Reflecting on Humility and Patriotism: Celebrating Uncle Chido at 60

Uncle Chido, as he is affectionately known by his younger associates and mentees, stands out as one of the most humble individuals I have had the privilege to encounter. His humility is not merely an outward appearance but a deeply ingrained quality that shapes his demeanor and interactions. This characteristic is likely to be a recurring theme in the many tributes that will mark his 60th birthday.

My acquaintance with Uncle Chido began in 2010 during the planning stages for the 2011 general elections. I joined a group of dedicated young individuals supporting Mallam Nuhu Ribadu's presidential campaign. Uncle Chido was one of two exceptional individuals I met who worked closely with our volunteer movement, Team Ribadu. The other was Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, referred to as Uncle Dapsy, who is the publisher of Premium Times and CEO of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).

It later became clear that both Uncle Chido and Uncle Dapsy had prior experience working with Mallam Ribadu when he led the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). While Uncle Dapsy served as Mallam Ribadu's chief of staff, Uncle Chido was the founding coordinator of the Crime Prevention Unit, also known as the Fix Nigeria Initiative. In this capacity, he led initiatives aimed at mobilizing civil society against corruption and fostering a culture of accountability around the EFCC's anti-graft efforts. This program successfully linked the EFCC with NGOs, media outlets, and the public, thus strengthening citizen involvement in the anti-corruption agenda, demonstrating Uncle Chido's foresight and dedication to public accountability.

During the presidential campaign, Uncle Chido, alongside Uncle Dapsy, placed significant trust in the energy and potential of young people. They provided encouragement, assistance, and invaluable experience and insights. With their support, we were able to mobilize young Nigerians nationwide in favor of Mallam Ribadu's candidacy. This period revealed Uncle Chido's profound commitment to the vision of a reformed and functional Nigeria. I observed his genuine enthusiasm for empowering young individuals, alongside other defining qualities such as loyalty, gentle courage, quiet fearlessness, and unblemished honesty.

Uncle Chido is also a genuinely detribalized Nigerian. This attribute was unfortunately misunderstood during the former President Buhari administration, leading to his brief detention and questioning by the State Security Service (SSS) due to the title of his book, "We Are All Biafrans." A thorough reading of the book would have clarified that it was not an advocacy for secession but rather a critical examination of the economic marginalization experienced by many Nigerians across various ethnic and regional lines.

The core thesis of the book posits that Nigeria's societal structure is fundamentally flawed, and many of the nation's persistent crises stem from this inherent weakness. In the essays compiled between 2013 and 2016, Uncle Chido employs "Biafra" as a symbolic representation rather than a call for secession. His argument is that numerous communities throughout Nigeria experience feelings of marginalization or exclusion; in this context, "we are all Biafrans" refers to citizens who feel alienated by the nation's governance and structure. This deep concern for Nigeria's future is evident in his extensive writings, including "60 Voices at 60," a book published to mark Nigeria's 60th independence anniversary, which explored reflections and potential solutions to the country's enduring challenges.

Undeniably, Uncle Chido exemplifies a truly patriotic Nigerian. I consider myself fortunate to know him and to have developed a relationship with him. He has served as a significant inspiration to many of us younger compatriots, consistently urging us to maintain faith in Nigeria and to persevere in our pursuit of its inherent greatness. It is uncommon to spend time with Uncle Chido without the conversation naturally turning to Nigeria—its difficulties and the prospects for overcoming them. His work in the media and information literacy sectors is fueled by a strong dedication to fostering an informed and responsible citizenry. In every respect, he is a model Nigerian.

One personal quality of Uncle Chido that has deeply resonated with me is his steadfast loyalty to friends, particularly during times of need. If he is in town, he will invariably make time to attend and support significant moments in the lives of those close to him. He has graced my conferences and even personal events, such as naming ceremonies. I have witnessed him extend this same support to many others, standing by colleagues during joyous occasions as well as times of grief. Uncle Chido is, in essence, a beautiful human being, and I am profoundly grateful that our paths have crossed.

Thank you, Uncle Chido, for embodying remarkable and enduring humility; for being a true and exemplary Nigerian; for believing in the capabilities and potential of young people; and for consistently supporting those dedicated to building a better nation. Thank you for your transparent honesty and integrity, and for being, in all aspects, a true gentleman.

I pray for many more years of good health, wisdom, and prosperity for you. May you live to witness Nigeria, and indeed the entire African continent, transcend its current challenges and realize its full potential, in Jesus' name. Amen!!!

Happy 60th birthday, Uncle Chido.

Olumide Fred’ Adetiba is the co-founder and executive director of the Madiba Foundation for Good Governance, Abuja.