MY BIRTHDAY GIFT TO MR. PRESIDENT

I shall pass through this life but once.

Any good, therefore, that I can do

Or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature,

Let me do it now.

Let me not defer or neglect it,

For I shall not pass this way again.

-Etienne De Grellet

From the dawn of time down to this present moment, one truth has permeated history which is

that, a government cannot achieve its goals and agendas without the support of all. Many a time,

we criticize and lacerate the government of the day for the ills, illegalities, corrupt-styled

governance and maladministration forgetting that, we are in this mesh and no one is immune

from it; so, it is a journey we must make together. I will make no pretention to say I support the

‘ills’ and ‘wrongs’ in this society, but I make bold to state that, we all must address these issues

in our capacities as stakeholders and potential victims if things remain stagnant. In support of

this, Albert Schweitzer said “I have always held firmly to the thought that each one of us can do

a little to bring some portion of misery to an end”. This can be said to be a recap of the article I

wrote last with the title “the pain of a nation builder”.

The present writer has not repented from [t]his dogged optimism in a new Nigeria and the need

for synergy by all and sundry. At worst, I can only move forward and not backward.

The current administration has been a target for cynics and critics which have blindfolded many

into seeing the heightened increase in the level of productivity by individuals. Currently, we have

several CEOs which can be translated into ‘incorporation of new companies’; new estate owners;

new schools; new roads; seminars and workshops; television stations; amongst the host of others.

Invariably, this shows a high level of progress which many are myopic not to see. But, we must

pause and think here! Can those in government work alone? And what is required? We need

ideas, strength and wherewithal to bring the ‘Nigerian’ goals into fruition. This we surely have in

government but there is surely a missing link, which is due to the passive role played by the

youths in government. If there must be any change or extirpation of the status quo, we must be

receptive to new ideas and change.

The popular Yoruba axiom says that “omode gbon agba gbon, no won fi da ile-ife”. This axiom

means that, it was the joint effort of both the old and the young that was used in bringing into

existence the great ILE-IFE. This aphorism can also work greatly if applied in Nigeria.

Although, this might not be the only elixir but, it will surely speed up our progress and

development.

Youths, generally are known for strength and vigor in their dealings. And, they are like

reservoirs of ideas if placed in the right setting. We can and are willing to assist the government

achieve their goals if given the opportunity. We have gotten to a place in our development where

the usefulness of the youths cannot be sidelined if we are to prevent the impending danger: our

youths being sent on the road to perdition by men and women of the underworld to perpetuate

‘evil’. It would be a mistake to believe or assume that the government can do it alone as was the

case during the formative years of Nigeria’s independence.

“Even a small star shines in darkness”.

This is an appeal to the government to create a sort of system that will admit of youths taking

part in government. We can have taxonomy of personnel who will represent each constituency

under an appointed minister who will work hand-in-hand with the government.

Within each individual lies the need for meaning- the longing to be of value. This craving for

purpose propels us to make the choices that will bring us the most joy and satisfaction from life.

But in a busy world, it is so easy to become diverted by lesser choices- choices that in the long

run are of little value or meaning. And so to gain peace of mind and sense of accomplishment

that we desire, we must pause momentarily to develop a clear image of the dreams, priorities,

and goals that we believe will have the most lasting meaning, both for us and for others.

We are all only fragile threads, but what a tapestry we make

Happy Independence Day!!!!!

Correspondence:

Omosebi Olajide Ademola

espiritdelois@gmail.com

08138442891.