There is one fundamental principle that stand tall in all of our general struggles, aspirations and efforts: the ability to wish well and love unconditionally, – it is the cornerstone of success and prosperity, both individually and nationally. This selfless sentiment is the linchpin that harnesses the collective energy of a community and catapult it toward growth, progress, and unimaginable change. Like a garden left unwatered, an environment devoid of passionate desire for growth stifles progress.
Wealth, entrepreneurial spirit, and success can be built on various foundations – innovation, hard work, strategic risk-taking, and they can truly work, – but without love, passionate willingness and energy, they remain hollow projects that lack the soul and essence of a noble cause. The disconnect and absence of this driving force reduces even the most ambitious endeavours to mere transactions, and strip them of their potential to inspire and uplift.
Our nation cries out for change and newness of ways, we seek individuals of conscience to drive this revolution. The clarion call comes from and through every corner, it urges those who genuinely love their country to step forward, participate, and shape its destiny. I’ve emphasised this notion in previous writings: the path to progress lies in collective participation that value all voices, mobilises every hand, and where every heart beats with a shared vision. I have seen no alternative or find any shortcut, – or have you?
The alarming migration trend, otherwise, “japa”, where young and old seek greener pastures abroad, is a stark indictment of our leadership. And it is very troubling. This brain drain hurts me in constant, – our country loses vital talents to foreign nations while we desperately need them. It’s a sharp-pointed reminder that our brightest minds and most innovative spirits are seeking refuge elsewhere, fleeing the very challenges they could help solve. No doubt, the gravitational pull of opportunity abroad sucks talent from our shores, and we honestly can’t survive it.
Beyond all the lens we might view this from, a devastating consequence of this exodus is the disintegration of family bonds that our society even needs to grow its ethical and cultural structures. Scattered across Europe and America, and elsewhere, loved ones connect only through virtual messages and video conferences, they have left homes desolate and memories distant. The warmth of physical presence is replaced by the cold glow of screens, and the families fragment and relationships fray. This quiet tragedy unfolds in countless homes.
Effective leadership would and should address the aspirations driving this migration. Instead, our leaders have perpetuated a silent evil which affects even their own families. The constant neglect of the needs of the people seems to have created a void that only the allure of foreign lands can fill. This is a stark irony: those who should be the champions of change become its victims.
Yet, I think we mustn’t lose hope. We must live and love our country beyond financial gain. This requires a radical shift in our perspective and general orientation, – we should recognise that true wealth lies not in riches, but in relationships, community, and contribution. It lies in building love and long standing and quality relationships. We should attempt to redefine success by the positive impact we have on those around us.
I urge fellow diasporans to return home, give back to their communities, participate in politics, and support local initiatives. Please, let us rekindle the flame of patriotism and encourage a sense of belonging and shared purpose. As we do this, we create an environment where our youth and the old see hope and cycle of opportunities on the horizon.
We MUST elect the right leaders and eliminate the painful costs of migration. There is a lot of richness that enriches us, we can revive Oyo State and our nation, – it is an achievable vision. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and the generations yet unborn.
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
Aseyori rere ni tiwa 2027
Thursday, 10th October 2024
