When the story of Nigeria is told, the chroniclers of our checkered history must spare ample time to tell the heroic deeds of Nigerians in foreign lands.
Nigerians in the diaspora, across different dispensations and geographies, have continued to defy the odds and with unprecedented ingenious strides and cutting-edge innovations, cleaning the image of a country that has been tainted by an unscrupulous few.
From sports to science, economics, to technology to and even down to academia, Nigeria has produced the brightest minds in every field of human endeavor, these excellent citizens have not only deployed their talents and intellectual abilities to shape the world we live in but have also made themselves an integral part of the growth and development of their host countries, they are almost indispensable in the grand scheme of thing. Never mind that such an admirable feat might not have been achieved had they stayed back in their home country. That’s the fate of a country that possesses splendid talents and fecund minds in quantum but lacks the rectitude to nurture them and deftly harness their potential for the betterment of the country.
Akinwunmi Adesina, Okonjo Iweala, Muhammad Aminat, Pius Adesami, and many other diasporas have done remarkably well in waving the flag of the nation to bemused world citizens at the international stage.
These ace individuals have not only hoisted the Nigerian flag in resplendent colours outside the shores of the country, but they have also pitched in towards national development through sizeable remittances and other times contributed their intellectual proficiencies towards solving some of our common challenges as a nation.
The Zedomis
In a country like Nigeria where horror and trepidation have somewhat saturated our social fabric, the tales of glory and pleasing exploits of countrymen in foreign lands are soothing news that balm heavy hearts and provides a glimmer of hope for a better tomorrow.
Such is the compelling story of Imokhuede Nathaniel Chukwuma Mayowa Zedomi. A graduate of Applied Physics and Psychology & Criminal Justice from the University of Texas. The story of Zedomi is incredibly profound and unique in many ways. His brilliance transcends core aspects of human endeavors. Zedomi combines academics with extracurricular activities with equal perfection. He’s as much a splendid student as he’s a talented and fantastic sportsman. His remarkable performance in class is tremendously matched by his exceptional displays on the field.
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Zedomi was a sensation and cynosure of every eye when Several members of the track & field teams from Texas University headed to Boston University to compete in the David Hemery Valentine Invitational at Boston University. The sporting event is one of the largest indoor track & field meets in the country with over 5,000 entries, in two days.
An energetic and brilliant Nathaniel Zedomi became the toast of spectators and talk of the town as he broke the Houghton School Record in the 400m at 50.53. The record was previously set by Stephen Scott in 2008 of 51.28 seconds. Freshman Micah Williams also ran under the standard a few heats later, in 51.18 seconds.
But then, the chronicles of Zedomi’s enviable feat will not be complete without significant mention and show of profound gratitude to his parents and Nigeria the country of his birth. In a bland extolment of his parents and family, he noted that “My Parents, Family, and Friends are special to me because they helped shape me into the person I am becoming and I can say in total confidence that without my parents, in particular, I would have become very different”
He was born to Mr. John and Mrs. Ndidi Zedomi. I have one brother and one sister named Oziren Jonathan Ifeanyichukwu Ayodeji and Aimalohi Abigail Ugochukwu Abiodun Zedomi. I was born on Sunday, October 3rd, 1999 in German Friendship Hospital Ikeja City of Lagos State.
He started making his mark here in Nigeria before he moved to the United States after his secondary education. his Primary Education, which was at Christ the Cornerstone (CTC) International School on 23 Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja GRA Lagos from 2003 – 2009, and his Secondary Education at Lifeforte International High School from September 2009 – July 2016.
In as much as his accomplishment is something of pride, such achievements would have been practically impossible for him to accomplish with the values, and ethos inculcated in him by his splendid parents. They forged him into the man of character and valour he has become. Nigeria laid the unshakable foundation needed for him to thrive and flourish. His triumph is a testament to the resourcefulness, resilience, tenacity, and determination to succeed wherever they find themselves.
Zedomi attests to vital Nigeria played his life trajectory when he said “These schools had some of the best teachers, who truly cared about us and taught us with passion. They gave everything they had in hopes of molding great contributors to society. I remember some of the admonitions”
Recollecting some of the wise counsels he received while he was in Nigeria, he said one of his teachers then told him that “Some of you will go on to Universities abroad, others will continue in Nigeria, but each of you will travel your path. No matter where you go or what you do, there are challenges ahead
Imokhuede Nathaniel Zedomi graduating Class of 2021 from Houghton College New York State with a Double Major Honours in Applied Physics and Psychology Minor in Mathematics.
“What I’m asking from each of you, is to meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open
‘It’s not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn’t move the world forward. You must try to excel in everything you do; strive for excellence in every task, large or small.
‘Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment you achieve is added to the world’s accomplishments. Your successes benefit society as a whole because when you succeed, you lighten the burden on your fellow man. When you succeed, you are in a position to give rather than take
‘Imagine if every individual lived up to his or her potential. Think about how amazing that would be, and how much better off the world would be
These admonitions and pieces of advice are what he held on to during his time as a foreign student in the United States. They helped him cross the hurdle in his path and saw him through the dark times.
“Over the past four years as a foreign student in the US, I have been through some setbacks, but I have continued to push forward and conquered. I had felt that I have a fixed mindset and am not capable of achieving some things. After learning the difference between growth and fixed mindset I have realized that everyone is capable of learning anything through hard work and dedication” he said.
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He, however, averred that he was not the type of person that blows his own trumpet as humility, generosity, and affability has always been his hallmark, adding that “the driving force in my life has been my need to help others back home to grow and become better. My personality trait as a logical positive thinker is making me conscientious, diligent, dependable, and a real action taker. I have a great love for details and life which usually results in an inclination to keep control, yet not want to be deprived of freedom.
“I am never one to shy away from hard work. Everything in life turns around stability and security when you are positive and diligent. When it matters be very patient and approach problems with acquired proficiency while making your contributions to solving humanity issues. When duty calls help with pleasure. Let everybody know that you are a very reliable person who takes responsibilities seriously.”
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