Excellence Emancipates

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When I read in several Nigerian newspapers that Temilade Openiyi, known in the music industry as Tems, won the Grammy Award for her category, I said to myself, “There is a limit to which discrimination ignores excellence.”

Beginning with historical characters, Joseph would have died as a prisoner for the alleged sexual abuse of his master’s wife. His rare ability to interpret the King's dreams with 100% accuracy while in prison fetched him recognition and set him free. Even while he was a slave before his imprisonment, Joseph stood out of the pack due to his character and pursuit of excellence. Potiphar, his master, recognized him and appointed him as a manager.

The same recognition was the fate of Daniel, who was said to have an excellent spirit. While in exile in Babylon, the light of excellence in him shone so brightly that the King made him a “Governor-General” to whom other Governors who were citizens reported. 

In our time, more than two centuries ago, during the dark days of slavery in the United States of America and other imperialist countries, slaves who demonstrated a sense of industry, especially if they could read and write, suffered lesser punishments than their cohorts. 

Excellence sets one free. It may tarry; ultimately, excellent persons earn their reward. Therefore, it is not surprising to see Nigerian artistes and athletes getting their due recognition on the world stage after performing outstandingly well in their trade.

It is a message to everyone that the world has no choice but to give room to persons who know what they are doing, who are ready to pay the price and delay the gratification that robs people of achieving their purpose.

Congratulations, Tems and previous Nigerians, who have placed Nigeria on the World Map for excellence.

  

  


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