A peaceful protest walk from Lagos to Abuja organised by a non-governmental organization, One Voice Mission, OVM, has been terminated in Ibadan. It was modeled after the awareness walk of the Indian legendary activist, Mahatma Ghandi.

A non-governmental organisation, One Voice Mission, OVM, which entails walking on foot from Lagos to Abuja has been terminated in Ibadan.

The objective was to sensitise Nigerians on the need to change through fulfilling their covenant with the nation as stated in the Nation Pledge.

The walk which started off from the Old Toll Gate, Lagos on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 terminated in Ibadan on Thursday after having detoured at Shagamu to continue the journey by bus.

According to the Principal Volunteer of the Mission, Wole Wlliams, their decision to stop at Shagamu to continue by bus was informed by series of advice from people they met on the way who prevailed on them that it was a very dangerous venture to plod through the expressway on foot from Shagamu which is notorious for many black spots.

Providing an insight into how they proceeded from Lagos, Wole Williams said “ ‘Awake Nigeria and Behold Your Destiny’ is designed to be an adventure. For that reason we had alteration from the original plan. We walked from Lagos all the way to the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s camp where we rested.

Four other people joined us from Portharcourt, Rivers state but somehow disappeared in the morning. We reported to the camp security who directed us to incident the matter at the nearest Police Station but the police told us that Missing Person report couldn’t be filed until after twenty-four hour. Another lesson we learned is that we need people who understands the northern custom and language among us”

Continuing “ We ended the Walk in Ibadan on Thursday. we went through Ibadan Toll Gate to Challenge then Dugbe, Mokola, Unversity of Ibadan campus and then Sabo area where their youth leader joined the crusade by speaking in Hausa to the people of the community”

On whether they have totally aborted the mission or whether they hope to continue at some point later, the Principal Volunteer intoned “Our decision is that this one ( The Awareness Walk) begins a foot journey in many segments. One of these was the Lagos to Ibadan Walk.

Management will come out soon with a better second phase. It could be from Ibadan to Ilorin, Kwara state. We are still heading towards Abuja. Being an adventure type of project we will see changes often. It was a different experience for both volunteers and spectators.

What the volunteers say
One of the 23 volunteers, a female Oladayo Omolola’ said, given another opportunity she would take the challenge again.

Her words: “Walking from Lagos to Ibadan has made me stronger. in fact I can’t wait to be on the road again. I want to preach peace and harmony. Actually I have been waiting for a moment like this.

We met with people and a lot of them were happy seeing people coming out and telling them that there can be a change in Nigeria, not just a change but positive change. I believe this generation will change my great and precious country, starting with me”. Reciting the National Pledge she enjoined Nigerians to read it always and try to act out the provision therein in their daily lives.

Badejo Titus, a male member of the group said: “It was so stressful, fun and adventurous. We just stop to relax and to plan better for the next segment until we get to Abuja. I am positive we have been able to pass some life-changing information to some people we met. Many of them were actually thrilled to know that the Pledge means more than they have ever known”

The volunteers on the Awareness Walk along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The group was formed by some  private individuals who felt it is high time Nigerians change the mindset of believing that the nation should do something for them before they could do anything in return for the nation. Their approach has been through crusades and town-hall meetings.

According to the Principal Volunteer, there are no members in the group only volunteers. Up till date the number of active volunteers have risen to almost with about 23 of them embarking on the just suspended Walk. The One Voice Mission contact information are : Email:[email protected]. Telephone: 08164693828