Optimism I believe is the fuel of change. This is predicated on the time tested premise that all those who in one way or the other spearheaded major revolutions in their time achieved such great feats by first defeating pessimism – a hydra headed change killer, which probably explains why I gave this piece an ‘optimistic caption’. For a pessimist following the developments in Nigeria, his/her submission will be that things are going from bad to worse but I beg to disagree, I for one believe that things are getting better (you might wish to call that a statement of faith and not a statement of fact), you however need to bear in mind that as sacred as facts are they can't always be sacrificed in lieu of truths hence my conclusion that the fact is not always the truth (I hope a pessimist will agree with me on this one). That Nigeria is grappling with an overwhelming arsenal of challenges is a statement of fact to however conclude that Nigeria is a failed state based on this fact is in my opinion several kilometers far from the truth. The truth is things are getting better.
Probably a trip to the dictionary will shed more light on this powerful word. The English Thesaurus gave the following words as synonyms to optimism; hopefulness, cheerfulness, sanguinity, confidence, buoyancy and brightness. The following definitions from the dictionary further lends credence to my stance on this matter; Optimism is...
I the tendency to believe, expect, or hope that things will turn out well
II. the attitude of somebody who feels positive or confident
III. a philosophical doctrine, first proposed by Leibnitz, that ours is the best of all possible worlds
IV. the belief that things are continually getting better and that good will ultimately triumph over evil
For me all these capture the very virtues we need in Nigeria right now in the face of the myriads of challenges that we face as a people. Needless to say that we need to keep hope alive because after all said and done whatever we as a people can conceive, we sure can achieve albeit in the process of time.
Taking a cue from a colleague of mine who always says that the best thing about a disaster is that it can’t get any worse and also from the way God works - He steps in most times when man has reached his wits end because most times we as humans will not relinquish the steering wheels to him until we have ran the ship aground and it becomes obvious to us that there is absolutely no humanly possible way to get the ship up and running, that is when we crave for divine intervention. It is time for God to step in and trust me he specialises in turning seemingly hopeless situations around, just as man is putting the final full stop to a story, He opens a new page and writes his-story: with time we call it history. To be sincere, I am one of those who are beckoning on the almighty to navigate for us because you and I know that the leaders we have in this ‘ship’ seem not to know which direction to turn the rudder of this large ship called Nigeria. They seem to have gotten to their wits end which to me is good news.
Permit me to submit that we will get there with time. As we move along the way we are sure to make necessary adjustment which will require us to either adopt or adapt to the various situations that might be encountered. We sure will adapt as occasion demands as this will further bring out the genius in us. The world stands still for the man who knows exactly where he is going, this will serve as our guidepost as we journey on in this all important cruise. I believe that things will work out as we synergize to cause the change that we all have been praying and hoping for in our beloved country. Things will not continue this way, I have a strong faith that things will take a turn in the right direction as we steer the course of our land in the proper direction that is our responsibility and the task to which we have been betrothed by the almighty creator who is committed to making sure that we succeed in charting the right course that will land us at our safe harbour - the Nigeria of our dream. To this I say bon voyage. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I the tendency to believe, expect, or hope that things will turn out well
II. the attitude of somebody who feels positive or confident
III. a philosophical doctrine, first proposed by Leibnitz, that ours is the best of all possible worlds
IV. the belief that things are continually getting better and that good will ultimately triumph over evil
For me all these capture the very virtues we need in Nigeria right now in the face of the myriads of challenges that we face as a people. Needless to say that we need to keep hope alive because after all said and done whatever we as a people can conceive, we sure can achieve albeit in the process of time.
Taking a cue from a colleague of mine who always says that the best thing about a disaster is that it can’t get any worse and also from the way God works - He steps in most times when man has reached his wits end because most times we as humans will not relinquish the steering wheels to him until we have ran the ship aground and it becomes obvious to us that there is absolutely no humanly possible way to get the ship up and running, that is when we crave for divine intervention. It is time for God to step in and trust me he specialises in turning seemingly hopeless situations around, just as man is putting the final full stop to a story, He opens a new page and writes his-story: with time we call it history. To be sincere, I am one of those who are beckoning on the almighty to navigate for us because you and I know that the leaders we have in this ‘ship’ seem not to know which direction to turn the rudder of this large ship called Nigeria. They seem to have gotten to their wits end which to me is good news.
Permit me to submit that we will get there with time. As we move along the way we are sure to make necessary adjustment which will require us to either adopt or adapt to the various situations that might be encountered. We sure will adapt as occasion demands as this will further bring out the genius in us. The world stands still for the man who knows exactly where he is going, this will serve as our guidepost as we journey on in this all important cruise. I believe that things will work out as we synergize to cause the change that we all have been praying and hoping for in our beloved country. Things will not continue this way, I have a strong faith that things will take a turn in the right direction as we steer the course of our land in the proper direction that is our responsibility and the task to which we have been betrothed by the almighty creator who is committed to making sure that we succeed in charting the right course that will land us at our safe harbour - the Nigeria of our dream. To this I say bon voyage. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I read this...I keep my counsel.
ReplyDeleteshai, keep your counsel ke... i beg let it out so we can all share from your wealth of wisdom.
ReplyDelete