ABA, a city very significant in Igboland and Nigeria. The then Japan of Africa. A city that had positively touched lives of many both great and small from all the nooks and crannies of this universe. The pride city of Ngwaland. The main communal abode of Ukwa-Ngwa with its brethren from Old Bende. A place where everyone is free to establish without prejudice.
ABA, a city that was full of unadulterated milk and honey. A city every pupil must cram to pass the General paper subject of the First School Leaving Certificate (FLSC) in the 80s. I remember vividly these questions;
1. Soap industry is at ............ (a) Owerri (b) Umuahia (c) ABA (d) Calabar (e) Enugu
2. Shoe industry is located in .......(a) Port Harcourt (b) ABA (c) Enugu (d) Owerri (e) Ikot Ekpene.
What has become of this city? What has we the youth of this remarkable town down to deserve negligence?
Any hope for Aba?
Dear youth of Aba, have you ever felt that no one cares about or understands what we are going through, let alone how we feel? If so, you may find comfort in this:
God cares so deeply about us the Aba youth. He takes note of all that happens to us as we go about our daily life.
There's a clarion call from many youths of Aba whose rights and privileged are at stake for a radical change in Aba. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Since our elders have failed us, we shall not accept the failure. Let's rise to the challenges. We must not be static in our reasoning. The future of Aba lies on the youths of Aba. All the youths of Aba home and in diaspora , please join this crusade for a RADICAL CHANGE IN ABA. All the youths are important. No talent is a waste. God created every person for a purpose, let no one hinder God's plan for humanity. Better to light a candle than cause the darkness.
Every man has his price. Though we differs in age, sex, religion, status, orientation and all other aspects, but let us strive to complement each other. Though we are different but together let's form a useful or attractive combination of skills, qualities or knowledge to better ABA.
God, we pray for the total liberation of Aba. Save us from the hands of Shylock leaders.
As you can't judge a book by its cover, so shall you not judge my write up without seeing the actions that will follow.
Please pray for all of us that are embarking on this radical change journey. The road is rough but we have accepted to thread on. God shall see us through. Thanks for finding time to read this article. But you owe my one thing; remember me in your daily prayers. Don't fail to recite this prayer if you are an Aba youth.
PRAYER FOR ABA IN DISTRESS
Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ we have received Your power;
ability, efficiency and might to embark on this selfless journey.
Because the holy spirit has come upon us; and we are your instruments in Aba.
We fearlessly, confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace of restoring Aba to its lost glory which is your original plan for the city.
We in the city of ABA critically need it.
We pray to you God of equity, fairness and justice for the welfare of this city and do our part by getting involved in it. We will not let false socio-political leaders and dividers who are in our midst deceive us; we pay no attention and attach no significance to their fake promises. Destroy their schemes, O Lord; confuse their tongues, for we have seen, no infrastructural amenities and underdevelopment, unemployment, crimes and violence and strife in the city of ABA.
Help us to match our words with actions to achieve our objectives. These and more we ask in Jesus name Amen.
