I have known Japheth Omojuwa from a distance for a long time. It is difficult for me to remember the exact date I came across the name and on what platform. When and how I got to know him is not really important. What is key is the man Japheth himself.

I read an article published on his blog titled ‘Introduction to the average Nigerian’ and I could not but ask myself what this person really wants!  The question came to my mind because I have studied the person of Japheth for a long time and I can confidently say that he is so comfortable. I don’t know if he’s rich but he’s not poor!  As I said earlier, I have been, one of his over 100,000 followers on Twitter so I have read so much from him. I have seen so many pictures of him. I read about many places he has been to around the world and the different kind of audiences he has talked to within and outside the country.  I don’t know Japheth’s background but based on what I have seen from afar, it’s either he was born rich or his hard work has paid off. This is not my area of interest/concern though.

Considering the status (affluence and influence) of this noble young man and his interest in good governance around the globe and particularly his country home- Nigeria, I keep asking what he really wants. We have so many Nigerians who are not as comfortable as Japheth but they seem not to be interested in whatever happens or  what is not happenig in the country. They are well fed and so even if things become worse than they are today, it may have no effect on them. So, why is little Omojuwa putting all his efforts being a social and political activist?  The last time I checked his Twitter profile, he had over 100,000 followers and over 20,000 on Facebook. This young man is well celebrated by many organizations and churches in Nigeria. He has been to many higher institution of learning giving one talk (on governance and politics) or the other. It was amazing to see his recent one man protest at the Ministry of Interior over the death of 17 Nigerian youths during the charade NIS recruitment exercise. He dared all the powers that be and made his mark and presence felt.

In all these struggles for a better society, what does Japheth want? I can bet he is not like some of the so-called human right fighters or activists who lost their voices immediately they were offered one post in the same system they so condemn. Not to go too far, we know who Reuben Abati and Labaran Maku were before they found themselves in government. Some people even said Japheth is a paid agent of the government while some accused him of being used by the opposition. I see Japheth dishing out to both the government and the opposition accordingly. He who pays the pipers they say dictates the tune. So, I dont see where he will play a tune different from what his pay masters dictate. Omojuwa has openly criticized certain elements in the leading opposition political party- APC. The fact that he is seriously against the present government of the PDP led President Goodluck Jonathan is not enough to tag him as agent of the opposition. His hatred for the government is as a result of the failure of the government and nothing more.

What then does this man want? What does he stand to lose if the entity called Nigeria collapses today? I guess nothing. What does he stand to gain if the country gets better? I guess same thing as every other Nigerian stands to gain. I guess his campaign for a better Nigeria is borne out of his patriotism and love for his fatherland. I heard of different attempts to buy him so he could tell lies to his fellow Nigerian youths and paint the government better than it truly is, but he refused to compromise. What a man indeed!!!

This piece is meant to describe Japheth Omojuwa in my own little way but I must confess we have some other young patriots among us. Am proud of Ayobami Oyalowo – @ayourb . I saw a lady with Japheth during the ministry of interior protest. I think her name is Azeenarh. What a courageous young lady!!! My intention for writing this is not to sing praises but to make us think deep. Many of us stand to gain a whole lot if this country gets better and also have all to lose if it goes otherwise, yet we fail to take action. I want to challenge as many people who read this to please show more concern and stand up to be counted. Some people are calling for revolution whether bloody or peaceful, but many of us are always quick to condemn them. Our popular mantra is ‘e go better’. E no go better if we fold our hands and continue to pray without making effort. We need to act and support this selfless young man called Japheth Omojuwa.

@Asiwajuadeyemi

The views expressed above are solely that of the writer and not of Omojuwa.com or its associates.