Nigeria, Sept. 15 -- This morning, a thought came to me: On many occasions, I have attempted to keep my beloved country Nigeria alive by writing about her.

It is a simple sentence. But it carries the weight of my entire adult life.

I was born into a Nigeria that promised.

I have lived through a Nigeria that postponed.

And today, I write about a Nigeria that must not perish.

I do not write because I have mastered Nigeria's problems.

I write because I am afraid of what will happen if people like us stop writing.

Chinua Achebe said, "The writer cannot be excused from the task of re-education."

Awolowo said, _"The test of a leader is what he builds."

I say, "The test of a citizen is what he refuses to abandon."

Many have abandoned ...