July 05, 2026
____ Young Africa's Plea ____
Don't preserve my customs
As some fine curios
To suit some white historian's tastes.
There's nothing artificial
That beats the natural way,
In culture and ideals of life.
Let me play with the white man's ways,
Let me work with the black man's brains,
Let my affairs themselves sort out.
Then in sweet rebirth
I'll rise a better man,
Not ashamed to face the world.
Those who doubt my talents
In secret fear my strength;
They know I am no less a man.
Let them show their noble sides,
Let me have untrammelled growth.
My friends will never know regret
And I, never once forget.
© Copyright DENNIS OSADEBAY
About the Poet:-
This poet is a Nigerian classic author and a philanthropist. He was, at a point in his life, the Premier of the Mid-West Region of Nigeria. Osadebay was called to Bar after receiving his university education in the United Kingdom.
About the Poem:-
This is a 19 line poem with a very simple diction.
The voice of the poem clamored for authenticity as an African while synergizing with the western adopted culture.
The line 13 and 14 revealed the power and strength hidden in being authentic: "Those who doubt my talents/ In secret fear my strength"
One of the dominant poetic devices in the poem is the use of refrain. Few instance is the use of "Let me..." in multiple lines in the poem.
The background of the poem relates to the early post-independent era in Nigeria.
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