My QUOTES

PRODUCING BETTER PEOPLE

Today, every nation of the world is gearing towards development in every of their sectors, especially the developing nations, African countries to be precise. Several initiatives and policies are being put together to achieve this feat. What has been their result? Are there any possibilities that African countries can one day be that dreamed ‘haven’ for all and sundry? What have we been missing? If we have been missing something, how can this be corrected?

            During one of my nights of study, I stumbled into a book titled, “Ruling Your World”, by Dr. David O. Oyedepo. Interestingly, that night was the third time I was reading the book. Just within the introductory parts of the book, I got into a deep reflection of the fate and perhaps the future of the African people. I wondered why development has remained relatively slow and to a large extent retrogressive in this part of the world. This piece was birthed from that deep thought.

            Countless numbers of researches and studies have shown that the African continent is the most naturally endowed continent in the world yet her people and indeed the continent itself are on parallel terms with development. According to the Oyedepo, “…an expatriate was once quoted as saying (referring to one of the African nations), “This nation is so rich that you can literally pick money on the streets; but the nationals are so blind they cannot see it.”” The above assertion paints a pitiful scenario that is likened to one living by the seashore yet begs for water from visitors. Personally, I think this is indeed mental slavery.

            Yes! Mental slavery! How else can we explain the fact that we have all the resources needed to sustain the world yet we are literally at the mercy of the First World? I think our mind needs to be renewed. Note that I did not say ‘our minds’ but ‘our mind’ because our focus and thought have to culminate into one major goal—development. That is to say, we must think alike.

            A renewed mind will produce individuals driven by purpose and vision. A renewed mind will instil the spirit of patriotism and self-belief in the people. In fact, a renewed mind will bring about a sound and healthy society. The ‘renewed mind’ in this context is that sense of responsibility that makes you know what to do, go on to do it and then move ahead to the next step and continue same thing. Implicitly, a renewed mind will stop blaming and depending on leadership or government for the lack of development and look for ways of contributing their quota to making the society better than they met it.

            I hear a lot of people clamouring for change, and most times, they refer to change of leadership. Universally, everyone knows that change is constant and consistent but I have never for once joined my voice to echo any form of change of leadership. Never! Why? Because I believe that a renewed mind among the followership will produce better leadership. I totally agree with the view of Oyedepo and I quote, “…every blame on bad governance is rooted in a bad citizenry, after all the leaders are chosen from among the people. It is only a responsible citizenry that can produce a responsible leadership.”

            Although leadership has a role to play in the journey to development, bulk of the responsibility lies on the followership (I mean the society). The way to the top is from the bottom. In other words, leaders are chosen from among the people of a given society. This further means that leadership is a direct product of the society. Every responsible society will always produce responsible leadership and vice versa. This goes to show that instead of spending time and resources trying to change every leadership that comes on board, such effort should be channelled towards renewing the mind of the society. Why? Because the leaders will always come from the society and when a society is cleansed, the resultant effect is evident in its leadership.

            In conclusion, it is time for Africa to take a more glorious position in the world stage. It is time to take our rightful place. One great man once said and I quote, “When the followers lead, the leaders follow.” I shall end this article by stating this strong belief of mine:

Americans built America;

Europeans built Europe;

Africans can and should build Africa;

It begins with you.

Written by Godspower Chidiuto Onwudiwe (@gonwudiwe),

Master Degree student,

Faculty of Humanities,

School of Education,

University of Cape Town,

South Africa.

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