By Gloria Anaeze
"For they who live in the shadows of the past, shall remain in hurt, will make no mark in the present, and have no defined future. They who live in delusions of the future without visibly identifying pathways shall remain lost, oblivious of the present, and achieve no progress. True progress and productivity can only emerge by living in the now," says Emeka Odibe, a prominent social analyst.
Odibe argues that power and progress are derived from two primary sources:
. Natural Power – inherent in all existing matter, activated only by external factors.
. The Human Will – a product of thoughts and beliefs.
He highlights that the greatest power lies in Universal Oneness, emphasizing that God is manifested in the excellence of human deeds.
He calls for a shift from divisive religious ideologies to unity-driven principles of peace and love.
Religion and Governance: A Call for Change
Odibe critiques the weaponization of religion, stating:
"Religion was meant to uphold spirituality and promote morality, but it has been infiltrated and used to divide, deceive, and extort."
He points out how ego and classism, perpetuated by patriarchal and discriminatory systems, fuel societal divisions. Using Nigeria as a case study, Odibe underscores the adverse effects of imported religious ideologies that objectify women and perpetuate systemic oppression.
Protests and Bad Governance
Reflecting on Nigeria's socio-political struggles, Odibe asserts that protests and strikes are reactive measures that fail to create lasting change. He notes:
"True change stems from intelligent, calculated, proactive moves starting at the grassroots level."
Odibe critiques societal complicity in corruption, citing examples of moral decay in schools, where lecturers exploit students for grades, and a culture that prioritizes entertainment over education.
Education as the Bedrock of Progress
For Nigeria to thrive, Odibe emphasizes the importance of education, stating:
"Competence entails the acquisition and right application of technical knowledge. Yet, in Nigeria, Big Brother housemates receive more recognition and rewards than first-class graduates."
He advocates for structural reforms in education, urging institutions to adopt measures that promote transparency and fairness. He proposes solutions such as duplicating answer sheets for students and encouraging proactive engagement in academic and social settings.
National Oneness: The Way Forward
To achieve progress, Odibe calls for absolute national oneness, where power belongs to the people. He challenges Nigerians to purge divisive factors like age, gender, religion, tribe, and class, focusing instead on collective growth and development.
"A nation that prioritizes competence over division will thrive," he asserts. "When seeking medical help, we prioritize the best hands, irrespective of their background. This mindset should guide our national decisions."
Rebuilding from the Grassroots
Odibe stresses the importance of family and societal structures in fostering national unity. He proposes integrating financial and emotional stability into the foundation of relationships to build strong families that contribute to societal progress.
"Nigeria's governance model is a colonial handover," he notes. "To fix our nation, we must address issues at the societal level, creating proactive, inclusive strategies that empower every citizen."
A Challenge to Leaders
Concluding his analysis, Odibe challenges influential figures in entertainment and politics to invest in projects that promote national growth. He emphasizes the power of storytelling and collaboration in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.
"The solution lies in us," Odibe concludes. "If we embrace unity, education, and accountability, we can rebuild our nation and secure a progressive future for generations to come."