By Yemi Farounbi
In the heart of every Nigerian lies a profound capacity to bring about change, to shape destinies, and to make an indelible impact on the course of history. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene villages of the North, from the oil-rich Niger Delta to the cultural hub of the East, Nigeria is a land teeming with potential and opportunities. However, there is a missing link, a disconnect between the power of the people and the progress of the nation. It is the realization that each individual has a responsibility—not just to themselves, but to their community, their country, and the future generations that will inherit the legacy we leave behind.
In our current moment, it is crucial that both leaders and followers in Nigeria recognize this simple yet powerful truth: you are the change you seek. Whether you hold a title in government or serve as a humble artisan in your local community, your actions, your decisions, and your character matter. The future of Nigeria is not solely in the hands of political leaders or institutions. It lies also in the collective effort of all Nigerians, from every walk of life, taking ownership of their destinies and contributing to a better, more prosperous nation.
The Power of Accountability
The greatest challenge Nigeria faces is not just corruption, poor governance, or infrastructural decay, but the lack of accountability. Too often, we place the blame for our misfortunes at the feet of our leaders, forgetting that the true measure of a nation’s success lies in the integrity, resilience, and civic engagement of its people. Leadership is not a privilege; it is a duty. A duty to the people, a duty to the future, and most importantly, a duty to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.
For leaders, this means more than just holding office. It means recognizing that the people who have entrusted you with power are not subordinates, but partners in progress. They have the right to demand transparency, to seek justice, and to challenge decisions that undermine the collective good. When leaders fail to recognize this, they rob the nation of its potential.
For followers, it is equally important to understand that change does not only come from the top—it comes from the ground up. It is not enough to point fingers or complain. Every Nigerian, regardless of their status, has a role to play in the transformation of the country. Whether through education, innovation, community service, or simply by living a life of integrity, every individual has the power to influence the direction of Nigeria. When we look the other way, when we turn a blind eye to the injustices around us, we are complicit in the decay.
MAKING YOUR LIFE COUNT:
Each day is an opportunity to make a difference. It doesn’t require you to have vast wealth, political power, or influence. What it requires is the willingness to take responsibility for your actions and to see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Whether you are a student striving for academic excellence, a business owner who treats employees with respect, or a public servant who listens to the concerns of the people, you are making a difference.
To the leaders of Nigeria: Make your leadership count. Lead with purpose, integrity, and vision. Do not let the fleeting nature of power sway you from the ultimate goal—to serve the people and uplift the nation. Be transparent, be accountable, and, most of all, be empathetic. The people who look to you for guidance deserve nothing less. Their hopes, their dreams, and their futures are in your hands.
To the followers: Make your life count by holding those in power to the highest standards, but also by being the change you want to see. Don’t wait for someone else to take the first step. Start where you are, with what you have. Change starts with the individual. It starts with you. When you change, Nigeria changes.
PREPARING FOR TOMORROW:
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We are a nation of incredible potential, but potential alone is not enough. It is not enough to simply dream of a better future—we must actively build it. The decisions we make today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow. Are we preparing the next generation for leadership? Are we fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and patriotism? Are we creating systems that empower the people and hold our leaders accountable?
The answers to these questions lie within each one of us. Make your life count by ensuring that the future you leave behind is one of progress, justice, and prosperity for all Nigerians. Whether in small or large ways, your actions matter. They echo through the fabric of the nation, and when multiplied by millions of individuals who share the same vision, they have the power to create lasting change.
CONCLUSION:
Nigeria’s future will not be shaped by the voices of those who merely wait for things to happen. It will be shaped by those who rise up, take action, and understand that their lives have meaning and purpose. Leaders, followers—make your life count. Take responsibility, demand more from yourself and others, and work tirelessly for the Nigeria we know is possible. A Nigeria that stands tall on the world stage, not because of its oil wealth or its population, but because of its people’s unwavering commitment to integrity, to progress, and to one another.
The time to act is now. Make your life count.
Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi is an Elder Stateman and former Nigeria Ambassador to the Philippines
