Take Charge Of Your Destiny

THIS year 2015 is indeed a very crucial one for us as Nigerians. So much have been written about the year. Some say it may lead to the division of the country. Others say the much-touted election may end in catastrophe. They hinged their postulation on the serial bomb blasts that have been recorded in parts of Bornu and Yobe States in recent times. Yet, in spite of these, there are some optimists that believe that, come what may, Nigeria would emerge stronger at the end of the day. I want to align myself with the latter. Why? Because as a child of God, I believe that the will of God for our country is that we would emerge stronger and take our rightful place in the comity of nations.

  There are definitely some that want to see us fail. They try to strike terror in us by killing innocent lives without any form of provocation.  They and their cohorts are happy when others are sad. They are the agents of darkness that see nothing good in God’s creation. We must not allow fear to overcome us. We must say ‘no’ to violence and ‘yes’ to peace. Our destiny and our future, in 2015 and beyond, do not lie with anyone but God. As long as God lives, there is no need to fear. For even if I pass through the valley of death, I will fear no evil.

  While we desire to remain united, there is need to effect the much-needed change through our actions in all segments of our lives, both as individuals and as a community. Already, the whole world is in turmoil owing to worsening economic crisis. The prices of oil, our main revenue-generating commodity at the international level is currently at its lowest ebb, less than 50 dollars. There is austerity everywhere. The cost of living is getting higher, while poverty stares us right on the face. The minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala recently told us to be ready for more austerity measures. Where do we turn to?

  In the first instance, we have been docile for too long. We have folded our arms for too long and allow others to dictate how we should live our life. Is it not about time we took our destiny in our own hands and say enough is enough? There is a popular saying that a stitch in time saves nine. As humans, the good Lord has endowed every one of us with the power of analytical reasoning such that we have the ability to discern with ease how to place our priorities right so as to live meaningful lives and not hurt or cause unnecessary harm to others. 

  At every point in life, there are decisions to be made and actions to be taken. In the book of Ecclesiastical, the Bible says there is time for everything in life. A time to sow and a time to reap! When we do things at the appropriate time, we receive the just reward. So also, inappropriate actions do have their own consequences. As a nation, there are so many things we have taken for granted and they are already affecting us negatively in several ways. In other words, we have been guilty of negligence. 

We have neglected to take care of the sick and hungry, the unemployed and the orphans. We have failed to provide hope for the common man.

  Often, we are the cause of our own failures because of our negligence. No amount of prayer or supplication can work, when we refuse to do the right thing. Are we truly sincere about eradicating armed robbery, poverty, prostitution and corruption in our national lives?

  The forthcoming election is another opportunity for us to have an ample say in who governs us. Let us remove sentiments, religion and tribe this time around in making our decisions.