FULL TEXT: Speech delivered by Nigeria's bomb victims chairman at launching of BVAN
Speech by Mr. Olatunji Kayode Oladele the Chairman of Bomb Victims Association of Nigeria (BVAN) delivered on 8th September 2015 at the public launch of the Association
Protocol
The tree of liberty must be watered time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants – Thomas Jefferson (1786)
With heavy heart mixed with the joy of survival, I welcome you all to this important but sober gathering of well-wishers. The fact of sudden and unexpected truncation of hopes and aspirations, limbs and life can be trauma that last eternity not only to the victim but to his or her family, dependents and associates. I am among the lucky victims of detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices in various parts of Nigeria in recent years.
Many of the victims are dead and there is general dispute as to the actual number of victims. But it is agreed that victims both living and dead numbered tens of thousands. While some victims have been disabled permanently, others have been displaced from their usual places of abode and yet others are either nursing their wounds or are in various stages of deteriorating medical condition. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that at least 2.5 million Nigerians are internally displaced.
To the victims, we can’t change the past, whatever has happened so far in your life both good and bad cannot be altered. All the decisions and incidences that made you what you are today are indelibly inscribed in the story of your life, but with God’s help us can change the future and the future does not have to be a copy of the past. So the victims must learn to forgive the society that neglected them. They must move with determination and focus for a better tomorrow. There is light at the end of the long tunnel. We must forge on with courage and determination with the assistance of our fellow country men and women.
Public sympathy has been inchoate, uncoordinated and chaotic. All government programs for alleviation have so far been implemented without inputs or involvement of able victims of bomb explosions. This is uncharitable.
Today, we call on fellow citizens to hear the voice of innocent victims left by the State to languish in their agony.
The decision to form an association that will cater for and protect the rights and welfare of victims of bomb explosions became imperative as it was increasingly clear that unless we take the bull by the horn, we the victims will remain in eternal agony.
In Abuja, you all recall the Bombing of the UN building, the bombing of police headquarters, the twin bombing in Nyanya, the Independence Day bombing near Eagle square, the Suleja and Madallah bombings. Besides these, the daily horrendous and callous bombings in Borno, Yobe Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano and Plateau States leaves behind hundreds of victims that are without reprieve.
The Bomb Victim Association of Nigeria been the only registered and recognized body was formed as a result of our fears, not fears of the souls lost, nor the permanent scars and trauma that unite us, but the fear of being forgotten. Nigeria and Nigerians tend to forget easily. It is high time that we celebrated the dead by giving them a memorial. They are heroes and heroines who lost their lives so that the rest of the society may enjoy freedom.
We seek your sympathy and assistance in numerous areas which includes securing an office space, financial support and logistics to raise the hopes and meet the needs of those nursing wounds, suffering from partial and permanent disabilities and displaced victims as a result of bombings. We need to show love, care and supports by devising means of catering for children, widows and widowers left behind by those who died for our freedom. The society is therefore called upon to recognize the existence of this variety of beleaguered compatriots, both young and old. Victims of violent extremism must not themselves be driven into violence and retaliation by societal neglect.
There are two kinds of roads, the road that leads upward and the one that leads downward which can be very fast but dangerous while the upward road is very slow but promising for greater heights. As for you, my brothers and sisters, there is only one way, and that is Up!
It is when we persevere that we can get there from here! Remember the Zulu saying:
“If you want to go fast, Go Alone, but if you want to go far, Go together”. Victims of bombing in whatever shade must stick together for a common course.
Distinguish invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, this speech cannot be complete if we fail to acknowledge the contribution of those personalties that toiled day and night and put in all their efforts to see to the realization of this day. Without these people we wouldn’t have been here today.
Notably among is our mentor Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman human right commission, from the deepest part of our heart we appreciate you. Also not forgetting Miss Omelogo Nnadi who put her best to give us wider coverage, Mr. David Anyaele and our able members we equally appreciate you and may the lord reward all your efforts.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Olatunji Kayode Oladele,
BVAN Chairman.
