. Until then, let us do what we do best; Watch and Pray!
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/The-White-House-Announces-Regional-Finalists-for-the-2009-2010-Class-of-White-House-Fellows
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