Opinion: The Audacity of Hope

The Audacity of Hope

Hope in the face of despair

Hope in the face of fear

Hope in the face of hunger

Hope in the face of adversity

Hope in the face of trepidation

2020 was an incredibly challenging time for mankind. For Nigerians, it was much more complex – a global pandemic that has affected every strata of our life, an economy in recession, security issues, poor health and educational facilities, disruption of our lifestyle, etc. Our journey to nationhood has been very painful, on the different occasions it appears we are about to finally break free from underperformance and underachievement, only to get drawn back. At the same time, on many occasions when we seem to be at the edge of the precipice, we always manage to pull back from the brink. This tells me that this country has a destiny - a great, bright and shiny one. Currently we are work in progress, and we will get there. Let us see the cup as half full rather than half empty. We should have done better than this and we can truly do better than this, but we have learnt from the lessons of our regrettable past. Let us move forward, resolute with determination, focus and hard work. Each and every one of us have to be the moral police on our fellow Brothers and Sisters, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is bad. The social fabric of our community must be revived to reflect the strong familial ethos of our traditional society.

Many countries have been in worst situation than we are in today only to rise like a Phoenix from the ashes. Countries like Germany and Japan rose from ruins after the Second World War to become major economic powers within 30 years. Apart from the abundant agricultural and natural resources we are blessed with, Nigeria’s greatest resource remains our people – innovative, industrious, hardworking folks and a young vibrant population. Nigeria can do it as well. Today our creative industries are the toast of the international community, demonstrating the potentials of our brilliant and resourceful mind. Our diaspora folks are constantly lauded and celebrated in their countries of sojourn. We need a synergy between folks at home and diaspora to unleash our vast potentials, learning from countries like India and China who have exploited this to full advantage.

The elite of Nigeria in particular have a duty to pioneer and drive this new thrust - mentoring the young ones, developing bold vision, demonstrating tenacity and discipline, eschewing vanity, creating wealth through productive engagements, displaying charitable spirit, building strong, sustainable institutions that can anchor our development objectives, promoting a passion for common causes rather than the flagrant and shameful flaunting of wealth amidst so much poverty. They must show the discernment and vision to lead Nigeria to greater heights in spite of the myriad of challenges we face. So far, they have not done a good job and this is unacceptable. To whom much is given, much is expected. This task cannot be left to the government alone.

Every one of us must continue to have hope in this country. Let us be inspired by the following quotes to keep our hope in Nigeria alive;

Only in the darkness can you see the stars – Martin Luther King Jr

Let your hope, not your hurts shape your future – Robert Schuller

Never lose hope, storms make people stronger and never lasts forever – Roy Bennet

Don’t lose hope in Nigeria, this land will be great.

Wishing you all a healthy, amazing and fulfilling 2021.

Stay safe, Covid-19 is real.

Toibudeen Oduniyi @tobydeen

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