The value of life is computed, not by its DURATION, but by its DONATION.

In retrospect, I will like to reveal that, all through my earthly choice and existence; I have never once prayed for a long unending life, similar to the thousands of years, enjoyed by the likes of Methuselah. Instead, I have always believed in a lifetime of service to humanity and sacrifices for the future generations.

I am an incredible and incurable unrepentant admirer of two great personalities of blessed memory, Martin Luther king Jr and Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola GCFR. These two great minds have in many ways  influenced  my life. Both of them sacrificed their personal comfort, entire life and paid the supreme price for the generations yet unborn. I wish I can also have such privilege and honour.

For the records, the issues of patriotism, sacrifice and challenges, requires a great deal of discipline and selflessness, which ultimately will enhance the continuous survival and advancement of humanity. To the extent that men with larger heart and selflessness are needed more in leadership positions than those with inordinate ambitions. This is the minimum standard practice required to rejuvenate our beloved nation Nigeria.

Permit me to continue with the quote from Theodore Roosevelt, “Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president or any other pubic official, save exactly to the degree in which he himself stands by the country. It is patriotic to support him, insofar as he efficiently serves the country. It is unpatriotic not to oppose him to the exact extent that by inefficiency or otherwise he fails in his duty to stand by the country. In either event, it is unpatriotic not to tell the truth, whether about the president or anyone else.”

This brings us to the constraints and sentiments often encountered with many of our compatriots across board. Essentially, politics and religion remains the twin instruments of subjugation, it is often used by elements of retrogression to hoodwink, bamboozle and silence robust engagement, you are to do “follow, follow,” you are not permitted to use your minds to do reasonable thinking, you are meant to be a zombie who cannot reason by himself. The twin instruments of subjugation also ensures that you don’t have your own mind. This is part of the challenges of a very religious and materialistic society that functions on deceitfulness and godlessness. It is a huge problem with the religionists of retardation  mindsets.

Most Africans, particularly Nigerians conflate hatred for self-centred public officials with hatred for the country, wrong! They are mutually exclusive, in and out. Until the day we begin to demand for accountability and call out our leaders entrusted with our resources both the civil servants and political office holders, we are doomed.

Ruminating about our beloved country Nigeria and how to reposition her for global competitiveness. The Singaporean experiences and achievements readily came to mind.

I’d recommend it for anyone with zestful interests in real governance, not acrid politics and its twin ‘politricking’. You’d find your quiver quickly replenished as you leaf through.

Arise ‘O Compatriots

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI.