Category: Change

Change, Politics

When Constituted Authority Demands Respect

Jilomes

Let me start with a quote by Louis Brandeis: “If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable”. This is like a repackaging of the popular statement that the way one is dressed determines how one is addressed. While western societies may be somewhat lax about showing respect, especially to older persons, in Africa, respect is king. In some settings, an older person can never be wrong, and would talk down any unfortunate younger person who dares point out flaws in actions or words. This addiction to respect, is in my view, one of the reasons why Nigeria is underdeveloped.

Continue reading “When Constituted Authority Demands Respect” →

Change, Randoms

FRSC: Creating Another Monster

Jilomes

Let me start with a quote attributed to the famous Albert Einstein: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” This quote simply says good solutions require innovative thinking. The alternative is to say that without good thinking, we cannot solve problems, or at best, we would solve one problem by creating another. This alternative seems to be enshrined in the policy guidelines inspiring several decisions by the Nigerian government. Continue reading “FRSC: Creating Another Monster” →

Change, Politics

Future for Sale

Jilomes

In Proverbs 13:22, where it was written that “a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children”, a good heart and a thinking mind that looks at the future must have been the focus of that verse. Creating the kind of wealth that transcends generations is not in the purview of those the King James translation would tag “simple”. Extending this verse to the realm of countries and leadership, we can say that “a good leader creates a buoyant future for coming generations”. Unfortunately for Nigeria, its leaders have expertise in selling the future, doing what Niyi Osundare would describe as “eating tomorrow’s yam today”. Continue reading “Future for Sale” →

Change, Inspiration, Politics

Taking Nigeria Back

Jilomes

Newton’s first law of motion states that “a body at rest would remain at rest unless a force acts on it”. If this sentence does not seem simple enough, here’s a street person’s rephrasing: “a football would not move until someone or something (e.g. wind) pushes it”. Something must make a move. This is a simple rule that Nigerians have not learned. Nigerians can pray and hope for ten million years, but don’t forget that even David had to pick stones and face Goliath. Without some action, most prayers are useless. Yes, I said that, and I’m a Christian. Continue reading “Taking Nigeria Back” →

Change, Politics

Shackles of Independence

Jilomes

Two centuries ago, Brigham Young said that “True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what’s right.” Those words are as true as the knowledge that the earth is spherical. Whereas some persons view independence as being free to do whatever they like however they like, such persons have a myopic view that points to immaturity. When one is truly independent is when one comes to appreciate that independence implies a responsibility to do the right thing. It is the Nigerian state’s inability to understand this logic that has kept it in shackles for fifty-six years. Continue reading “Shackles of Independence” →

Change, Politics

​The Murder of My Alma Mater

Jilomes

“Beware of Greeks bearing gifts”. This admonition by Virgil was inspired by one of humanity’s most famous acts of treachery—the Trojan horse left at the gates of Troy. What was thought to be a gift was in fact the beginning of the end for Troy. The Trojan horse tactic has been reproduced severally throughout history, although not exactly with a wooden horse. Sometimes, the famous horse may be in the form of government policy, one of such potential policies being the new fee structure for Nigeria’s unity colleges.  Continue reading “​The Murder of My Alma Mater” →

Change, Randoms

​Undeserved Hoops

Jilomes

One of Nigeria’s contemporary bright minds, Ayo Sogunro, once wrote that “everything in Nigeria will kill you”. While one tries to take in the import of his statement, one hears something like “life is already hard; why make it simple”. The two quotes combined, paint a gloomy picture of a Nigeria that is designed to make things as difficult as possible for Nigerians. Sadly, this is a daily reality for many Nigerians.  Continue reading “​Undeserved Hoops” →

Change

​From Rio with Shame

Jilomes

Most sane persons subscribe to the view that proper planning is an essential ingredient in the successful execution of any task. Hence, such persons ensure the existence of a functional “drawing board” where plans are made and refined. The antithesis of this view is the theory that says one does not need to plan in order to succeed. Unfortunately, this view underpins the actions of much of Nigeria’s bureaucracy, and has fittingly rewarded Nigeria with shame, mined in Nigeria, refined in Rio.  Continue reading “​From Rio with Shame” →

Change, Politics

#BlackLivesMatter: Ending the Loop

Jilomes

In the 1960s, Martin Luther King and other civil rights activists led the charge for the right of black Americans to be treated as human beings. Their efforts would later pave the way for the erudite Barack Obama to ascend the US presidency. Fifty years after MLK, “Americans of colour” are still fighting to stay alive. Maybe this is a clear case of discrimination, or maybe the issues are more intertwined than is being accepted.  Continue reading “#BlackLivesMatter: Ending the Loop” →