VALUES THAT TRANSFORM NATIONS

Success Digest
with Olusegun Samson G.

WEEK 4

Values That Transform Nations

With the way things are in our nation today, there is a serious need for national transformation in our economy, governance, policy and others. And this transformation can't just be pray down; both citizens and government has roles to play to see it turns to a reality. What most people do is to sit back and blame the government for everything.And the truth is our day to day activities and actions even as individual is either destroying our nation or building it. More so, those in the affairs of government today are product of the society; the incumbent president of the country is raised in a family within a community, and the fact is the way of live of the people in such community will have an influence on his life style. The point I’m drive at is that, if we desire a better governance our society need to be better, and for our society to be better each of us as it member need to change for the better in both our way of thinking and bahaviour.

Every nation is define by the values it hold dear. As an advocate of national transformation, I have come to discover that, if our nation will be transformed, we need to redefine our values. There are values that transform nations, which must be adopted by government, citizens and inhabitants of this nation. Let’s consider some of them together:

Values We Need to Embrace for National Transformation

1. PUNCTUALITY : ‘Time is money’ they say. Any nation that does not place value on time will be loosing great resource on daily bases. We need to abolish ‘Africa time’ as it is drawing us back among other nations. Let everyone embrace punctuality and be frank with individuals who do otherwise.
In 1748, while advising a young Tradesman, Benjamen Frankline made this powerful statement, “Remember that time is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by his labour, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day, though he spends but sixpence during his diversion or idleness, it ought not to be reckoned the only expense: he hath really spent or thrown away five shillings besides.” It is very important we place more value on time; every single act of idleness has a negative effect on our economy. The government also needs to put in their every best to minimize traffic on our roads. Those minor road adjustments could be done at night when there will be fewer vehicles on the road, so as to ensure free movement during the day. It’s important for all to wake up early and do what needs to be done at the right time. Let’s be punctual to meetings, work, appointments e.t.c. Join me in my campaign against unpunctuality and together let’s say no to ‘Africa time.’

2. TRUTHFULNESS : Another core value of national transformation is truthfulness. Trust dose not exist where there is no truthfulness, there is no teamwork without trust and if we can not work together, we will not be able to progress. Where there is no truthfulness, exploitation will be the order of the day. The erosion of truthfulness in any nation will always inhibit development in such nation. Henry David Thoreau wisely stated, “Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” For our nation to experience the transformation we seek, each of us (government and citizen alike) need to be truthful at all time, in business transactions, relationship, e.t.c.

3. EXCELLENT : Most Africa countries are lacking behind because of the absence of this core value, ‘Excellent.’ We need to strive for the best and put in our best in all we do. If you are a doctor, be a doctor per excellent, if you are an Engineer, strive for excellent; in whatever you do, be the best. Let those in the affairs of government offer our nation the best infrastructure, and social amenities; don’t give us just anything, give us the best or forget it. When you travel to well develop countries, the beauties you see there speaks of excellent and it could be replicated in our country too. We need to kill the ‘anything goes’ spirit in us and make commitment for ‘it’s the best or nothing else.’ Let our government wakeup to the fact that things are changing fast and technology is seriously advancing and put an excellent touch to whatever they are doing for the nation. We all need to come together to do something about the slip of standard in our society. Let’s replace mediocrity with excellent in our education, health facility, infrastructure, governance, e.t.c. Say no today, to ‘Good enough’ and embrace ‘Excellent.’ Our nation shall be transformed.

4. INNOVATION : I have not see a nation that kills innovation as ours. Our societies no longer encourage innovations, what we celebrate is fun and entertainment. So many programs are out there that offer millions of naira to some idle individuals who even lack character, just because they could sing and hundreds of innovations are wasting away; we seriously need to value innovations around there. The government or some industrialists could come up with a platform for people to showcase how innovative they are and sponsor the best innovations. This will inspire a lot of people in our nation to be innovative. Let’s be innovative in our thinking and seek how things could be done better in our various fields. Let there be a continuous search for new and better ideas in all sectors of the nation.

5. RESPECT : We need to respect ourselves, the rule of law and our nation in general. Let’s learn to show mutual respect for all. Distance yourself from anything that would affect the self esteem of anyone. Let bosses show mutual respect for the subordinates, parents for children, husbands for their wives and government for the people and vice versa. In an environment of respect, there is always sense of belonging and people find it very easy to team up to achieve set goal(s). Let’s have respect for our laws with no one been above the law. Let the same law which affect the poor and powerless also affect the rich and powerful; only then can our nation experience true transformation. Together let us work to build a culture of mutual respect in our nation. I charge all to sow a seed of respect today, so we could reap its fruits and our society will be better as abuse, rape and other social vices filters away.

National transformation requires the effort of all; start playing your part today. Watch out for the concluding part next week.
I see a new you emerging as you work to make this core values a part of you.

#keeps succeeding…

Thanks for reading, and I’m sure you have been inspire to be a transformation agent in your country. Help inspire others by sharing this publication. You could equally share with us your thought about this subject or what you are doing or going to do as your own contribution towards the transformation of your country where ever you. Whatsapp: 08130651822, E-mail: kingsamolu@gmail.com