One of the greatest lessons I learnt from the last 2019 general elections in Nigeria is that NOT TOO YOUNG TO RULE is not for mediocres.

All the contestants for various offices fell into one of these three categories;
1. The Zealous, but not knowledgeable
2. The Knowledgeable, but not zealous
3. The Zealous and Knowledgeable

I'm more bothered about the ZEALOUS BUT NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE. Beyond politics, everyday I meet very passionate Nigerian youths who want to blaze the trails and make giant strides, I get scared because from historical observations, there are more zealous but not knowledgeable people who have failed their countries and organizations than the knowledgeable but NOT ZEALOUS ones. In fact, a zealous person who lacks adequate knowledge is a disaster waiting to happen. Just like a car with a failed brake.

You may have a burning passion and a clear vision. You may be full of zeal with the right motive, if you don't have adequate knowledge, you are a failure in suspense. This is one reason why Nigeria has more substandard crème de la crèmes almost in all fields. If you think just your talent is enough, then you've not read about the King of Pop Music in the world. The late Michael Jackson's way of life and rise to fame is a story worth researching into. His dance moves, his controversial "love for children", his romance with fame, his wealth, his confusion, his humiliation (do you know the court took pictures of his penis?) and his influence.

However, I was surprised when it was revealed that he was an avid reader. Despite all the entertainment sèrérè and paparazzi, he was still a voracious reader. Maybe that is why Nigerian folks don't last long before losing content and steam. You want to be great but you don't want to read or you only read class notes and textbooks because of tests or exams.

In whatever field or pursuit you've chosen, fuel your passion with knowledge. Let your brain be as filled as your storex of zeal. Get trained. Money may get you fame and power, but knowledge and character will sustain you there. Yes! Ignorance makes you ignored, but understanding makes you outstanding.

Dear, don't be in a haste to "blow" else, you will just blow away like the chaff and your success story will grow stale. If you want to stay relevant in your field, sit your ass down and learn. Get tutored. Read books.Get mentored. Unless, you will become a disaster waiting to happen.

Kingsley Ndimele
kingsleyndimele95@gmail.com
Author of RITUALS