10 Things Steve Jobs Can Teach Us About Who Is Graham Gordy

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Do you know that it is a blessing to be a Nigerian or being born in Nigeria? I know most readers would not agree with me. Instead of being born in this complex state, called Nigeria, it would have been better to be born in any of the developed western countries such as; America, Asia, Europe or even in an African country like Gambia or Mozambique. A Country that is gradually losing grip of its past glory; even in the eyes of other Countries that once adored and respected Nigeria as a leading power-house in the whole of sub-saharan Africa. According to the Mo Ibrahim African Governance Index Report for the year 2011 ranked Nigeria 41st out of 53 African Countries in its governance index report in four various governance indicators. What actually happened to the giant of Africa?

A country that is full of greatness, wealth, creativity, industrious, honest, and hardworking people. I remember those glorious days growing-up as a kid; I always look forward to school with great nostalgia feelings. I will hang my school lamp sack over my slender shoulders and happily collect my pocket money of 50 kobo for each day. I would judiciously save my daily 50 kobo(s) in my constructed wooden box. After one month of 'sowing', I would ask my mother to please unlock the save box as I waited patiently for my 'harvest'. You would not believe how much I have saved, which was shared into three portions; one for a new sandal, the second for folktale story books, and lastly for sweets. Trust children, I would quickly rush to the Mallam kiosk, to buy for myself cubes of Chocomilo sweet as much as the remaining balance could afford. Tell me how many children of present day would adopt my saving and spending culture despite the over 100 per cent inflation rate we are experiencing now?

Growing up then was very memorable, as the environment was relatively peaceful, pollution free, steady power supply and mild traffic. My parents made it a ritual to travel home (village) as a family once every year to see our Grandparents and other relatives as it was fun embarking on such trips. Unlike today, you have to psyche yourself for weeks and source for the funds to embark on such journey. Even as middle-class citizens, we could afford whatever we desire. Unfortunately, the Nigerian system of governance has systematically killed the 'Middle Class' status. It is either you are rich or poor. However you are going to make it rich, no one cares. I am not saying that we don't have incidence of corruption, crime or canny tendencies in the 70s or 80s, but such misdeeds were done in a bearable and pardonable manner. Unfortunately, most of us cannot bear or pardon the kind of misdeeds we witness these days. Ranging from the huge misappropriation of state funds by our Political office usaa insurance tulsa holders and Civil servants, Corrupt practices by our Legislators, the senseless murder of innocent citizens by our 'trigger happy' policemen and the incessant bloodletting by various ethnic and religious groups in the country. Nigeria has now been engulfed with terrorism acts with minimal achievements by our security agents in curbing the menace. However, we give kudos to the combined military forces in their recent efforts in tackling the security imbroglio of the Country. As a nation we must learn how to live in unity, peace and harmony.

Nigeria's independence in 1960 marked a new horizon for the country to establish herself in Africa and in the world at large. Pathetically, our elder statesmen never envisaged that the promising Nigeria of old could come to this abysmal state. Would we blame the discovery of crude oil in the late 60s as God's undoing? The Almighty creator has blessed us so abundantly in both rich human and natural resources to take care of our needs. A Country like Malaysia came on a fact finding mission to Nigeria in the 70s, and went home with palm kernels. It took them a great deal to plant, grow and harness the cash crop over time to be one of the highest exporters of palm oil and palm kernel fruits in the world. No wonder our brothers are rushing over to Malaysia to carve a living for themselves as the Country is better equipped with infrastructures and amenities. What has happened to our own Palm kernel, Cocoa, Groundnut, Coal, Steel, Tin, etc. Only if our government could re-invest in 2 or 3 of these naturals resources to an optimal level of production, this would definitely lead to foreign exportations that would yield good national revenue to the country. However, the only good invention we can boast of today apart from the crude oil and Gas is Cassava bread. Has the bread gotten to the markets, as am yet to have a bite? Kindly let us know where to get a loaf, who knows some foreign investors may be interested.

We are in a country where political office holders are being recycled all over and over again. Have our people lost consciousness of events of yester years? Please let me borrow some lines from Mr. Abuoma Chuka's master piece: "Sinners in Paradise" in the Nigerian's Daily Sun Newspapers of July 18, 2012 and I quote "Nigeria is the only 'paradise' where sinners are empowered to make Laws, assigned to be Ministers, selected as Governors, appointed to be Judges, employed to be Security personnel and force themselves as Presidents into the throne of our nation." If you think he is done, then you need to hear this; "Nigeria is a state where 'Saints' are in prisons while 'Sinners' are in paradise. 'Saints' are jobless in the streets, while 'Sinners' are enjoying in the 'Sanctuary'. Most interestingly, the Nigerian people have learnt their lessons and are now with their gauntlet, deciding who governs them by electing the right candidate(s). Remember that the people's mandate carried the day in the last gubernatorial elections in Imo state by pitching their tents with Owelle Rochas Okorocha over the incumbent and recently in the Edo state governorship elections that brought back Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in their July elections. Biblically speaking, we should know that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

I see the Nigerian people have woken up from their slumber to work and choose their leaders. What role is the church or other worship places playing to mold a good leader to salvage us from this problem of leadership? The Nigerian state, with over over 200 ethnic groups, have been that lucky not have plunged into another civil war despite all the failures and wrongs we are experiencing now, yet our so called leaders are yet to come out with the right solution. People of other countries could not understand our strong unity in the midst of insecurity and corruption as we still go about our daily activities unabatedly. I have that consolation that anything that has a beginning no matter how bad must have an end. Whatever that has gone wrong in the Nigeria state, would be a thing of the past and the people would be better for it.

However, to achieve this victory over stagnation, poverty, anarchy, unemployment, corruption, depression, hunger, despair, insecurity, etc, we must trust God Almighty for breakthroughs. Our good Lord has affirmed to us in 2nd Chronicles 16:9; "the Lord keeps close watch over the whole World, to give strength to those whose hearts are loyal to him... " How strong is our heart to keep on trusting and believing in Him? It is high time we started coming out from our shells of ignorance, complaints and despair to make a difference in solving our national problems. Nigeria needs good and visionary leadership in providing a sense of direction in achieving individual and collective goals that would help to harness, manage, utilize and distribute the limited resources to cater for the basic needs of the masses. Can we really find a true leader that would do the work of good governance devoid of corruption and selfish interest in this country? By doing your own bit, the people (voice of God) would divinely identify you to help salvage this quagmire we find ourselves. That brings me to words of Sidney Powell; "Try to forget yourself in the service of others. For when we work for others, our efforts return to bless us." Certainly, Nigeria needs a God-fearing, Visionary, Committed and Charismatic leader(s) that would lead us to the promise land.

The Nigerian state should be a great paradise indeed and I am proud to be one of its inhabitants. We have all what it takes to be one of the best developed and growing economies in the world. However, the first step of re-invigorating and reforming our people must be through the Churches or Worship places as the case may be. Let the Church(s) continue to recite the National prayers; "Prayer for Nigeria in Distress" and "Prayer against Bribery and Corruption" in order to fight this impasse. It has worked for us in the past and it would presently, because there is awesome power in prayers.