 |
| Image Source: Deola Akinyemi |
I know I am supposed to write
about an experience that has helped me grow for the 100 days of growth project
and I figured sharing this experience would trigger the feeling that was
triggered in me when I stumbled on some truths and reevaluated my reality. If
you can, screen grab and share to your friends via social media platforms
(Twitter, IG, etc.). You can blog on it or share as posts on Facebook, Tumblr,
etc.
I was researching on leadership
in Nigeria so far and I realized the story in some other African countries are
not so different. What did I find out?
Nothing too serious, just that
the people that fought for our independence did so in their 20s. I also found
out that many of our rulers back then were in their late 20s or 30s. I also
realized that the age to rule in Nigeria at basic levels before you get to the
point where you can contest for presidency and all is 40 but guess what? There
is no age limit, meaning Methuselah (the man who lived till his 9th century), if
he were alive can contest for elections in Nigeria. Isn’t there a reason for
retirement? Why is there retirement age for civil service but not politics?
It is ironic that we still carry
the mindset that age breeds wisdom. Let them write their wisdom in books for
the young people to read from, learn lessons and apply if needed. The world is
rapidly changing and taking a new shape and the youth are not even protesting
hard enough to be part of decision making positions or country-defining
positions. It would interest you to know that 60% of Africans are below 35
years according to africanking.com. Nigeria and Africa would be better off with
young leaders. The same names we heard in primary school are still the names
ringing in our minds. The leaders of yesterday are still the leaders of today.
Do you remember being called the leader of tomorrow? Do you ever ask yourself,
“when is my tomorrow”?
You can direct the course this
country is taking. With growth comes responsibility. If youth in their 20s and
early 30s could drive away missionaries from our land and earn us independence,
why can’t the youth of these days reclaim power from the old men and develop
this country for the best? We cannot afford to keep pouring new wine into old
wine skins.
Let me guess? You'd soon say, the
system or government or the old people are not letting you rule but you know
what?
If you do not stand up to create
an opportunity, it won't always come to you. Take charge of the situation.
Imagine if the people that came together to help Nigeria gain independence
focused only on the limitations rather than the possibilities.
Why should the youth rule? I’d
give you 3 simple reasons. You are energetic, you are tech savvy and your brain
is constantly processing innovative ideas when you engage it. All that energy
and creativity you are focusing on the hustle, focus it on “country
development” and watch Nigeria and Africa take shape. Chinua Achebe said
“The sun will shine on those who stand before it before it shines on
those who kneel before it”
Let me reconstruct it
“The sun will shine on those who stand before it with even more
intensity before it shines on those bent or seated before it”
Young people stand and old people
bend or sit. I’m sure this is not where Chinua Achebe was going with this
proverb but see how beautifully it applies and tells us deep truths to take the
scale off our eyes and utilize our youth. Take responsibility for your country.
You are in an independent country because some people took responsibility to
ensure you don’t end up a slave. Take responsibility for the sake of the future
not just for the present. Change is hard but it is necessary for acceleration.
Stagnation is in itself deceleration in comparison to the constantly evolving
and accelerating world.
What kind of growth is this?
Let's say this post is about knowing your place and responsibility for National
Growth. It is a growth of the mind and the growth on your sense of
responsibility. Make it part of your person growth goals to be instrumental in
the growth of the Nation.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TODAY TO
SECURE TOMORROW.
Love,
No comments:
Post a Comment