Lt. Agunbiade is a Nigerian-born, Navy Reservist who’s serving because the train’s nation lead. The next is an excerpt of a dialog about his expertise visiting his home-country and the people who he met. This story has been edited to enhance readability and context.
“I used to be born about an hour from Lagos, an hour with visitors, and it’s so good to be again. It’s my second time sporting my uniform in Africa, however this appears like the consideration of a lifetime, to simply be capable to come right here and work together with the folks I grew up with, to share data and collaborate with them. , it’s sort of loopy, as a result of all people sees my title and is aware of I’m from right here simply by my title, and so they mild up. It’s been wonderful, simply the very best job I’ve had in my fifteen years of Naval service. The work is exclusive too – being somebody who can communicate the language. I communicate each Yoruba and Hausa, two of the three main native languages in Nigeria, and perceive the tradition. It helps break down the barrier between Nigeria and the U.S. in an enormous method. In spite of everything, Nigeria is like being again house – when the Nigerian officers traveled to the Naval Struggle Faculty, I met them and it was like household. Now, these captains are admirals, and seeing me again in Nigeria they’re like ‘Welcome again house.’ So if the Navy wants one thing, I can simply attain out to them, and now what would take a day takes just a few hours. That’s why this train is so necessary to me. I’ve been on Obangame Specific 2023 for over per week, and collaboration with others means a lot. If one nation doesn’t have the assets, they’ve companions they’ll attain out to that may assist them and scale back the prison actions on the seas. This train is exposing the good skillsets that Nigerians have. Extra, the publicity of Nigeria is resulting in motivation, assist, funding, provide, and tools. I additionally imagine that these of us who’re Nigeria-born, after we come again house and share our data and encourage these children, it may result in something.
That’s what sporting a uniform is to me – it’s the crystallization of a dream. Coming to Lagos, and dealing with the U.S. and Nigerian Navy isn’t about journey – it’s about making your dream wherever you might be. I’m out right here speaking to the Nigerian Navy’s enlisted sailors on watch, and I cease and inform them what they’re doing is making Nigerians sleep peacefully. I inform them to take pleasure in what they do, as a result of what they do is in nationwide curiosity. It’s not their officer developing and telling them – it’s me, completely different uniform and completely different nation, however similar house. I need my life to be an inspiration to them.
My spouse and I’ve a basis right here in Nigeria, in honor of my late Dad, targeted on empowering Nigerian youth – largely essay competitions and scholarships to colleges. I meet them on the streets, on the resort, some on bases, and so they have a look at the title on my U.S. Navy uniform and I hope its inspiration. If I can do it, then they’ll do it, that’s the essence of me being right here – simply to have the ability to encourage them that hope isn’t misplaced. It may be higher for them. I imply, I grew up like them, I drank the identical water they drank and now I’m attempting to convey a unique perspective – that something is feasible, you simply must dream. I’m so grateful I’m again – I grew up right here. That is wonderful.”
