YOU ARE THE DIFFERENCE

"We believe..... that by encouraging critical thinking and processing of knowledge,
we are creating full, well-rounded human beings... that will enable Qatar to build up its society. You cannot build a healthy society without giving your citizens a sense of ownership. otherwise, they will not share with you the responsibilities"
~ Moza Bint Nasser

These are not the best of times to be a Nigerian, but Nigerians we are, Nigerians we may continue to be. For those who strongly believe that Nigeria is a "contraption" that was a mistake from inception and that we are better off divided, I share your sentiments. What we are yet to agree on is many parts will the Nation be divided into? Besides, there are no guarantees that the Injustices we see today will disappear as soon as each region or ethnic group gains independence. I hope we are in agreement on that?

The mistake of Lord Lugard  (if we agree the Amalgamation was a mistake) cannot be corrected by making more mistakes. The greatest challenge confronting us as a people is our inability in almost 57 years of Nationhood to forge a common front and truly display our Unity in Diversity. We must find a way to dismantle every divisive tendencies.
That may be a tall order, especially now that the divisive tendencies are so pronounced, many call our beloved President, the President of the North.

When can we truly talk as Nigerians and not as Hausa, Igbo or Yoruba?
When can we see things as Nigerians and not from our narrow and often parochial perspective?

When can we tackle our challenges as a people and not as we vs them?
When can we have Government Policies that transcends Party and ethnic lines?
How can we rise above the over-personalization (mine expression) of Power by those in authority? Am digressing again.

"We live in a time of conflict
- external and internal -
when we sometimes concentrate too much on what divides us.
Today fly the Green White Green
with pride and confidence
that what unites is far stronger."

~ Coined from Charlie Dent

It was Napoleon Hill who said “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries within it an equal or greater benefit” so how do we as Individuals rise above the finger pointing and the inefficiencies of those in authority to carve a niche for ourselves and make positive impact in our society?

And am not discussing something strange, many Nigerians have excelled in even worse economic climates by looking at “Opportunities in adversity” the rise of the Nollywood, Music and Comedy industry are places to look for inspiration in these trying times. The birth of establishments such as “Ruff and Tumble”, “Iroko Tv”, “Hotels.ng” “Achievers Media” “BellaNaija” etc are pointers to the possibilities that can be found if we are willing to pay the price in thinking and roll up our sleeves to go to work.

Ideas make the World go round. Our myriads of challenges are all pointers to opportunities for those who will but put in the extra energy to question “Why not” and go to work.
In those days before the advent of duplicating machines and copiers, the only way to make copies was the use of carbon paper in between sheets. It was difficult to erase mistakes made by early electric typewriters which caused problems. Bette Nesmith Graham (March 23, 1924 – May 12, 1980) an executive secretary with the Texas Bank and Trust found a way to correct mistakes which gave birth to what is now known as “Correction Fluid”

There is no clearer indication that the Political Class is working for their pockets and that of their generations unborn than the several failed promises of the ruling Party. Ladies and Gentlemen it's time to go to work by thinking of creative ways to solve the problems bedeviling our Nation.

If you can’t think of fresh ideas to create a product or offer a service, think of how to improve on something that already exist, for there is nothing available now that cannot be improved upon. think of the evolution in the Telecommunications Industry, think of how Cow Bell started milk in sachets. 

Stop crying and wailing about the problems and start thinking of the solutions.
David Oladejo (News of Nigeria) listed 50 young men and women, who are under 32 years of age, who have taken their destinies in their hands, defying all economic odds to become CEOs of very successful businesses. If they did it, you too can. Put on your thinking cap, it’s time to go to work.

Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it succinctly "Be yourself; no base imitator of another, but your best self. There is something which you can do better than another. Listen to the inward voice and bravely obey that. Do the things at which you great, not what you were never made for." 


Make That Shift Today!