Saturday, August 28, 2010
Naija Model: Nigeria at 50 – Independence Day 2010 (1960 – 2010...
Naija Model: Nigeria at 50 – Independence Day 2010 (1960 – 2010...: "Men strive to be free forgetting or ignoring the fact that “with freedom comes responsibility”. Unfortunately, often times, we focus on gain..."
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Nigeria at 50 – Independence Day 2010 (1960 – 2010)
Men strive to be free forgetting or ignoring the fact that “with freedom comes responsibility”. Unfortunately, often times, we focus on gaining our freedom that we neglect our responsibilities.
The declaration of independence is not freedom from colonial powers any more than an award of a degree or certificate is a proof of an end to education or a freedom from ‘learning’.
When we were in school, education happened to us. The courses we took were decided and chosen for us by the faculty. We were free to choose only the ‘electives’. There was a standard that we were made to adhere to. Those who failed to comply by these rules and regulations were asked to repeat a year or failed to make the desired grade to pass that class.
After school, for the few who may not have tasted or realized it yet, you are welcomed to the ‘real world’. This realization however occurs at different stAGEs for different people. Hence, neither age nor stage is a determining factor of your entry into the ‘Real World’. Since our independence (freedom) from school authorities, we have had to individually choose to study, to choose our own paths or career, and educate and or improve upon ourselves at our individual discretion.
Independence is a decision to be self-reliant. By definition, it refers to the freedom from dependence on others socially, mentally, physically, economically, emotionally (i.e. for food, health, education, agriculture, etc). It is therefore not a mere moniker or nomenclature but a state of mind.
You can seemingly have an outward master and yet be the ‘brain’ or productive center that your master relies upon to move his organization forward. This probably explains why upwardly mobile organizations prefer the services of young brains! I am guilty of poaching on my subordinates – albeit learning from them. Since I learn by observation, it is easy to make them teach me without directly asking them to.
On the other hand, in very extraordinary cases (as in the case of yours truly), one can be free of outward controls and yet have no clear vision for the future, any self governance or goals worthy of pursuit and thus be totally unproductive with respect to the things that truly matter (i.e. issues geared towards growth and development).
As we approach another Independence Day Celebration (one with a very alarming budget according to our sources), we need as individuals and as a Nation, to reflect on the true meaning conveyed by the word “independence” and work (or walk as the case may be), towards making our independence a reality.
“We must be the change we wish to see in our nation” considering the fact that “Integrity starts with “I” - Naija Model
The declaration of independence is not freedom from colonial powers any more than an award of a degree or certificate is a proof of an end to education or a freedom from ‘learning’.
When we were in school, education happened to us. The courses we took were decided and chosen for us by the faculty. We were free to choose only the ‘electives’. There was a standard that we were made to adhere to. Those who failed to comply by these rules and regulations were asked to repeat a year or failed to make the desired grade to pass that class.
After school, for the few who may not have tasted or realized it yet, you are welcomed to the ‘real world’. This realization however occurs at different stAGEs for different people. Hence, neither age nor stage is a determining factor of your entry into the ‘Real World’. Since our independence (freedom) from school authorities, we have had to individually choose to study, to choose our own paths or career, and educate and or improve upon ourselves at our individual discretion.
Independence is a decision to be self-reliant. By definition, it refers to the freedom from dependence on others socially, mentally, physically, economically, emotionally (i.e. for food, health, education, agriculture, etc). It is therefore not a mere moniker or nomenclature but a state of mind.
You can seemingly have an outward master and yet be the ‘brain’ or productive center that your master relies upon to move his organization forward. This probably explains why upwardly mobile organizations prefer the services of young brains! I am guilty of poaching on my subordinates – albeit learning from them. Since I learn by observation, it is easy to make them teach me without directly asking them to.
On the other hand, in very extraordinary cases (as in the case of yours truly), one can be free of outward controls and yet have no clear vision for the future, any self governance or goals worthy of pursuit and thus be totally unproductive with respect to the things that truly matter (i.e. issues geared towards growth and development).
As we approach another Independence Day Celebration (one with a very alarming budget according to our sources), we need as individuals and as a Nation, to reflect on the true meaning conveyed by the word “independence” and work (or walk as the case may be), towards making our independence a reality.
“We must be the change we wish to see in our nation” considering the fact that “Integrity starts with “I” - Naija Model
National Pledge
I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honor and glory
So help me God.
To be faithful loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honor and glory
So help me God.
National Anthem
Arise, O compatriots
Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labor of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity
O God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide thou our leaders right
Help our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
And living just and true
Great lofty heights attain
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign
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