Thursday, April 29, 2010

What are you capable of?

Certain people feel like young people are incompetent, and incapable of leading Nigeria.. My natural reaction would be to rush to our defense, by referencing all the incredible things young people have done. History is full of instances were young people were the catalysts of change and victory all over the world... From the Biblical days of David & Goliath, to recent times when it was the youth that voted in President Obama.

But instead of trying to defend the youth, I choose to challenge us. What are the youth in Nigeria capable of? The time has come where there is no tomorrow. 60% of eligible voters in this country are classified as young. We can either choose to take back the power that has been taken from us or we let sleeping lions lie. One thing I know for sure is this: if we choose to, as in times past, tolerate the way things have always been; if we choose to do nothing... if we choose to say "God dey" and "it's Naija"; one thing is certain...NOTHING will change.

Albert Einstein said "insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result. Nigeria, is and always will be, a sorry shadow of its potential if we choose to let her remain that way. An unconscious/sleeping giant is less effective than a hardworking ant. The time is now. There is no tomorrow. We must collectively decide to change Nigeria. Now. Today. This very moment. The bad news is, big wheels turn slow. I don't expect PHCN/NEPA to give me electricity when I get home tonight. The good news is, while big wheels DO turn slow, they will turn. Or they'll get replaced.

America moved from being the chief proprietor of slavery to electing a black man of African descent as its President. This is no small feat. Call it blind optimism, but I believe Nigeria can achieve similar results with our Nation's historical problems. We can move from being a country rife with corruption, where power and governance are seen as a birthright, to a real true progressive democracy, if the young and young at heart collectively decide that enough is enough. Change begins when we decide that it should. Its about me. Its about you. Its about Us.

If Martin Luther King and Malcolm X (RIP) didn't decide to do what they did, America wouldn't have come this far; if people like Chief Gani Fawehinmi didn't stand up against all odds when he did, we wouldn't be here right now. Chief Gani Fawehinmi, after decades of fighting for justice, rejected one of Nigeria's highest honors in protest of the many years of misrule since Independence. These are people who believed in our freedom and potential so much that they paid with their lives. May we not let our passiveness result in their fighting and dying in vain.

If we do not stand up to become the architects of Nigeria's future, the opportunity will pass and we will have failed future generations. I don't want my unborn children to witness the same Nigeria I'm seeing now. Change begins with us, if we want it bad enough. If we really feel like enough is enough. If we believe and work hard; if we we sacrifice some of our convenience for the greater good, we can do this.

We must register to vote. We must select and vote for the right candidate. We must vow to defend and protect our vote. The ball is in our court. If we choose not to take back our power by not voting, then we have no right to complain when the same old villains loot and steal from us. We give up the right to complain about the problems later, when we choose not to vote in the first place.

To paraphrase an ancient proverb, we do not inherit Nigeria from our parents. We borrow it from our children. It's time to pay with interest.

~ B.W.

PS: I'm teaming up with some friends and colleagues (M.I., eLDee, #EnoughIsEnough, #Cool2Vote.org, #LightupNigeria etc) to put together youth voter registration rallies and efforts. As soon as its in order we will announce them everywhere. Please spread the word. It's not only cool2vote, it's necessary. Let's do this.

34 comments:

Yinkuslolo said...

Your posts are always enlightening. I was talking to a guy in his mid-30s yesterday and his reason for not going into politics is because of the dirty game and corruption of the grandfathers ruling the country.

personally, I know the fate Nigeria is in my hand(as a youth) but I really do not know what to do with it or even where to start amending it from.

Simysola said...

True word Banky... Nigeria needs change...and the change is Now.

Tolulope Akanni said...

I love what ure doing bro....keep it up!!

Nutty J. said...

wow!! quite moving. You really should consider speech writing


PS: Between the sayings and the doings, many a pair of shoes are worn out.(Italian proverb).

Bubus said...

I'm inspired by this post because, gradually, we are seeing a sleeping giant beginning to stir. We need to wake up and do what we know we have to do to get this country back on track.

I'm sharing this on my twitter and FB all day. It needs to be read by all.

MzSaeon said...

True wise words...I make it a necessity to pray for our country Nigeria everyday. Its about time change came. God Bless Nigeria!!!

CHRISTOPJAY said...

"game recognise game"...the bitter sweet truth is,yes we all hope to see a *change in 9Ja,but not just 1 young person can take the reigns of power to steer the nation forward.the entire public sector has to be "dis-infected" from the bottom up i.e -from the lowlest levels of the councils to the senate and then the presidency.it is what it is,if a political *cleansing* cant be done,then i personally see no way out.we cant go & on 4 like 4ever comparing our great nation to the likes of america and the rest of the west."rome wasent built in day".yes we could go out to register 2 vote,protest in front of the walls of seats of power with placards/signs of change & nothing would be done,unless theres an eradication of all levels of polictical old farts who are nothing but pundits.so i ask,the ? alover again-WHAT ARE WE CAPABLE OF?...& thats my piece!!cheers

Bookie19 said...

Very inspiring piece. It is time to stop pointing fingers and be passive. Now i the time to get aggressive and demand the change we want. You are right, there is no better time to demand change than at this very moment because the change or lack thereof that occur in these next few years , will have an impact for years to come. Thank you for being a positive role model and continue to spread the word. Stay Safe

Miss M said...

I like this
"...if we choose to say "God dey" and "it's Naija"; one thing is certain...NOTHING will change. "

that's the huge mistake we make, thinking things will change by just saying God dey!

God will help us when we choose to help ourselves.

We have to prove IBB wrong n show him the youth are capable, if not of ruling atm, to stop him and vote a credible candidate instead!

AliceDCL said...

cant wait for the rally

Akin Eso said...

Excellent write up. You hit it on the head. Looking forward to the registration drive

NoLimit said...

This ought to be preached from the roof top!
Glad the youths are taking charge...about time too...the cheek of some people...saying the youths are not qualified to lead...indeed we are capable!

Karo Kanye Akamune said...

Banky, well said. we need faith n boldness. Nigerian youths - in greater numbers must be willing to imagine a better present, a better future, a better NOW. we can make it happen. we have wot it takes. however, it is important we work 2geda in unity regardless of Local Govt of origin, State of origin, tribe, religion, skin color... we must kick out the spirit of jealousy n disunity in order to be a truly formidable force. Let us be one at heart! it is well...
#RegisterToVote #OurVotesMustCount #lightUpNigeria #EndTribalism #Respect4Women

Miss Enigma said...

I'm excited by this awakening and I hope that everyone back home and those of us in the diaspora are just as excited and energized to get this done, by playing whatever role we can.

EnoughIsEnough. Nothing is impossible, changing Nigeria is possible. Keep up the good work...we dey your back.

Unknown said...

This quite empowering- i know that 2011 will be different because i will do something DIFFERENT!

Tatababe said...

WORD!

Anonymous said...

A great posting on an awesome blog. I love the fact that you entertain with your music and still do so much more for our country. Kudos!

onyi said...

you know why i like you BW? it is bcos u are a typical symbol of "never judge a book by its cover". if you were female i'd say u'd pass for beauty and brains but...alas i dunno the equivalent for men!

i, as a person, refrain from 'venting' about naija esp bcos i dont have solution.but here is a classic case of trying to fix the problem by "not untying the gordon's knot". anyways...i'm watching the space. and i'd vote as long as i can.

ps: another thing is that we need proper education on the TRUE capacities and capabilities of these our candidates so we can vote and vote well.

Anonymous said...

Nice job. I want to ask if the rally will be done schools ( tertiary institution). And if it is i would like to volunteer

Blessing ofomona said...

Nice idea. I want to ask if it will extended to schools. I mean tertiary institution? Cos i'll like to volunteer

Kik said...

Well first tin first.all great leaders have their mentors.we d nigerian have just a few of them.theres nobody i pratical want to be or politicaly look up too.i have always belived n still do belive that our country is polluted by difficulties which my fellow are seemed to have been made difficult.simple problems are always solved with difficult issues.because someones looking to gain.i quote myself."in a world were u stand alone others will want to stand on u only if then my friend you decided on being a stepping stone no one should make you be their ground"this blog is hot

mary D said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mary D said...

Mr. Capable has thrown another Bomb! Hell is empty was hot but this is it! you don't only inspire but you also motivate us and make us believe in our capabilities to be able to change this nation. i am glad that this is coming from a celebrity who is seen as a role model both by the youths and elders of this country. may other celebrities also follow in your footsteps so that together we can make a change in 2011. God bless

Rukaya said...

No truer words, my brother! To all the Naija youths: WAKE UP! A better tomorrow is in our hands.

authorsoundsbetterthanwriter said...

You'll have to change the beat of Capable when you turn this into an election speech. I'm thinking marching band with white gloved kids waving your innocuous slogan... and of course not a dancing girl in sight. :)

Nice one. Now all you have to do is set up a campaign to make sure our votes count!

ibiluv said...

def up for voting in the right peeps.........

miss.fab said...

Amazing post. My heart fills with so much love and pride for my generation when I come across other young people with a passion and a desperation to develop and improve our country. But you are so right. All talk and no work will achieve us nothing.

Femme Lounge said...

...and vote we shall!!!

Onose said...

cant wait for the rally ( even though i cant even participate), this post was really inspiring. No one wants to live abroad for ever,even if some of us were born abroad, because Uk,US,Canada & the rest of them will NEVER be our homes...

24yearOldTeEnAgeR said...

"Between the sayings and the doings, many a pair of shoes are worn out."
Nutty J said.

This is just talk. Talk is cheap.
The root of the problem still remains and we hope to kill the tree by cutting out its branches?
That. Is insanity.

busolabiola said...

Hi,
this is my first time reading your blog, tho i follow you on twitter...
You are very passionate, thought you were one of those fine face, empty heads....alas..lol

Cheers...B
(busolabiola.blogspot.com)

sally said...

very well put Mr Wellington, Development in any country requires collective effort from everyone, although the Government plays a more popular role, everyone else has a great role to play.To answer your question, we are capable of change, yes we can. Thanks.

onyi said...

banky w, where u de o? long time no read from you!!!!!

lila said...

im capable of leading dis country in d rite direction