HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MY NATION? A Submission by Chinecherem Eze

We are in a time where various nations are facing challenges that are testing the bonds of unity and shared prosperity amongst them. This is evident from the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, banking and financial institutions crisis in America, ethnic clashes and insurgency in many countries in Africa as well as identity and religious crisis in the western world. Depending on the narratives one chooses to propagate, Nation building is paramount to addressing the rough edges of diversity and pave way for integration and development.
Nation building is a call to service. It is an admonition for citizens to remain faithful, loyal and honest, to defend their nation through lawful means while upholding its honor and glory. To participate in the development of my nation, I must be Patriotic. As love is to a relationship, so is patriotism to the development of a nation. It ignites the citizen’s affection, unity, purposefulness and humanity; this means, no one will be left behind in the act of nation building. Patriotism entails lending ones voice to constructive criticisms that will shape and skew the fortunes of the nation towards positivity, economic well-being and growth. This act encourages citizens to participate in electoral processes that will produce highly refined leaders whom shall be at the fore front in ensuring the development of the nation. In the words of Professor Yemi Osibanjo (GCON), “we have to build a nation and live in harmony, so that posterity would be proud of us. A nation cannot grow when there is trouble.” This underscores the relevance of patriotism to critical development of a nation and nation building.
The world has fast become a global village with the proliferation of technology and artificial intelligence. This has provided various opportunities for individuals to harness and use for personal gains. These opportunities when transformed to skill sets and human capital development will not only leap-frog the economic fortunes of a nation, but also create an enabling environment for national cohesion and security. This responsibility can be undertaken by individuals who have the requisite resources as a philanthropic gesture or as a group project, all being in the interest of nation building. Indeed, I will generously avail myself the opportunity to co-operate with like minds towards the achievement of such projects.
Furthermore, in the act of nation building and development, a corruption free society is a virtue that must be upheld by citizens. Corruption is multifaceted, multidimensional and not personality phobic. A corruption free society promotes the rule of law, national dignity and respect as well as peace and social security. To foster the importance of a corrupt free society to national development, I suggest this mantra, “I am a citizen of my great nation, excellence should be my nature, a corrupt free society is my responsibility”; to live in the sub consciousness of all well meaning country men and women, young and old, to always do the right thing in the interest of national development.