At exactly 7:00am this morning, we watched as President Muhammadu Buhari speaks to us from a live broadcast. The 5-minute broadcast had generated lot of reactions, commentaries and variety of criticisms.

The anti-buharist accused him of not revealing the status of his health, wrong choice of words and posing threats on citizens he rules over.

It is not news that the social media was filled with pictures of celebrations of fellow citizens of our great nation, from state to state, rejoicing over the return of our president. Infact, Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Yahya Bello, also partook in this as he declared today, Monday, 21st August, 2017 as public holiday for all civil servants in the state.

With a critical look at the broadcast, you will see that Unity and Prosperity, were all our President was emphasizing upon. And those are the callings of a good leader. Remember, that there is no great leader anywhere, if the followers aren't as supportive as expected.

Both the Buharists and the anti-Buharists are good citizens of our great nation. The moment we forget the one name - Nigeria, that bounds us together disparity sets in. I strongly belief that all parties in this country are all clamoring for these same goals; Unity and Prosperity. Yes, some define unity to be what is achieved when the three majorities - Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo, split into parts to establish their seperate nations with new rules, currency, autonomy and geographical boundaries. With this, they belief that an/a Igbo/Hausa/Yoruba man will legitimately follow the dictates of an/a Igbo/Hausa/Yoruba leader, without issues of divide and rule or policy favoritism. That's Unity!

But when will the prosperity of such unity be achieved? Considering the efforts of our hereos in rescuing our nation from the hands of the colonial masters, we could collaboratively support our little quotas of building a seperate new empires to amend the faults in the already established kingdom. In order to mend our broken kingdom, there is need for; understanding, selflessness, self discipline, mutual love, peace and unity, anything short of these will result in selfishness, chaos and mayhem.

The true meaning of unity is when we achieve an exceptional result at the presence of our differences. That's the true test of Unity! Developed countries in the continent - Africa, experienced Growth and Development not because of their small population size, rather through the strength in their unity and maximum cooperation with their government. They could have been under-developed, even undeveloped, if parts were scattered everywhere. Examples are; Seychelles, Algeria, Mauritius, Gabon, Namibia, South Africa and Egypt. If there is peace and harmony that is when you can start talking about achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Until there is unity, prosperity cannot prevail.

The pathetic part of it all is that, the productive force - youths, are the instruments used to cause divisions in this country. Why should it be so? Yes, there is recession. Yes, we are frustrated. But instead of our frustrations leading our ways into creativeness and entrepreneurial innovations, we are causing more harm to ourselves and to the nation at large. Hardships were what led to innovations across the globe, numerous examples are there for us to see. Why are African youths, mostly Nigerians' acting otherwise?

I strongly belief in the capacities of this present generation - we are the change-agents. We need to neglect our wrong doctrines, wrong notions and let's start to see things in a new light. We are strong, wise, energetic, enlightened enough to create opportunities for ourselves. Yes, some youths are already doing that! But, we can create more. The government of the day is not perfect, and I don't think there will ever be a perfect one. That's why we have to criticize constructively to make them see things clearer and not to cause more havoc or make things go worse.

The Federal Government deserves some applause, even though they haven't done enough. Over 200, 000 graduates are currently engaged in the Npower Scheme and more are already on the queue. Yes, we have the money, what if the government of the day divert the trillions of dollars for this scheme into schemes of less importance. What will happen? Nothing! I will shout and others will equally do and nothing will happen.

We should thank God for where we are and look forward in making the situations better for all of us. We should always remember our country in prayer everyday. Let's prophesy good intentions into our nation. Nigeria independence was not an error, we got it because we are sufficiently strong to paddle our affairs ourselves. Let us not allow sentiment to overtake our emotions. Let's be selfless! Let's practice contentment. Our resources are sufficient to go round if we love others as we love ourselves. Let's put ourselves in the shoe of the less-privileged in our societies. The loaf that bellyful a person is sufficient for two persons when shared with love.

God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. . . Amen


- I.O. Alabi
Career Counselor, Public Speaker and Recruiter

Source:
http://ioalabi..com.ng/2017/08/buharis-5-minute-broadcast.html