OCTOBER 1ST, A DATE SHARED BY NIGERIA AND CHINA!

As Nigeria and China celebrate their respective independence day anniversaries today, Icheoku says, happy independence anniversaries to both countries! We wish them well and pray that Nigeria tackle with seriousness, her pandemic corruption; while China takes additional steps in permitting dissenting opinions as well as enable additional political freedom to evolve in China.

Today October 1st, 2009, Nigeria turned 49 while China turned 69. Both countries, fortunately enough, have come of age and Icheoku expects nothing short of actions by fully grown, grey-haired countries productively participating in the affairs of the world. May you both become more proactive responsible countries and hands-on members of the comity of nation, actively participating in a positive way and becoming more fully engaged towards resolving world's numerous and very challenging problems.

To Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua and Chinese President Hu Jintao, Icheoku says, on behalf of the people of Nigeria and China, please accept our hearty felicitations on this occasion of the anniversary of your political birth in October 1st 1960 and 1949 respectively. But please be assured that our eyes on your activities will not blink, as we continue to try to 'keep you honest' (CNN Anderson Cooper credited); that you may continue to improve and be a more responsible government, both to your people and the world in general. Once again, congratulations on your independence anniversary!