Having
discovered that the mind differentiates us (humans) from other living creatures,
it is expected that we utilise the potentials of the mind to its maximum. Every
action embarked upon is a product of the mind (whether consciously or
unconsciously). The main reason why the African continent has been held back in
terms of development is simply because its people have not maximised the
potentials that are inherent in their mind. We have failed in way or the other
to engage our mind productively. We have also forgotten that it is our personal
responsibility to stir our mind productively else it will remain dormant and
inactive. Remember, an inactive mind can never be productive.
Our
approaches to issues differ. In fact, the way through which we perceive the
problems, challenges, tests and situations that surface around us on a daily
basis determines how we put our mind to work. That is to say, if your mind
tells you that a particular problem is insolvable, you will not bother to put
your mind to work to be able to solve the problem because you have already been
overwhelmed that it is insolvable. It also works the other way too. If your
mind tells you that the same problem can be solved, then you will have the
impetus to at least put your mind to work in a bid to derive its solution.
I personally
think that this is one of the major problems affecting us (Africans) especially
the young ones. Majority of us think that the problems that are lingering in our
continent cannot be solved. We think that Africa can never be that haven for
all and sundry. This notion, which is very false in its entirety, has remained dominant
in our mind, and has gradually become a stronghold that seems to firm to let go.
As a result, many of us see our continent as a desolate place and then migrate to
Europe and America because we believe that these continents are ‘greener
pastures’. Some of us even deny our countries of origin and adopt other
countries just because we feel those countries are ‘much better’. The truth
simply is that running away from your continent because of its lack of
development does not in any way help your country to be developed. In fact, it
puts it in a more deplorable state and makes it inhabitable. It is like a house
that its owners abandon to live elsewhere. The condition of the house will
gradually deteriorate due to lack of maintenance.
This
is indeed a clarion call to every young African. For this God-given house
called Africa to avoid total collapse, let us seize this moment to begin to see
it as our personal property. Seeing it from this perspective will induce in us
the right thoughts that are needed to make the right decisions and embark on
the right actions. Until we begin to see Africa as our own, we might find any
reason to build it and make it a better place for us to live in. Let us channel
our mind to seeing how Africa can be better. Let us put our mind to work. Let
us work for Africa. This is our sole responsibility as a people.
Americans
built America;
Europeans
built Europe;
Africans
CAN and SHOULD build Africa.
It
begins with YOU.
***Watch out for Part 3***
Written by Godspower Chidiuto Onwudiwe (Twitter:
@gonwudiwe),
Master Degree student,
Faculty of Humanities,
School of Education,
University of Cape Town,
South Africa.
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