By Kayode Ogunbunmi
As the author of this beautiful and emotive tribute to the officers and men cadres of the Nigerian military rightly stated in her introduction to this work, the Nigerian armed forces have been at the forefront of the defense of the protection of the Nigerian state, as well as that of the larger international community by their participation local and international peace operations.
From battlefields to humanitarian missions, they have been steadfast in their commitment to saving llives and property – even as their own personal pains and struggles go unnoticed or unvoiced.
What a joy, therefore, to read through this book of poetry dedicated to eulogizing and memorializing the sacrifices of the men and women in uniform. The reader, though the words of the author also vicarious join as a member of a grateful nation, to celebrate the heroics of the soldiers and proffer gratitude to them for their selfless sacrifices to uphold the integrity of the nation.
Dedicated the veterans of the Nigerian military, ‘Blood honour, homeland’ is a collection of beautifully written poems and each line of the poems in the anthology is evocative of living experience of the average soldier.
Broadly, the anthology is divided into ten thematic areas. Obviously, this is for ease of navigation and understanding of the various facets of military life. It started (rightly at the beginning) with ‘The Call to Serve’, during which the author took through the journey of military initiation, embrace of the uniform and the regime of military discipline and training to leading with the flag as they go into combat.
Then it segues into ‘Sacrifice and valour’ which deals with the twists of combat loss and gain – both emotional and physical, the separation and hopeful reunions, as well as eternal departures.
‘Caramaderie and brotherhood’ deals with issues of lasting bonds forged in heat and blood. The trust built during struggles in the trenches and friendships established through acts of courage and valour.
Poems listed under the theme of ‘The Silent battles’ deal with the private battles with inner demons that a soldier has to deal with upon return from war. This, as the author rightly noted, often last a life-time. This is ‘the battlefield within,’, the being ‘haunted by yesterday’ as well as living with the ‘scars of war.’
Incidentally, the author is well placed to discuss these. They form the core of her weekly Saturday radio programme, ‘A salute to service’ that runs on Armed Forces Radio Abuja and during which she hosts a stream of military veterans and gets them to share their post-service lives and struggles with the listening public.
In ‘unsung heroes’, the author celebrates ‘the women who serve,’ ‘medics on the frontlines’, ‘the soldiers’ widows’ and ‘the children left behind.’ Other sections, including ‘Love and Longing’ and ‘loss and legacy’ deal with the same these of broken hopes and separation – including that of hardening of the soldier’s heart and a distancing from the idealism of youth. Some of the memorable poems here include ‘’the weight of medals,’ ‘in memory, we match,’ ‘the ring left behind’ and ‘between battles and goodbyes.
Yet, at the end of the day, the veteran has a lot to be grateful for. ‘Faith and resilience’ is a homage to the indomitable spirit that gives life its colour and meaning. In poems such as ‘strength beyond strength’, ‘when hope wears a uniform’ and ‘in God’s hands,’ as well as ‘promises unkempt’, ‘no home for heroes’, ‘eternal watch’ and ‘the ones we owe’ the author takes us through the gamut of post service experiences of military men and women. It also captures how they find meaning and a second breathe of life after the exertions of regimented life.
Perhaps the last word belongs to the author. “To everyone who believes in the importance of honouring our veterans, may this book serve as a reminder that their sacrifices must never be taken for granted,” she wrote.
Writing these verses is the author’s way of recognizing and celebrating these national heroes. Reading the book is a duty we owe to better understand their contributions to our nation.
