‘’Arise, O
Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey….’’
Nigeria is
rising and all of us have a part to play in bringing about this much desired
state of well-being, without any doubt. One of the primary functions of
leadership is to inspire, and if there is inspiring leadership to be found anywhere
in the country today, many would agree that it is in Lagos state. It is sad
however, to hear that there are some who are grumbling seriously against the
efforts of the state government at transforming Lagos, and even working hard to
undermine them. Such people would rather have us return to the days of street
made impassable not by potholes but by traders who have seized them from the
public. They argue that by taking back the streets and railway tracks from
traders and roadside mechanics, “Fashola” is removing food from their mouths...
Listening to
such arguments makes one tend towards despair for this nation, for one then
wonders which is the sorrier state to be in: having a leadership which does not
care for the people or having a people who are unable to recognise when they
are being cared for? Well irrespective of whatever might be the situation let
me submit by saying that although ‘’EKO oni’’ (today’s Lagos) still needs quite
a reasonable amount of fixing because there are aspects of it which are
actually ‘’baje’’ (spoilt) at the moment, it is the hope of all of us
(well-meaning and right-thinking
Nigerians) that the state of beauty and wellness which we long to see realised
in Lagos will be attained sooner rather than later, so that we can then, with
our whole hearts and minds, uphold it with our prayers. EKO ko nii baje o !
I pointed out
the above from the Lagos situation so as to slowly delve into my brief discuss.
Firstly, let’s
imagine a Nigerian election without the participation of the youths, i.e. no
youth contested, no youth voted. We would have side-lined over 40 percent of
Nigerians and over 70 percent of eligible voters from rightly participating in
the elections.
Let’s now
imagine a Nigeria that had a majority of youths that will rather do the right
thing than otherwise, that will stand up for what is right, not just on social
media but venture also into the field of action with the intent to do something
differently.
Let’sfinally
imagine a Lagos state with this kind of youths, or better still a Nigeria, with
this kind of youths. I confidently put it to you that, if Nigeria had this kind
of youths, even the most influential of the ogas at the top will be forced to
rule right or step down for competence to reign.
Listen, they’ve tried
to bury us, but they didn’t know we are seeds. But how will this matter if we
refuse to utilise all that we’ve grown to become in the betterment of our
nation and we just selfishly concentrate on personal dreams and goals
forgetting that Nigeria is ours to build. Youths, we have been buried for so
long. The time to transform to fruition is now. Have you ever noticed that
seeds are not usually so big but they have the capacity to produce very large
trees and have beautiful fruits?
You are powerful
but really, how did we develop this corporate indomitable, apparently unique
Nigerian (Naija) mind-set which cannot but laugh at its own woes? This must be
the reason we have been called ‘’the happiest people on earth’’. However, could
it not also be the same reason that we continue to be exploited by our leaders,
both politically and traditionally? They believe they can get away with
anything with us, knowing that ‘’the heavens won’t fall’’. It was Richard
Dowden, in his book, Africa: Altered States, ordinary miracles, who made two
very insightful statements about the continent. ‘’Africa always has hope’’, and
‘’ African patience allows exploitation and oppression to thrive’’.
Sincerely, I so much love this Naija mind-set and would not wish to
trade it for anything else. It constitutes, probably, the most defining trait
of our national identity just like that! Laughter, it has also been said, is
the best medicine, and God knows we do need some good medicine to face up to
the challenges of everyday life in this present world! However, you should not
engage in mindless laughter at such a time like this which clearly calls for
serious reflection and decisive action because #YouArePowerful.
While you laugh
and joke about our peculiar predicament, take a pause, recognise the
seriousness of our situation and rouse yourselves to act decisively because #YouArePowerful.
We stand now at
the threshold of a golden opportunity to impress upon our leaders that we
demand good governance based on justice, equity, accountability, transparency
and integrity from them because we know #WeAndOurChoicesArePowerful.
We should expand
the current palaver over the unscrupulous act of terror in the nation and make
it a launching pad to call for far-reaching and very fundamental changes in the
way this country is being governed.
You know why all
these things will happen? Yes, you are right! It’s because #YouAndYourChoicesArePowerful.
Note that an
accumulated right stand is all it will take to help NAIJA STAND.
As for me I have pledged to serve Nigeria with all my
strength, I want to see Nigeria grow younger as I grow older. This is my dream
and it shall surely come to pass.
You are
powerful, what will you do for Nigeria? Think about this!
Thank you.
'Seun
Fakorede-Noah is the Arrowhead/President Eden OAU and the worship Pastor at
Rhemaword International Christian Centre.
callfakorede@gmail.com | 2BB5987C |
07068407228
