A Letter to my Daughter

Une Frances Okuneh(The Ododo of Okuneh Dynasty)

By Arierhie Patrick Okuneh

Une Ọghaghare1

As you grow up beautifully and gracefullyKnow that the world revolves blissfully

And you are not peculiar but specialSo hold on humbly to your pride and honour in particular

Wake up when you should Then commit every day to the Lord Jesus as you would

Frankly tell Him all your supplicationsAnd deviate not from your baptismal obligations

Don’t bother about how the day comesWhat you can give is what counts

Think big and think greatThen what you can give shall give you your break

You can soar like the eagle All you need is principle as your girdle

Your faith in God as your mantleWhile you believe in yourself to overcome the hurdle

Daughters are great and so you areEvery day live nothing less of what you proffer

And you’ll have less to think about who you want to beAnd much to put into what you have to give

Open up your heart to wisdomAnd your mind to sound knowledge that comes Be limited only by what you cannot conceive

But broaden your horizon cautiously, only just believeStrive to be the best not necessarily the first

Because a positive mind is the secret of successAnd as you better your best

You make the world a better place to rest

Give the bestBecause you deserve the bestAnd remember ‘urhe r’o f’odo

Ọyę avwọ kar’ odo’2

Rule your world

1 Une (song) is my daughter’s name; ‘Ọghaghare’ is an Urhobo word for Dear.

2An Urhobo adage which means, ‘respect is given to whom it is due’ (Urhobo is the fifth largest tribe in Nigeria).