Good luck, The Fool's Dust

In primary school, we were taught that we are the leaders of tomorrow and we believed our teachers. Yet for years now, we have been ruled by recycled government. It's so easy for us to lose hope in our nation because we have been in their iron grip for years and they have refused to listen to our voices. Some of us have come to realise that we actually matter. We have the power to get the change that we want but we have to strategise and keep our faith in God.

 
Time after time I complained that we are rotting in the same system that we condemn. It is instil into us. That is why it is so easy for us to give up on our dream for change. Every aspect of an average Nigerian life is political. Even the banking and entertainment industry is governed by politics. I know politics is part of most fields in every society but Nigerian politics is so ubiquitous it is also part of a household. It governs how we speak, how we interact, how we think and what we can or cannot have. Some people face the same directions. They refuse to want to the change the status quo.
 
They don't want to upset the system. They are willing to settle for mediocre because they are not used to excellence. They are willing to accept whatever they can get without demanding for more because they don't want to go hungry, they don't want to lack material things and they don't want to lack standard education or health care. Some people have no opinion. As long as they are earning something, they are okay. They don't want to really suffer in order to acquire a better standard of living. Yet their resolve to settle for less hasn't stopped the sufferance. Many people are still trying to eat one meal a day. Ask them, ask yourself; now that you have compromised your standards, principles, values, do you have substantial education system? Do you have infrastructures? Do you have good health facilities? Some Nigerians don't reason at all. We are already suffering. If we don't start demanding now, we shall continue to suffer. It's clear that settling for less isn't getting us anywhere yet it is the way of life for some Nigerians.
 
This Nigerian political lifestyle is killing us; we need to address it in every field. Let's take the music industry for example; when an artist releases a song that we don't like. When we complain about it, we are told to shut up that we don't count. It's the masses who have no access to the internet that counts. They are always quick to remind us that the masses are used to mediocre and willing to accept it. They just pulled the same stunt in our governance by branding themselves with people in the entertainment industry. Yes the same people that also sell mediocre products and services to us. They are telling us once again that our voices are not strong enough. They exploit us, they target the influential youths and use them to brainwash the masses. I was sceptical when I heard about the electoral youth movement and concert led by D'banj. I said it's a stunt. It's another way to brainwash Nigerians and get them to vote for a certain candidate.
 
We all know D'banj has endorsed Goodluck Jonathan. We don't need to do the maths when everything is so glaring. What makes this is so painful is that they are playing games with our future; they know we know this and they believe there is nothing we can do about it. But are they really sure we are powerless? Are they underestimating us? It is up to us to provide the answers to these questions with actions. They are using marketing strategies to steal our future once again. What are we doing about it? Are we just going to continue to talk about it or look for solutions? This isn't about what the electoral candidates are offering, this is about us. We have to show them that there is power in our voices. We have to change our mindset. We have to make things happen. We know the problem, let's find solutions and get the change that we want.
 
In order to get the change that we really need and want, we have to take actions. We have so many youth movements who I believe are more internet-inclined. They need to get out there. It's time to go out and talk to the masses. We must reach out to them in every possible way that we can. Get on more television shows. If possible get on local stations to reach more Nigerians. Try and get on newspapers and radio shows. Organise interactive gatherings and debates. To make this possible, we can also raise funds. I'm willing to contribute whatever I have to get us out there. Are you also willing to do that? Do you really want change? If so, we have to make it happen. Every single one of us has to educate whoever we come across. Not everyone will listen to you, not everyone will have the same opinion as you and not everyone will agree with your opinion but you will be shocked that you can help make a difference.
 
You can inspire and influence people. So get out there, talk to your friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, employers, employees, etc, about change. It is possible. It's achievable but we must raise our voices. Don't go out there to tell these people who to vote for. Educate them, tell them about the candidates you know, talk about their strengths and weaknesses then let these people go and ponder on their choice. Your bit is to tell them mediocre isn't acceptable anymore. We must all demand for excellence. Tell them their opinions count; they need to learn to have an opinion. They mustn't be sway by someone else’s opinion. Point it out to them that some celebrities that endorse politicians are just enriching themselves, they don't care about the masses. No matter how much money a particular celebrity invests to charities, it cannot bring the change that we want. This change will only come through a revolution. This revolution has to start now. It won't be perfect but it's a step forward. We need to use our voices now. This isn't just for our future but also for the generations to come; our children, their children and etc. We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to them as well. It's never too late. There is still time to make a difference so think of every possible way you can help make a difference.
 
Stop telling yourself that change won't come therefore you won't participate and fight for change. If you don't fight, change will never come. Rome wasn't built in a day. We must start from somewhere. Every little step will help us transform our nation to what we have always dream of it to be. So get up, get out there, ask for change, inspire change and embrace hope. Are you going to make change happen? The choice is yours.

P.S. To all the influential people, artists, actors, comedians, models, photographers and etc please I urge you to use your skills to inspire your people. Use it rightly, please don't mislead them.