As we set our sights on 2009, many people have scribbled down what they intend to achieve in this New Year, hoping to consign their disappointments of the previous 12 months to the dustbin of history.
For me, 2008 was not a bad year, despite a few hitches, most notably the crash of the global economy, the deportation of some Nigerians who had nobody to speak for them (especially their ambassador), and a few insults from a handful of racists through verbal and written actions.
But on the positive side, I thank God that Barack Obama won the US presidential election, a Master’s degree is in the bag for me, and many hardliners against Africa and Africans are beginning to realise that they are not so different from us after all. Like many others, I faced hardship with the high cost of living in Dublin, but to God be the glory I hope that as we look forward to a bountiful 2009, it shall definitely be well with us.
Among the events that touched me and those who read my column was surely the election of Barack Obama to the highest political office in the world. Why did I choose it among the numerous issues that made 2008 tick?
It’s simple. To me, Obama’s victory represents what I call the ‘conquest of inertia’, which seems to have opened up a desire for unity across the globe. According to Time magazine, which named him its person of the year for 2008, Obama “hit the American scene like a thunderclap, upended the politics, shattered decades of conventional wisdom and overcame centuries of the social pecking order.” In doing so, he also serves as an example to people the world over that they might rise above their challenges to achieve their hopes and dreams.
It is my wish to usher all my readers into this New Year with a libation for success and prosperity in your future endeavours. And as I champion the inclusion of my African people in the process of integration, I also enjoin them to stay focused as responsible guests and citizens of a great and new Ireland. It is important to stay out of trouble and not reinforce a bad image of the wider immigrant community.
At the same time, as the credit crunch leaves distress in its wake, it is very important that we commit ourselves to the art of resourcefulness and financial prudence. Metro Éireann offers very useful tips on surviving this difficult time; you should make the most of this wise advice.
So what do we expect from Ireland in 2009, especially from the big boys and girls in the Dáil? We want a greater participation in all the processes of integration and State life of Ireland. We want a black garda. We want a redirection of the funding for deportation of Nigerians to more important sectors. We want a new campaign of respect for people of different cultures to enjoy their stay here, whether temporary or permanent. Surely we can achieve this.
As we thank God for this New Year, may all your positive wishes come true. Happy New Year!
Ukachukwu Okorie is originally from Nigeria. He has recently completed an MA in Globalisation at Dublin City University, and writes a weekly column for Metro Éireann
olumoukachukwu@yahoo.com
