By Tunji Ogabi There are moments in the life of a nation when gratitude is not merely appropriate; it is necessary. The successful rescue...
By Tunji Ogabi
There are moments in the life of a nation when gratitude is not merely appropriate; it is necessary. The successful rescue of the school children, their teachers, and other victims abducted months ago is one of those moments. Today, families once overwhelmed by fear can finally embrace their loved ones again. For this, Nigeria gives thanks.
A few months ago, I wrote an article titled "Mr. President, History Is Watching," urging the Federal Government to spare no effort in securing the safe return of the victims. Like millions of Nigerians, I believed that beyond the politics, beyond the headlines, and beyond the differing opinions, every innocent life mattered. Today, we celebrate because those lives have been brought home.
Mr. President, your administration deserves commendation for remaining focused on this mission. The successful operation demonstrates what is possible when political will is matched with the professionalism, courage, and sacrifice of our security agencies. While many may choose to dwell on political narratives, countless Nigerian families are simply grateful that their children and loved ones are alive.
Our deepest appreciation goes to the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces, the intelligence community, the Nigeria Police Force, and every security operative who participated in this difficult operation. Their courage under dangerous conditions reminds us that there are still patriots who daily put their lives on the line so that others may live in peace.
As we celebrate, we must also bow our heads in honour of the brave soldier who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. We remember, too, those who returned with physical injuries and the unseen psychological scars that often accompany such missions. Their sacrifices will forever remain part of the price paid for our nation's security, and Nigeria owes them an enduring debt of gratitude.
Our thoughts equally remain with the victims whose ordeal has thankfully come to an end. Though reunited with their families, many will carry emotional wounds that may take time to heal. May God grant them strength, comfort, and complete restoration as they rebuild their lives.
Mr. President, this victory must not signal the end of the campaign, it should mark the beginning of an even more determined national offensive against kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and every form of violent criminality. The pressure on these criminal networks must not relent. Their financiers, collaborators, informants, and sponsors must equally be identified and brought to justice. The Nigerian people deserve lasting peace, not temporary relief.
Leadership is often judged by how it responds in moments of adversity. Amid economic reforms, political contestation, and intense public scrutiny, you have continued to press forward. While criticism remains an essential part of every democracy, so too is the responsibility to acknowledge progress whenever it is achieved. This successful rescue is one such achievement.
Many Nigerians remain hopeful that your administration's security reforms, economic transformation agenda, and governance initiatives will continue to bear fruit. As peace gradually returns to troubled communities and the dividends of democracy become more evident in the daily lives of citizens, confidence will grow, and more Nigerians will rally behind the collective task of nation-building.
History rarely remembers leaders for the comfort of their times; it remembers those who confronted enormous challenges with courage and resolve. If your administration sustains this momentum, strengthening security, deepening reforms, and expanding economic opportunities, it may well be remembered as one that helped steer Nigeria through one of the most demanding periods in its modern history.
As our nation advances on its journey of economic renewal and its aspiration toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy, may God grant you wisdom, strength, good health, and the courage to remain steadfast. May He guide every decision that advances peace, prosperity, justice, and national unity.
Congratulations once again, Mr. President, to our gallant security personnel, and to every Nigerian family that has been reunited with their loved ones. This victory belongs to the nation. May it be the first of many, until every corner of Nigeria is safe, secure, and free from the grip of those who seek to undermine our peace.
Prince Tunji Ogabi
Public Administrator, Public Affairs
Commentator & Community Development Advocate
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