We Don't Need Heroes in Nigeria!

Our recently concluded elections,  as predicted,    turned out to be the most significant political event in Africa this year, so far! The victory of the President Elect,  General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd ) seems to have greatly boosted the national confidence of Nigerians in the entity called Nigeria.

The next part of this journey though, the way the new administration handles the expectations and anticipations of the people will greatly determine the direction of Nigeria's  possible reawakening. There are very high expectations for this administration and most of it are self - imposed. The average Nigerian has not experienced nor is he familiar with what a fully functional, people minded government looks like so, though some of these expectations are naive, they are from passionate Nigerians who hope that they would not be disappointed.

But this is where we all need to stop! Those who understand what is required of us now need to realise that the work has only just begun! From Nigeria's industries to our civil service. From the relatives of the incoming First Lady to the vulcaniser working at a dusty junction, Nigeria needs everyone to play their parts. We have celebrated notable personalities in various fields of endeavour in Nigeria but this is not the time of heroes.

It is time for Nigerians to realise that this is a special place in our history and take ownership of the tasks ahead. It is time to look closely at the things that divides us like tribe, ethnicity religion, age or even 'connections' again and make a clear stand against such divisions. This is the time for national and personal character building, a time for reorientation. If we can do this, then we are ready as a Nation to reach new heights that previously seemed unattainable.

If we all do what we all ought, if our newly elected government sticks to their own pre elections pledges and promises. If the Policing and the Judiciary systems work as they are supposed to and if that young bright girl whose mother sells roasted corn by the road can go to the University without her family plummeting deeper into poverty and indebtedness then who needs heros anyway?
@kodblu

Top 10 Election Season Memes

The just concluded elections in Nigeria brought out some of the most creative Web contents by some of the craftiest minds in our collective history. The Memes got my attention and I could not help but join in myself!

These are my Top 10 - all made by you - know - who!
The date on this one got changed from 15th of February for obvious reasons.

Response - Post elections victory for Ambode

The The General sure has has a great sense of humour.

Cannot say much. Just look! ;)

One of my favourite by far! Great Prediction as well!

Boys were not smiling at this at all!

FFK did talk some crazy stuff, didn't he?

This went viral on twitter with the #BabaWhileYouWereGone tag

The way the world looked at us for questioning an Ex General's credentials.

The infamous GEJ - BBC interview!

Please feel free to add to the list.

@kodblu

GMB's Family and Lessons From Failure

I do not envy them!
Not one tiny bit! Things are about to drastically change around them in every sense of the word! Somehow, I believe that every single one of them, from Aisha Buhari to their youngest offspring must have learnt a valuable lesson from General Muhammadu Buhari's previous defeats!

Like anyone old enough or experienced enough to have faced difficult times, the first casualty is usually 'friendship'! People avoid you or do not take your calls and .... you get the idea! As much as this hurts, it is also,  as most come to learn, the best thing that can happen to anyone! You begin to know who your true allies are and develop a new 'instinct' that allows you to recognise 'fake', miles before it shows up!

This new season of lobbying and unholy allegiances has kicked in without delay! Even the General's neighbours in Daura are going to have 'long lost friends' attempting to visit them in the quest to secure something. .. anything! But I believe that the incoming First Family have seen enough to prepare them! I believe that the beautiful and intelligent Hajia Aisha Buhari has seen enough during all her husband’s previous defeats to prepare her for her new role.

We have seen news and rumours of several prominent Nigerians, falling over each other to give their congratulatory messages in person. There are several personalities, unfamiliar to the Change Movement but now full to the brim of 'Sai Buhari'! I can imagine,  that deep beneath those famous smiles of the General,  there's a slight hint in it that reassures me that he knows what he is doing and he is not about to fall prey to these schemes. Success sure has friends!

The people's reaction to the rumoured dinner invitation supposedly from Bola Shagaya, howbeit unconfirmed,  was a prime example of how Nigerians will not entertain the idea of a new government overwhelmed by the established lobbyists and their agendas.

In all of these, we all must learn from failure. It is known to have more valuable lessons than success! I, for one, am still learning.

Twitter:@Kodblu