Breathing Pens

                             A PERSPECTIVE OF CHANGE

Our problem is not that we do not have problems, nor that we would not have problems, but our problem really is that, we do not understand our problems, to such extent that we can make appropriate decisions towards using them for our better good. In all of life’s facets; I have come to realize that our society is the way it is; because most people in our part of the world; have surrendered to the fate that hunts us.

It is my observation that most times, we never really make any difference in effecting change, because our nature, I suppose, as black people, is to emphasize basically on our past; the way it is done and who did it? Our focus is usually on history, the past we never enjoyed and hope we did, as such, our productivity is deterred. Since we never think better than ‘they’ did, we usually end up worst than them, and at other times, second best.

We are identified or shall I say classified as a developing nation, not because we do not have the knowledge, potentials or resources to be known as a ‘developed or First-world nation’, but basically because we lack the strength to look beyond our past and now. We are infinitely different from our counterparts, the so-called developed nations like the United States of America (USA), Singapore, Britain and some Asian countries like China, Japan etc. who channel the resources in their possession into opportunities to prepare for the “future”, the future we as a nation rarely see.

Our problems are diverse ranging from poor leadership and management, religious and ethnic superiority, to mention but a few, and especially our mindset; our most untapped resource. All of these eventually penetrates into all sectors imaginable: Agricultural, Educational, Financial, Health etc., and deeper into more trivial extent.

Like a question I heard asked sometime in the past, how will the next ten years be in Nigeria? Did you just say you don’t know, or perhaps you don’t care! At least you could have said, like the last ten years. Since the leaders can’t be trusted for change; except they believe in our future, the nation of our dreams. Let me emphasize that, because things have never been done before does not mean they cannot be done now, the ability to make such good impacts that benefits not just the nation; but our world at large is what we call change.

Imagine the possibility that for instance, you are appointed to lead the nation for a period of time; What would your priority be? What would you want changed or implemented? How will your leadership benefit all the people you serve? On your exit from office; would you be proud to look back and have people say, our nation deserves to have more of your kind as leaders?

Chief Obafemi Awolowo once said, “I have never regarded myself as having a monopoly of wisdom; the trouble is that when people in public life and in the position of leadership and rulership are spending whole days and nights carousing in clubs and in the company of men of shady character and women of easy virtue, I, like a few others, I’m working hard at the country’s problem and trying to find solutions to them. Only the deep can call to the deep”. I believe it is time to stop waiting for another to do what we can to effect change. Let us make a landmark that would make our world better. John Fitzgerald Kennedy once said “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”.

A lot of people assume that they have no role to play in national development, it’s just a thing for the politicians. So they rather complain and rely on the government to do everything for them, which is obviously an impossible reality, even in the developed world. But the truth is, the skill or knowledge you have about something, is an education for another, and this could serve as a buffer to their consciousness of the opportunities around them, helping them to improve their lives and thereby, benefit the economy. Many of us young people are a walking millions of dollars, that goes-by everyday without being discovered.

We know it is often said that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow, but really what is tomorrow without now? The problem with the growth and development of our great nation, Nigeria, is not such that we can’t deal with, but it is such that we must become aware that it begins with us as individuals. We must choose to live our lives deliberately as leaders in our own capacity, especially in our homes with our relationships and marriages, religious beliefs and perspectives, business ethics and practises. And also, in our communication – the things we say about ourselves, other people and the nation; we must always be positive. Our time and energy should be consciously channeled towards establishing our values and proferring solutions to our various problems.

I know that the no matter how far it seem, the future is here, in our hearts, our minds and our hands. Whatever we do now is the benchmark to a guaranteed life, that will make our world and that of our children and children’s children proud that we lived in today. It’s in us, to make all things happen for our own benefits. Keep breathing, I celebrate you.