Patriotism: The Answer to the Problem
By: JIBOLA OLANIPEKUN (General JB)
Nigeria is not what it should be because its leaders are not what they should be - Chinua Achebe.
To call a spade a spade, it is vividly clear that our political leaders both present and past have failed us terribly in all aspects of life, technology, education, economy and even infrastructure wise. This obviously has led to our backwardness in the global world.
Nigeria as a country is convincingly blessed with numerous human, natural, and material resources. Exploration and utilization of these resources are also not the problem but unfortunately, the predicament lies in its managements.
Ours is a country destined to be great, no doubt. But it is quite sad that some heinous, iniquitous, and parsimonious beasts we term "leaders" whose greed and heartlessness are beyond qualification have taken over our political hemisphere making life seem immensely harsh for both the young and the old.
They embezzle our common wealths at the detriment of our well-being. They get their children educated in the best of schools abroad while we - children of the masses learn in the fast-dilapidating structures we call schools with hunger-stricken teachers. Government of the people by the people and for the people has now practically turned to the government of the rich by the rich and for the rich.
We hear of different grievous corrupt cases daily in all arms of government - the executhieves, judisharing and the legislooters and even in the religious circles. Unemployment has become the order of the day. Kidnapping, robbery, ritual killing and other nefarious activities are prevalent. All due to joblessness and inability of the government to cater for the needs of its citizens.
What a country! No wonder part of us clamour for separation - the biafra nation. No wonder the youths have given up on this country. No wonder.
Theodore Roosevelt, an intelligent military boss and the 26th president of the United states once said: "Patriotism means to stand by ones country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other public official". Take note, "it does not mean to stand by the president or any other public officer".
But, If someone were to be wise enough, he/she would figure out and make some reasonable deductions that mismanagements and unduly rulings by our so called leaders do not warrant losing our patriotism, like most Nigerians have, evident from uncontrollable anxiety to travel abroad and ill-utterances towards the country, like calling Nigeria unimaginable names and all sorts
Little do they know that Nigeria is what it is now basically as a result of mismanagements done in the past. If we keep calling it unimaginable names rather than making positive changes, then I fear for the future.
It is through patriotism that we can reconstruct our nation. It is through patriotism and perseverance that we can plan ahead for the future.
Past is past, present is unchangeable but the future lies in our hands. In the words of President Obama, he said; "In the face of all odds, people who love their country can change it". All it takes is patriotism, this is our motherland, no matter how far you've travelled, no matter how far you've stayed, east or west, home is the best.
Undoubtedly, As far as our great nation still exists, there is surely hope in the future. When the youths begin to realise that the power to transform Nigeria and to regain her from the polithievians is within their capability. When the youths see no gain in searching for greener pastures elsewhere, in engaging in immoralities and crimes, then, we would be a step ahead
We need to unite to rescue our dear nation. Only we can. No one but us
Macroedu team
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