“LIVE AND LET LIVE”
A KEYNOTE SPEECH BY CHIEF/DR. IFESINACHI UGWUONYE
AT THE EXCLUSIVE LADIES OF ENUGU STATE ASSOCIATION WASHINGTON DC GALA EVENT, ON APRIL 2, 2016 IN MARYLAND, USA
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen;
I salute you on this beautiful night’s gathering in Maryland, to honor these beautiful ladies of this noble Association.
I want to thank the leadership and membership of ELOESA for inviting me to this event, as the Keynote Speaker. Thank you!
My speech tonight revolves around that famous and universal adage; “LIVE and let LIVE”.
As simple as these words sound, and as profound as the meaning goes, it would appear that we often find it sometimes difficult, to really pay attention to that which these words call on us to do. Through this speech, I hope to awaken in us tonight, that responsibility which we owe to one another, in these words. And at the end, I hope that all of us can extend that hand of friendship to one another, in acceptance and tolerance. We can finally say; “You don’t have to be exactly like me to be my friend.” “You are you and I am me; we can co-exist.”
The “Stars” of our World:
We are often drawn to the “happening people”, the “Stars” around us. In so doing, some may forget that which is more important. We begin to compare notes, wanting to be like the “Stars” -the ones everyone is talking about, the “household names”. While some approach them in pure admiration, others regard them with contempt. In all the confusion, we miss something very important. We miss the point that the World is large enough to contain so many stars. We miss the point that all of us are stars. Just stop for a moment and think of how much you have contributed to your environment. You see that without you, so much would have gone undone. That alone makes you a “Star”. You should realize what a great “Star” you are, and celebrate you. Yes, it is very OK to appreciate yourself and your worth. All the people around you are also “Stars” in their own rights. So be kind to yourself and to others.
The “Us” in the US:
As we probably know and agree, over, arguably, 99% of the Nigerians in the US are first generation immigrants. This means that we are still about 99% Nigerians in our way of life. As a people from the Igbo tribe, we behave according to the teachings of our forefathers. But then, we find ourselves also trying to be like the people we live in their lands, the Americans. In an almost confusing step to be what and who we are not, we are caught in-between, and we do things that should not be done. I am talking about the general behavior of paying too much attention to other people’s private business. Almost, if not all issues that arose in our Enugu State gatherings here in the United States can be traced to this problem of wanting to live in your house and in another person’s house at the same time. In Colloquial English, some call it “busy-body.” Or “poke nose”.
Our Legacy to our Children: The Nigerian-Americans:
The reason we form these associations in these far away lands is because we desire to keep that closeness to one another, and to the land we came from, in this case, Enugu State in Nigeria. We also desire to teach our Nigerian-American children the Igbo/Nigerian culture, hoping that they would continue from where we may stop.
I urge you therefore, to begin to show kindness to one another. I urge you to begin to see that you are a beautiful person, created uniquely, and to specification. I urge you to begin to appreciate and love yourself, because it is only after you have achieved self-love and acceptance, that you can find that deep friendship for another. It is only then that you can accept and love one another. You will not lose who you are, but rather, discover a new and better you. This is the most effective way to make your culture attractive to your children.
Be the example they see and desire!
The Right to be Left Alone:
Every adult carries with him or her, this very important Right. It calls on all of us to treat people with dignity and respect. If you believe that you know what is best for you; you must also believe that the other person knows what is best for him or her. I urge you therefore, to know when to let go, and let others be. We must start to see that we cannot force any adult into doing anything exactly the way we want it. No amount of bad mouthing; no amount of blackmailing; no amount of bickering; and no amount of name calling will make any adult change anything he or she does not wish to change. However, most adults are drawn to kindness and encouragement. Let us begin first to appreciate people for their strengths, while focusing less on their shortcomings. Everyone has both – “strengths and shortcomings” – and everyone has the Right to be Left Alone.
I want to thank you again, for this honor and privilege to speak to you and your guests this evening. I hope my message tonight serves the intended purpose. The spirit of the message is the same spirit with which the Exclusive Ladies Of Enugu State Association, (ELOESA) Washington DC Metro, was founded sixteen years ago, in 2000. It was in the same spirit that I served the Association as its Founding President, and the same spirit with which I returned to be with you at this night’s event. I pray that you continue in the same spirit of acceptance, friendship, and tolerance. I hope that you LIVE and let LIVE.
Thank You! God Bless You! Thank You!
@ Sinachi – April 2016
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