TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST AFRICAN AND LESSONS TO AFRICAN LEADERS

Dear Dr. Nelson Mandela Madiba, the greatest African that has ever lived, the symbol of human rights and activism, the man who went under severe incarceration for what he believed in, the tallest freedom fighter amongst few dwarfs, the man who was put behind bars for 27 years for asking for freedom of his people of South African origin, the symbol of tenacity, love and frugality, the greatest voice in a rowdy market square and the silence that removed the white minority apartheid rulers. Even when you were under severe incarceration for 27 years you taught us how not to give up in especially when fighting a good course. You redefined the concept of leadership as simply service to humanity.

However, it’s quite unfortunate that most African leaders are yet to key-in in your exemplary style of leadership. The likes of Idi Amin of Uganda, Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire died without recognizing this fact. It might also interest you to note that your neighbour, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, our neighbour, Paul Biya of Cameroon are yet to understand the fact that leadership is a call to service and not to be served. When most African leaders were seen as semi-gods, you humbled yourself in an isolated Island, not for your freedom but for the freedom of your people. History lives from generation to generation and so shall you live till eternity. A lot of people are of the opinion that you are dead, but I know you are not dead and can never die.

Epitome of freedom Madiba, we know that you are already resting in the presence of the creator because you did not only fight for the poor but you stood by the poor and vulnerable. You were branded a dangerous terrorist but time and faith, tenacity and goodwill prevail over irrational and racial monsters who believed that white is beautiful while black is unimaginable. Am happy you outlived Margret Thatcher the so called Iron lady and most of them who made sure some part of your live were filled with agony. I refer to you as greatest African because greatness can be found in the most silence humility, perseverance and love for the downtrodden. As we celebrate you today dearest Comrade, may we young ones identify and utilize the intrinsic zeal that made you the champion of mankind, toll that line of honour for the benefit of all Africans especially the downtrodden. I certainly know that you are resting in peace and I also know that you are not dead.

Farewell my Hero,

Farewell the greatest African,

Farewell the definition of humanity,

Till we meet again to the glory of God!!!

LONG LIVE DR. NELSON MANDELA MADIBA!!!!!!

YOURS’ JUNIOR BROTHER, COMRADE PRIMUS CASTRO