“The Future Started yesterday, we are already late” – John Legend
At the political round table meeting yesterday, my confidence was multiplied by 100 on the fact that come 2011 we can actually ensure that our preferred candidates win more than 60% of all the political offices in Nigeria including the very important positions. I had been motivated by optimism and passion in the past, but now I know behond doubt that we can make change happen in Nigeria! I used to think that if we fight, we may lose, but if we don’t we have already lost. Now however, I know with confidence in my heart that we actually have a good chance of not only fighting, but winning!
I am not a political strategist, I’m a patriotic and visionary Nigerian who had always prefered to be neutral, be non political and not partisan. Just face my business and leave governance and government to those who have nothing more important to do with their lives. All that started changing recently, when I began to get serious nudgings on a regular basis that -”if it is to be, it is up to me”. I discovered very quickly that all the efforts we mustered in education, empowerment, community development, enlightement, re-orientation, sponsorships and scholarships involved too much struggle, too much effort and very little lasting effects. I and a few compatriots discovered, that to make significant difference and progress, we must be involved in the leadership of Nigeria. We must be involved in more than merely voting, we must ensure that we have a voice before the elections, and ensure that our voices cannot be silenced. Knowing all these, I was still motivated by optimistic faith and the youthful passionate belief that all things are possible. Yesterday however, our movement took on a new turn as we had a political strategist with 33yrs experience join our team. This man’s experience was inspiring, haven led two presidential candidate campaigns successfully, led a few State government campaigns and delivered several local governments to power. From yesterday, we ceased operating on zeal, belief, energy and thoughts, our gears have shifted to practical strategies, reapplication of things that have worked in the past, an indept understanding of the current systems and the only ways to beat them.
Honestly a lot of the content of that meeting cannot be shared openly. In the brief time he had, he mentioned a few historical facts that are best kept as building blocks for developing our strategy. He shared with us, how we do not need more than 11 people in our first meeting to guarantee repositioning this country. He showed us that we could do it, and he shared with us how we can do it! Some of the people on our team as well, include some foreign strategists who have been involved in doing similar things in Europe and America. When we get into our caucaus meetings, we’ll talk in details. We need to ensure that all our allies are committed and involved before we divulge too much information.
Our desire is to create a movement, that has the capacity to deliver correct political leadership and enlighted followers – people that are easy to govern, difficult to rule and impossible to enslave. In making this happen there are many bridges to cross, many mountains to climb and many valleys to travel through. We are confident though that every mountain will be leveled and every valley lifted up! When we speak like this, and dare to venture into these types of areas, the first question those who know better ask, is who is your God father, who is behind you? Our God father is God the father, behind us is his presence and his promise, underneath us are his everlasting arms. The men that we need, are locating us as we are locating them. When the time is ripe, David’s overcome Goliaths and all that Saul needs to do is allow him. When the time is ripe God declares that it’s time to set his people free, but rather than physically come down, he manifests himself in Moses who positions as His oracle.
Let me assure you my friends, whenever we HOPE for a New Nigeria, we kid ourselves. Our country is destined for doom if all we do is HOPE. Things were better 20yrs ago, things got worse 10yrs ago, but have deteriorated further today. Our country is in a downward spiral, and all the activities we have engaged in (and we have done a lot, trust me) have neither placated nor doused the decline. I was a primary school boy 20yrs ago, but I was old enough to know some things. Electric power was better in Nigeria 20yrs ago, going by how many times in a day we shouted “Up NEPA”. Back in those days, we could shout “Up NEPA” ten times in day, these days in good areas, once a day, in not so good, once in three days or three weeks. Interestingly I have friends that stay where there is no Electricity supplied and they assure me that there is no difference. At this rate, by 2025, Nigeria will be in outright darkness. We are already the darkest nation on earth, at that time, we’ll have just added new definitions to village and darkness. Education 20yrs ago was much better than 10yrs ago, and much better than now! All our elders went to public schools and are erudite scholars and internationally respected giants today. In those days, Ijebu Ode Grammar school was top notch, in my generation, the decay was evident, the schools that were manageable in my days were Federal Government Colleges, right before our eyes while we were there, we saw the glory departing, but trust me, what we had then was paradise compared to what exists today. Today 13% of secondary school leavers make it into any university. The others do things ranging from hanging out in people packs called pre-degree (which are actually dangerous hangouts from the number of lives that get irreparably damaged in these camps) to idle their time away at home to get involved in all sorts. At the rate at which Education is going, and the drop out rate, the population of people being positioned to fight the system as area boys and girls is alarming. Our position as the 15th failed nation in the world seems likely to head north. At the current rate, we’ll have failed completely as a nation by 2025. Should I talk about corruption or the decline in quality of leadership? Let’s face the cold facts friends, if we do not get involved in insisting on correct political leadership today, we can as well just move to Ghana and naturalize there! It’s better we do this now, than wait for 2019 when it will be a clear next step.
When yesterday’s meeting finished however, I was again filled with faith. Faith that if we decide to mobilize ourselves, mobilize resources and lend our support to ensuring that 2011 goes right, and lands us with a credible system and credible leaders, we can indeed make change happen in Nigeria! This is the best time to be alive friends, it’s the time when the future seems bleak, and the present seems fast eroding. It’s the time we have to place our names in clear prints on the stones of time. When the names of great men and women are reeled out world over – India features Ghandi, America features Martin Luther King Jr and the names go on. Great men are not made in times of peace, they are made in times of war. When the sun is hidden and the moon is out of sight, when the city is in it’s darkest night and evil prevails for lack of vision, that is the time that the lights are meant to shine! These are the opportunities for greatness and for the creation of history.
Let me warn you, our movement will not evolve into a machine that endorses merely individuals, we will evolve to endorse individuals and systems. True democracy must have the power to put people into position and call them out of position. We will not get ourselves into the same scenario as the proverbial man who supplied monkey who needed a cup of water. The monkey climbed down from the top of a very tall tree to collect the cup of water, he now climbed back up, drank the water and started beckoning to the supplier of water to climb the tree to come and collect his cup. We are going to build our weight, build systems, develop the policies that our nominees will run with, establish committees that will address critical issues. In fact we are going to continue doing all that we have done, but this time around without neglecting the root issue – our polity! If we do not find a political party willing and capable of birthing a New Nigeria, then we must be ready to evolve into one. Time is not our ally, we must act with urgency.
We need people, we need money! Please register your presense at either of these two sites or both, www.newnigeriaclub.net or www.thefuturemovement.org/register . They will not succeed without us, and we will not succeed without them. We need to build ourselves up, and we’ll find each other!
If we fail to take responsibility now. We’ll suffer for it many times over in future and our generations unborn will not forgive us
Great one.
When it comes to participation – we don’t have a choice. Ask yourself what could have happened if you did not serve as President of EEESS? I ask myself same question cos I served as the President of my dept association in Ife too. It was a great experience – we bought the first ever student association owned computer in Great Ife, got connected to the Internet and made Maths a desirable dept where our library turned into a Mecca of sorts.
I also remember that my interests in computers started from there and can’t imagine where I would have been today without the lessons. It was a tough sacrifice but it was worth it.
What I am trying to say is this. I am not sure my opponent in the election then had the same dreams I had. The positivity that followed the dream would still be a dream. This is why we have to wake up and act!
I have a new post on http://www.ayooladejo.com that brings out my anger, an anger that we need to turn positive.
Chairman,
Thank you for this feedback. The future is here and it ours! Nigeria, your deliverance is at hand!
In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” – Eric Hoffer
We are standing smack in the middle of a global shift. If you think life is going to continue as it always has, then you are in for a brutal surprise. This world is changing, and fast.
Where are you?
Are you lost in dreams? Or are you awake?
Are you aware of the responsibility that is asked of you to take your place as the Savior of the world?
Let’s move from complaining,whining,booing and even clapping……..It’s time to put on our soccer boot and be part of the Match.
THANK U SIR FOR THE CLARION CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
VOTE FOR SHOLAKINYEMI AS THE GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE NOW………..LOL,LOL.
Hmmmmm……… Adeolu, i cannot but read your words and think deeper, i’m yet to overcome my real self that have been built since i was born. Since you alert me of this direction, i’ve never stop thinking, i have discovered that a lot of fear has been built into me about politics in our country, infact i’m struggling very hard now to find answers and overcome them. I don’t know if there is anyone like me out there but above all, there is a reality within my heart that i love to live a sacrifice life, anything that will make Nigeria better i’m willing to do and be involved in, i agree with all your points they are very true and undeniable. As i’m writing now, i can recull a number of old adage that is challenging my fears, confronting my notion of ” Ilesanmi dun ju Oye lo”. Perhaps it will be great to create a discussion forum to support people like me to get answers, thanks.
Just like Peter…..hmmmmmmm
Anyway, just wanted to let you knwo that both links aren’t up.
True talk. Well spoken. Politics in my country, Nigeria, is won in most cases, not by those with the right idealogy, direction and purpose but by those hand-picked by their god-fathers. Politics in Nigeria is dangerous. The level it is played discourages those that are willing to genuinely serve their father land. The good news, however, is that with the annulment of some elections held during the Obasanjo regime, it is obvious that change and sanity is gradually finding its way into the country. With team work, I believe, we can make it. YES WE CAN.
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Hmmmm,
I feel you, and inspite of my fears, I have to stay positive on this. Like someone said above, without participation, desireable change may not happen. In the past, I have also had to participate in school politics just so I can bring about desireable change. There must have been those who have had noble thoughts such as this in the past (e.g. Wole Soyinka, Gani Fawehinmi, etc), let us find out why they haven’t really succeeded. This must be the place to start from. Let’s ask people like Adams Oshiomhole (who I believe has a lot of inside knowledge of nigerian governments – how I love his courage, drive and passion!) what the challenges are, will be, and how to overcome them.
It’s not going to be an easy fight, what we must ask ourselves is how far we are willing to go. Please don’t get me wrong, my point is we need to first look at the problems of politics in our country, how to solve those problems, then “all the rest shall be added onto us”.
I am a firm believer in “nothing ventured, nothing gained” philosophy, but let’s make the venture worthwhile.
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Chairman,
I BELIEVE
I am totally in accord with this Move … Liberal is my word..enough of Monarchies and aristocrasies …
Bro .. a must to join your caucaus … guide line please
I refuse to be a spectator.
Thank you Deolu.
Great Stuff…
The future of the NOW Generations lies in every sane Nigerian hands. This is not for the cause but for the people involved.
Now this is the future….
Dear youths – its time to rise up against the forces of oppression, at the rate Nigeria is going it is doom ahead, we must stand and fight. It is not about religion or tribe, its about CHANGE and YES WE CAN.
Thank you for lifting up our spirit, the future of this world lies in our hand, let’s rise and declare every possiblilty!
Together we can cause the CHANGE in our world…make it a better place…
Obinna UniQuehnd
Just like I said in ur “sin of Negligence” post, I have been expecting this movement to kick-start for while. Right step in the right direction. I share your optimism chairman, reading that you are leveraging on the experience of veterans. Good move!
Some of us are far away enough, at the moment enough not to be able to partake in this first-hand. Also, just as Peter said, we still have some questions. I would support having an audience, probably online, to answer our questions and clear our initial fears.
Naija o ni baje o!
@Skybaba
The links have been corrected.
@Peter, Omooba, et al
We have nothing to fear, I will make myself available on skype as usual to answer your questions. The first step is always a decision, after that comes clarity, and clarity is available. The reason why all that failed failed, is because there was no way they would have succeeded. There are things we must do, and systems we must build. Diaspora or at home, we can all make it happen. There are 2 million plus Nigerians in voting age in Diaspora, we need the votes of that state, and we need all of you.
Well chairman,
Just got over the astonishment from yesterday’s meeting, i said to myself, ‘i am actually part of the revolution’. i had in the recent past but only kept to criticism and lamentations, hoping and praying for the ‘one’ messiah… but now i can see – that one person is me. I have read and heard stories about revolutionist, but i never imagined they were flesh and blood – that’s what i am… i subscribe to the crucifixion – ‘if i perish, i perish’ at the least, my son would rise in my stead. Sacrifices has to be made… bloodless – possible… but mental sacrifices… i lay myself down to what it takes… i do.
I completely feel you sir and i have always preach this message. This is indeed the right step in the rightest direction. Permit my grammer. Be that as it may, i agree with Omoba, let us know when you want to come online and my skype address is elisha.otome, God bless Ngeria
Chairman, i need nominees for Ward, L.G,State Ambassadors.The Transformational Leaders Census is ready. Your nominees will go through three screening exercise after crossing the TLA requirement. tell your friends at home and abroad to send their nominees. they can also nominate themselves. we are a moving train, unstoppable force. talk is over. selah
The die is cast! Its a pity some of us could not make it to the meeting, especially those of us living outside Lagos. Kindly provide details of deliberation and decisions via email or other electronic means to ensure that we are carried along fully. You can rest assured that I am 101% in on all you stand for. We have moved from talking to doing, lets light up the fire and set men’s hearts ablaze all over this nation. Change is here. YES WE CAN!
A FEELING I HAVE NEVER FELT,A MISSION ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED….. BUT THEN ALL HANDS MUST BE ON DECK.YES, WE CAN IF ONLY WE WANT.
Chairman… Eku ise Oluwa oh. I tried the link but its not going anywhere
@ Tunzie,
No vex, just copy the links. They seem to be extending my site rather than go to the sites directly. I’ll try to fix that.
You have certainly ignite a fire which will consume all right thinkin persons.Bravo brother!. I am the first volunteer
yes a better nigeria should emerge fast. with the help of promising and devoted nigerians we would cross that finish line, and stop dreaming we would soon get there,when we havent started at all. chairman this is really thotful of u. more grease to ur elbow
i love what you said about our gear shifting from zeal, energy etc because we must understand that zeal and paiion alone cannot change thins around. its not as though they are not important but they alone cannot work in isolation. we need to have good stratergy to work with. startergy is the conqueror’s backbone. it is what gives him confidence in the war.
the future has already started and if we have to see the right people in office come 2011, we must all put our ideas down and start working with them.Anthony Robbins said that the great end of life is not knowledge but action. lets start now. count me in sir.
This is a step in the right direction, moving from talks to action. The strategy must be such that we can drive a change that is overwhelming and pervasive and we need people in every phase of the journey – a journey indeed that has started with this small step as I frankly do not see any quick fix – We must establish timelines to measure our progress, build our dreams a task at a time and develop a system that will outlive our generation. A salute to your courage for taking this up and a prayer for grace to finish this successfully. And lest I forget Happy Birthday again.
This is really thought provoking. We need to stop hoping Nigeria will get better, we need to take responsibility for it to become better by laying hold of governance and influencing government machinery. I total agree with you, but we need to put proper planning in place not leaving any stone unturned. We need to do so much to win the heart of many well meaning Nigerians who have lost confidence in the politics and leadership of Nigeria due to previous bad experiences. We have major stake… the current political parties, they are already at the grass root level with the bad heads as representatives people who are ready even to kill to get to power. We need to do something that will be void of error, we need to present people and representatives that have good records.
many people already know something is wrong with Nigeria, our parents tell us how their days was better than now. But many don’t want to stake their lives to the desire change we want. Sometimes all we need is a good and coordinated leadership that can spear hear the move. Every revolution is birth by a visionary leader. We an outstanding person that when presented will command respect and propel good initiative in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria. We need committed people that can’t be bought over by food packs or fat envelopes. People that are also desperate for change and will be willing to stake their lives for the change we desire. I pledge my support and involvement. A new Nigeria will emerge, we can do it, we must and we will. Thanks a million brother.
Chairman.
This is a right step in the right direction. If we don’t do it, nobody will do it. We’ve got to take our lives in our hands. Bussee has really convinced me enough to take this up. It’s high time.
Kip it up
Great post. I really appreciate and agree with your words. Thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts.