₦airaland Forum

Let's be realistic here. What this gentleman just shared is touching. It calls for those with deep concern for him. Really, it's not a laughing matter. He needs help, and i strongly believe he's been perusing through this threads to see who will offer him the advice he needs to get out from the mess he has found himself. Unfortunately, there are many people like him out there on the street struggling in similar situation. Just last week, a young man called me pouring his heart out on how masturbation is dealing with him. I asked him how he got my number? He said from my outreach poster he saw on the street. Well, today he is FREE. I will soon tell you how he got his FREEDOM. My friend, let me begin by applauding your courage for pouring out your heart here in this forum. Really, it can only take someone who has been in similar situation like yours to understand what you are passing through.Well, I have been there. As a young boy after my secondary school, waiting to gain admission into the university, i was always at home doing nothing, watching movie, etc. One day i decided to borrow a movie from my neighbor who just returned from the US. I picked up a movie from a basket full of VHS movie tapes. This was January 1994 to be precised. The movie i picked was titled, "Double Impact". It looks good, and i quickly went home to watch it. Unfortunately, when i played the movie, what came out from the screen was a "Blue Film". In fact, it wasn't what i expected to see. I was expecting an action movie, but here am i, sitting in front of the TV watching a pornographic movie. To stop it was a challenge because the more i watched, the more the movie became interesting. Before you know it, i sat for over 2-hours until the movie was finished. Really, i became another man when i stood up from that place. From that moment i started acting strange, having unusual desire for sex, touching my penis, and always chasing after the house help, Elizabeth, in our house. In fact, the "little girl hear am". I tore her pant one day trying to penetrate into her, but she refused. She fought with all her strength to defend herself. Wherever she is today, I salute her for her courage. I began to masturbate from that period. It became terrible...that i even masturbate while driving, after church service, and almost anywhere. My trouser was always swelling because my penis was always "on". It became so embarrassing situation for me. I was so ashamed to share it with anybody. Within that period, I became sick unto death. I was loosing weight so fast. Then my family took me to different hospitals around Lagos, and several tests were conducted on me. It was found that my backbone was growing, i was having kidney problem, heartbeat disorder, drying up like crayfish, and having an unusual headache that defiled all medication. I remember one day crying out loud to God for mercy. Then i said, Lord Jesus save me. Heal me and i will do two things for you: (1) I will not go near a lady until I get married; (2) I will preach your gospel round the world. Immediately i finished this prayer, i heard a loud voice saying, "you are healed". This was June 18th 1996, a day before my birthday (19th June). I was driving to a place in Allen Avenue called "Pintos" then, to go buy ice cream and cake with a friend. This great encounter happened at the 7UP, by Motorways Ikeja, at the traffic junction leading to Daystar Church. In that instant, all the sickness in my body left me including the MASTURBATION.The urge to masturbate died INSTANTLY from that day. Before, i can't stay a day without masturbation. But from that day, I got my freedom by the Power in the Name of Jesus. Friend, go no further. It's only Jesus that can save you in this thing. I tried using my willpower, by setting goals and trying to be more disciplined, but the force of masturbation was stronger.You know why? It's DEMONIC. It's ONLY the POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS THAT CAN CHECKMATE IT. Do you know i stayed 10-years not going near a lady until I got married in 2006. The Lord kept me. Then I realized through this, that it is possible to live clean in an unclean world. Today, i am married with children, and have traveled round the world preaching the gospel. Now, coming to the young man that came to me last week. what i did was to shared the word of God to him. Immediately, he gave his life to Christ, and I prayed for him. He was in my office yesterday and he said. Sir, I have not been able to masturbate since that day you prayed with me". What has happened to him? He opened up his heart, and Jesus took over. I bet you, that's what you need NOW to be FREE. Wherever you are right now, just humble yourself before God, cry out to him, genuinely repent, and give your life to Jesus. He will exchange His strength with yours...and you will become empowered to overcome. Hope this helps. All the best.

Let's be realistic here. What this gentleman just shared is touching. It calls for those with deep concern for him. Really, it's not a laughing matter. He needs help, and i strongly believe he's been perusing through this threads to see who will offer him the advice he needs to get out from the mess he has found himself. Unfortunately, there are many people like him out there on the street struggling in similar situation. Just last week, a young man called me pouring his heart out on how masturbation is dealing with him. I asked him how he got my number? He said from my outreach poster he saw on the street. Well, today he is FREE. I will soon tell you how he got his FREEDOM. My friend, let me begin by applauding your courage for pouring out your heart here in this forum. Really, it can only take someone who has been in similar situation like yours to understand what you are passing through.Well, I have been there. As a young boy after my secondary school, waiting to gain admission into the university, i was always at home doing nothing, watching movie, etc. One day i decided to borrow a movie from my neighbor who just returned from the US. I picked up a movie from a basket full of VHS movie tapes. This was January 1994 to be precised. The movie i picked was titled, "Double Impact". It looks good, and i quickly went home to watch it. Unfortunately, when i played the movie, what came out from the screen was a "Blue Film". In fact, it wasn't what i expected to see. I was expecting an action movie, but here am i, sitting in front of the TV watching a pornographic movie. To stop it was a challenge because the more i watched, the more the movie became interesting. Before you know it, i sat for over 2-hours until the movie was finished. Really, i became another man when i stood up from that place. From that moment i started acting strange, having unusual desire for sex, touching my penis, and always chasing after the house help, Elizabeth, in our house. In fact, the "little girl hear am". I tore her pant one day trying to penetrate into her, but she refused. She fought with all her strength to defend herself. Wherever she is today, I salute her for her courage. I began to masturbate from that period. It became terrible...that i even masturbate while driving, after church service, and almost anywhere. My trouser was always swelling because my penis was always "on". It became so embarrassing situation for me. I was so ashamed to share it with anybody. Within that period, I became sick unto death. I was loosing weight so fast. Then my family took me to different hospitals around Lagos, and several tests were conducted on me. It was found that my backbone was growing, i was having kidney problem, heartbeat disorder, drying up like crayfish, and having an unusual headache that defiled all medication. I remember one day crying out loud to God for mercy. Then i said, Lord Jesus save me. Heal me and i will do two things for you: (1) I will not go near a lady until I get married; (2) I will preach your gospel round the world. Immediately i finished this prayer, i heard a loud voice saying, "you are healed". This was June 18th 1996, a day before my birthday (19th June). I was driving to a place in Allen Avenue called "Pintos" then, to go buy ice cream and cake with a friend. This great encounter happened at the 7UP, by Motorways Ikeja, at the traffic junction leading to Daystar Church. In that instant, all the sickness in my body left me including the MASTURBATION.The urge to masturbate died INSTANTLY from that day. Before, i can't stay a day without masturbation. But from that day, I got my freedom by the Power in the Name of Jesus. Friend, go no further. It's only Jesus that can save you in this thing. I tried using my willpower, by setting goals and trying to be more disciplined, but the force of masturbation was stronger.You know why? It's DEMONIC. It's ONLY the POWER IN THE NAME OF JESUS THAT CAN CHECKMATE IT. Do you know i stayed 10-years not going near a lady until I got married in 2006. The Lord kept me. Then I realized through this, that it is possible to live clean in an unclean world. Today, i am married with children, and have traveled round the world preaching the gospel. Now, coming to the young man that came to me last week. what i did was to shared the word of God to him. Immediately, he gave his life to Christ, and I prayed for him. He was in my office yesterday and he said. Sir, I have not been able to masturbate since that day you prayed with me". What has happened to him? He opened up his heart, and Jesus took over. I bet you, that's what you need NOW to be FREE. Wherever you are right now, just humble yourself before God, cry out to him, genuinely repent, and give your life to Jesus. He will exchange His strength with yours...and you will become empowered to overcome. Hope this helps. All the best.

royal200:
I don't think ambode had strength in Lagos state.. .Let him ask former governor of ondo state(Olusegun Mimiko) how he does his.. ...The guy float a new unknown party within 3months to election and won the election by a wide margin..

Well, a Governor can't vote for himself. He needs people's support like Mimiko had.Unfortunately,Ambode has lost it. When it was glaring that Fashola will not get the 2nd Term ticket, Lagosians rose in anger and supported him. The godfathers knew that any action against Fashola would mean losing Lagos State to opposition party.What happened?They settled with Fashola. But in this case, Ambo does not have the masses behind him. Why? He has grieved a lot of people due to his policies.I wish him all the best.

I have come to realize that there is more to life than mere living. It is not how long but how well we have lived. That reminds me of Genesis 5, where a whole generation lived, had children and then died. This was all that was recorded of them. Someone like Methuselah lived 965 years, had many children and died. That was the only legacy he left behind – for being the oldest man that ever lived. Surprisingly, someone in that same chapter changed the tide and broke the generational jinx of mere living and having children. This was Enoch! He decided to live an extra-ordinary life by “walking with God”. Listen, you cannot truly “walk with God” and not “walking with others” in peace and generosity. Therefore, Enoch walked well with his community members by contributing to their well being. This singular decision of his, attracted heaven’s attention over his life. You know what? Enoch never saw death for God took him. Today, he is remembered by all generations. Just ask yourself: What would I be remembered for after I have gone? It is tragic to live and die without giving back to your generation. Like Dr. Myles Munroe once said, “Do not be a generational thief”. You rob your generation when you live and die without contributing or making impact to their lives. The Bible is not kidding when it says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). History only remembers “Givers and not Takers”. That is why the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Martin Lurther King, and others are celebrated today because they offered their lives to the service of humanity. Ironically, some of these great icons never knew Christ but yet keyed into the heart beat of God – SERVICE. As a true leader who epitomized servant leadership, Jesus told his disciples, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matt. 23:11). Today, nobody wants to stoop low and serve others. Why? It’s because we are all masters. Listen, if we want to see change in our society, then we must arise and pursue a cause to serve humanity. Remember, Change begins with You. Are there needs around your community that beckons on attention? Then become the solution to that problem. Forget who appreciates or does not appreciate what you are doing. Keep doing the right thing because nature has a way to reward givers. As Galatians 6:9 put it, “Do not be weary in well doing because in due season you shall reap if you faint not”. What destroys a nation is when everyone is waiting to see who will begin first. No wonder when someone gets knocked down by a car on the road, no one is willing to stop and give a helping hand. Why? They are waiting to see who will stop first. By doing so the poor victim dies. Like Barrack Obama said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Therefore, commit to making a difference in others – indeed, you shall be celebrated in due season.

Have a Great Week!

Dr. Elvis UKPAKA

Friends, greetings in Jesus Name! Two weeks ago I was invited to a Radio program in Lagos to discuss on “The Making of A Great Nation”. Many callers asked some questions, and contributions were made too. In their opinions, the biggest problem facing Nigeria is corruption. I remember the Lord telling me some time ago that our major challenge in Nigeria is not corruption per se. Corruption is only a symptom of the larger problem. Our problem is a sin problem. Period! The book of Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”. It went further to say, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn” (Prov.29:2). This is exactly what we are facing today in our land. When the wicked are in power, what you see is a full blown “Bad Leadership and Governance” that produces – corruption, infrastructural decay, disunity, inequality, injustice, and shedding of innocent blood. Surprisingly, you see nations that do not even know God but somehow practice equity, justice, and good governance to their people – and they are prospering as a nation. Why? God values justice and righteousness. Nations don’t get established by wickedness, but in righteousness (Isaiah 54:14). To get it right – we must stop chasing shadows – stop treating symptoms – but chase after righteousness by doing what is right in God’s eyes. To embark on the journey of achieving a permanent solution to our national ordeals, the Almighty God through second Chronicles 7:14 declares, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” There is a need for a “Heart Change” or what I call “Spiritual Heart Transplant” from “Evil to Good” before we can experience real change in our nation. Now, let’s look at this topic in another dimension as it relates to us individually. While the devil hides somewhere pulling the strings, we as humans have always seen another human being as our problem. No wonder you hear people say, “It’s that uncle or my mother in-law behind my problems”. Listen, while humans can only act as agents, the real person behind all your sufferings is the devil. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood” (Eph.6:12). Therefore, resolve never to focus on anybody as your problem. Personally, I have been in a situation where someone was sitting on my file, not wanting to sign it to allow me go forward. Really, I saw this man as my problem but somehow realized there was more to it. Then I asked the Lord: What should I do? Already I have been to this man’s office twice and he chased me out. The Lord told me to go pray for an hour, take authority over the devil, and then go back to the man. Then I prayed as instructed and returned again to the man. This time he welcomed me very well and signed the paper. It was like magic. Remember, “Stop Chasing Shadows”.

You’re BLESSED!

Happy Sunday!

With love, Dr. Elvis UKPAKA!

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Part Two of “My Message to the Nigerian Youths”. I strongly believe the first series made a huge impact on you. The ultimate goal of this write-up is not to make you feel good. No! The whole idea is for it to serve as a catalyst in inspiring you to become one of the “Change Agents” in our society that will make a difference in the lives of others. Listen, there are “Six Questions of Life” you MUST answer before you exit this earth. How well you answer these questions will determine how far you will go in life. The questions are: Who am I? Where am I from? Why am I here? What can I do? Who do I have? Where am I going? Failure to answer these questions will amount to derail of destiny.

Who am I? is a question of identity. The greatest discovery of life is self-discovery. Today we have identity crisis because until a man discovers himself he will always wish to be like someone else. So many young people today have low self-esteem and self-image because they do not know who they are. When the opinions of others count more than yours, then you lack personal identity. “Know thyself and be thyself” is a motto for authentic leaders. Knowing who you are is about understanding your uniqueness and not confusing it with others. Where am I from? is a question of origin. It is not enough to know who you are, but also know where you come from. You have an origin – a source of life – to which you have. As the fish can’t do without the water, so you too can't do without your source. True leaders are originals because they embrace their origin – The Almighty God. He said in John 15:5, “For without Me you can do Nothing”. Why am I here? is a question of purpose. Purpose is the reason for being. It is the WHY you Exist. You are created on purpose for a purpose. You are not an accident. You have a unique assignment here on earth to accomplish. And if you are to Fulfill it, you Must find it out before you Die, otherwise you live a purposeless life. What can I do? is a question of Talents and Gifts. There is no man or woman born on the surface of this earth without a unique talent or gift. You are loaded as an individual. Buried inside of you are hidden potentials waiting to be unleashed. Who do I have? is a question of relationship. You need people to achieve your God-given purpose and vision in life. No man is an island. A tree can never make a forest. You need network and solid relationships to get there. And finally, Where am I going? is a question of destiny. You have a destination in life. There is an ultimate goal or end to your life. You are on a journey. But you must follow the right way in life otherwise you get nowhere. And Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and Life. He is the way to your ultimate end. But you still have a Choice to make.

Today my advice to you as a youth is to look inward and ask: What talents do I have? What skills should I learn or improve upon? What problem or need is facing Nigeria today, and how can I be of help? What can I make out of the potential – the gifts and talents – that God has placed in my life? Unfortunately, many youths do not ask questions like this. Rather, they would keep applying for jobs, sharpening their CVs, and knocking from one office to another seeking for a job. It does not work that way. I am not against looking for jobs and sending out CVs. But if the job doesn’t come, what should you do? Would you stay at home for years doing nothing like I see some people spending up to 10 years applying for jobs without looking inward to discover what they can make out of their lives with the enormous gifts and talents they possess?

Look, young Americans stopped writing CVs in the 1970s and started writing Business Plans. The whole idea is to become the CEO of their own companies and become employers of labor. The choice is yours. This is the reason why you have many young American entrepreneurs and CEOs of major companies like facebook, google, yahoo, youtube, and the rest. At the age of 19 years in 1974, Bill Gates founded Microsoft Inc. Today he is one of the richest men in the world. They all started their company as students. I am glad to announce that even in the midst of hopelessness and difficult situations facing many Nigerian youths today, some are still creating jobs for themselves, spotting opportunities, building houses and buying cars. Why? They are seeing what others are not seeing. These are the group Mark Zuckerberg noticed and decided to visit Nigeria. Mark didn’t come for everybody. With his telescopic lens from far away America, he saw few Nigerian youths ready to take the world through Information Technology, and he decided to come and identify with them. Can someone cross over the Atlantic to see what you are doing here in Nigeria? While many are busy abusing and cursing the government, others are busy spotting problems they can solve, and they are succeeding.

Have you ever asked why there are many Asians, especially the Chinese in Nigeria today? It's because there are too many opportunities in Nigeria. With over 170 Million Nigerians, if you can create a product or service that can serve only 5000 customers consistently, you are a multi millionaire. You can imagine if you produce a service that can serve millions of people like MTN and other GSM providers are doing today. In fact, only God knows the billions of naira you will be making. The first year MTN came into Nigeria, they declared a profit of well over N51 Billion. They were shocked by what they saw. They could not imagine such a huge turnover in profit within a short space of time. In their entire life as an organization put together, they have never seen such a rise in profit. It was learnt that their top executives literally relocated from South Africa to Nigeria immediately. Today, many Nigerians queue up at MTN office seeking for jobs. Isn't that a SHAME. Briefly after my secondary school, I left for Johannesburg to study at Wits University. This was the time Mandela was still the President of South Africa. You know what? MTN was just a mere phone network appealing mainly to the youth. Then it was not too fashionable for the big boys in South Africa. VODACOM was the main GSM phone network for the upper class. But MTN spotted a huge opportunity in the Nigerian market space and they became a dominant force in Africa. Today they have pushed others away from the top spot. Where is our Mind? Why can't our youth start thinking like Mark Zuckerberg that can see the future in the present? Why don’t our youth stop thinking of how to run out of the country and become nuisance in foreign lands? Today many Nigerian youths with promising destinies have been executed in Indonesia for illegal drug trafficking?

It is about time the youth should start strategizing for success, leave their comfort zones, do away with instant gratification syndrome, pen down their vision and have set goals, strive to unleash and maximize their gifts, talents and potentials, become bold and courageous even in the midst of adversity, do not put their entire life or hope on government, believe in themselves, and most importantly look up to God. Never forget, it's all about your MINDSET. Whatever you think, you become. Think RIGHT even in difficult times...then you can see clearly where the opportunities are. Who knows! You may be the solution Nigeria need at this critical time. Nigeria needs many Dangotes. Out of over 11 million unemployed youth in Nigeria, there is a limit to the numbers of youths Dangote can employ. Rather than become a job seeker, seek to become a job creator. No matter the area of your dream, pursue it with all vigour and determination. If you have passion for farming which is the main thing for the moment, go for it and attend trainings for the particular area you are interested – fishery, poultry, etc. If you are interested in singing and you know you are gifted, go for it and get the necessary training you need. If you are passionate about politics begin to study and research on it, form a group on whatsapp, twitter, and facebook and begin to make a difference in the society in your little domain of influence. What seems small or insignificant today will definitely become big tomorrow if you do not give up. Do not sit down and do nothing. Remember, “To Begin is to Win”. Obama made it happen when he located his dream in politics, and then began to put action to his dream. Even when his colour of skin and the name which he bears did not seem suitable or qualified to be in the White House he did not give up. Like he said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Today Obama is the President of America whether anyone likes it or not.

Therefore, here are my final recommendations. I strongly believe there is an urgent need for a youth political coalition in Nigeria – a forum that will bring about a dominant voice of the youth in the Nigerian political arena. If you can remember some few years back, we had a group called “Enough is Enough”. This group was championed by some Nigerian youths who became tired and concerned about the failing state of the government. Notable amongst them was Mr. Chude Jideonwu and others. Did they make an impact? Of course yes! Their voice was heard along with another dominant group called “Save Nigeria Group” led by Dr. Tunde Bakare. When the youths pursue laudable causes like this, they put the government in check, and also pave the way for the emergence of young political leaders in government. Other causes I strongly believe the youth need to champion and push the government to implement are: The Nigerian youth must be given more opportunities to participate in the government, economy, and society; the government to review the outcome of the sovereign national conference held in 2014 and come up with a well-rounded constitution accepted by Nigerians; the government to create employment opportunities and enabling environment that fosters skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development; the immunity clause under section 308 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution that protects corrupt government officials must be revoked from the constitution; the government must focus on non-oil options to boost the economy and generate revenue for the country; the government should do a total overhaul of the educational system in Nigeria with proper funding, and also provide free education where needful; and finally, pursue a cause that will foster True Patriotism by all Nigerians that should be promoted through government policies that care for Nigerian citizens both home and abroad. As we all know, “Nigeria has suffered from a deficit of civic pride and collective responsibility”. This has to be RESTORED. Remember, “Be the change you want to see”.

God bless you & God bless Nigeria.

See you at the Top!

Dr. Elvis UKPAKA
Trainer. Coach. Consultant. Author
President, Youth With A Vision (YWAV)

According to a world renowned author, political activist, and lecturer – Helen Keller – what is worse than being born blind is “to have a sight but no vision”. Born blind in a town of Tuscumbia, Alabama in the United States, Helen Keller caught a vision that made her a global icon. She was the first deaf-blind person in the world to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Unfortunately today, many have eyes but cannot see beyond their environment because they lack the vision of the future. What is Vision? Vision is the crystal clear mental picture of the Future. It is faith in Pictures. Vision is not a goal, and neither is it an ambition. Vision is God’s dream for your life. The principal key to becoming successful in life is vision. If a nation is confused, it’s because the leaders have lost the vision. If a company is confused, it’s because the management lacks vision. As an individual, settle on one vision. Why nations do not succeed is because they do not have a common vision. Your company will not succeed if all stakeholders do not agree on a common vision. Listen, vision means a single vision; di-vision means two visions. So the greatest enemy of vision is another vision confusing your vision. Therefore, you must settle on a vision you want to achieve in life. God is not an author of confusion. He had a vision of the creation when He created the earth. True leadership is born when vision is captured. Vision is never given to a group, it is given to an individual, who in turn communicates it to others and enlist them in bringing it to reality. That is the reason it becomes so dangerous when the CEO of a company or President of a nation lacks the vision of why he is elected to an office, he throws everyone into confusion. Remember, you are born with a vision; you do not imagine or conjure it. Vision produces goals and set targets to realizing it. As long as you live, just know that every vision will be tested. Your vision will be attacked to test if you truly believe it. But know that vision is more powerful than opposition. Therefore, believe in your vision even though no one believes in it. Visionary leaders possess a sense of destiny. They transfer ownership of the vision to others. Why? It is because they see beyond themselves to the next generation of leaders.

Below is “The Seven Principles to Turning Your Vision into Reality”:

(1) Your Vision must be conceived – it must be birthed in your heart
(2) Your Vision must be believed – every vision must first have a believer – the originator – You
(3) Your Vision must be documented – write it down and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2)
(4) Your Vision must be simplified – make it workable and achievable
(5) Your Vision must be communicated – everyone involved must be in the knowing
(6) Your Vision must be shared – it should be well distributed for effective division of labor
(7) Your Vision must be anticipated – expect the vision to come to pass

See you at the TOP.

Dr. Elvis Ukpaka
Leadership Consultant

One of the major challenges with our youth today is that of instant gratification. They want instant success, hit the jackpot and get rich quick syndrome, but do not want to go through the process. More painfully, many youth have mortgaged their destinies by doing nothing but would rather give excuses for their failures on the government’s inability to pay attention to their plight. It is a fact that the government has failed many Nigerians due to bad leadership. The question is: Should you become useless simply because your government does not care. Of course not! Your entire life should not be hinged on government. Like the former President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy once said, “In your hands and in my hand lies the future of this great country called America, think of what you can do for your country and not what your country can do for you.” Somehow this simple but profound statement made over 50 years ago, revolutionized the mindset of many Americans today.

As a matter of fact, the youth should start seeing themselves as governmental leaders in the making – who is coming to make amendments and bring a positive change in the lives of others. As a youth, you should understand that even in the midst of this present economic recession, one can still make a paradise out of it. But it is a matter of individual choice. This is where you decide to either take the bull by the horn and fulfill your destiny or entrust your entire life in the hands of a government. Interestingly, there are few likeminded youths in Nigeria today who are determined to make a difference and shape the polity irrespective of the adversity. These are the new breed of politicians and leaders in the making that will transform our nation. Listen, Nigeria will remain the way it is as long as these old politicians keep recycling themselves. It will only take radical youths with a vision to inspire others to fulfill their callings despite the odds. Yes, we have seen youths all over the world making a difference in that direction. The young Yousafzai Malala of Afghanistan is a classical example of a young teenage girl pushing for national and global transformation on equal rights to education and total well-being for all women. At the age of 13 years old she was already a global icon making a difference in her generation. At only 17 she became a Nobel Prize Winner, and even visited Nigeria in 2015 to address our leaders on issues surrounding the kidnapped Chibok girls.

But unfortunately, many Nigerian youth complain and do nothing. Very soon, the time of election will start again, and these politicians will start hiring young people as thugs, and then place guns in their hands to help perpetuate their stay in government. Just for a mere exchange of few thousands of naira, many Nigerian youths forfeit their blissful futures by becoming hooligans in the hands of politicians. As a result, the position which the youth should have occupied as leaders, have been left in the hands of those who are unfit to lead, detached from reality, and averse to positive change. Please note that to make it in life, and also to bring positive change in our society, a price must be paid. Nothing great just happens. There is always opportunity cost for positive change. But it’s always worth it. Ask Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Martin Luther, Obafemi Awolowo, Kwame Nkrumah, and many others – they will tell you. Yes, it is tough today in Nigeria and in many other countries of the world. But nothing will happen if the only thing you do is to sit down – complain, murmur, criticize the government – and do nothing. The change you want begins with you. It may appear rough and harsh but it’s POSSIBLE. Like the legendary Napoleon Hill said, “Whatever the Mind of man can conceive and believe, the Mind can Achieve.” The youth need to believe in themselves. Yes, as a Youth you are Strong (1 John 2:14).

Therefore, “Let no man despise or talk down on you as a youth (1 Tim. 4:12). I always hear this comment that the youth are inexperience and needs to learn from the elders. I have no problem with that as long as the elders give way for the young ones with the energy and zest to take over the leadership mantle while they serve as mentors. King David knowing that he was getting old, weak and unfit to lead passed on the leadership baton to young Solomon to become king. Have you ever imagined how old Yakubu Gowon was when he became the President of Nigeria? He was barely 32 years old. Are you surprised? Ok! Let me feed you with more surprises to make you become angry – not necessarily at anyone but at yourself to become inspired and motivated to unleash your life to the fullest. Joseph Kabila was 29 years when he became the President of Congo; Muammar Gaddafi was 27 years when he became the President of Libya; King Mswati III was barely 18 years old when he became the paramount Ruler of Swaziland; Jerry Rawlings was 32 years when he became the President of Ghana; Faure Gnassingbe was 39 years when he became the President of Togo; Mikheil Saakashvili was 36 years when he became the President of Georgia; Roosevelt Skerrit was 31 years when he became the Prime Minister of Dominica; Samuel Doe was 28 years when he became the President of Liberia. At the age of 16 years in 1963, Bill Clinton had a handshake with the then President John F. Kennedy. He resolved in his mind that day that he will become the President of America one day. That vision so captivated him that at the age of 38 years, he became the Governor of Arkansas. At 46 he accomplished his dream by becoming the President of America.

Please, do not get me wrong. Some of these young leaders did fairly well, others failed. The point is, the youth should arise and be given a chance. Let's assume Nigeria is like a desert, where nothing grows or functions properly. The question is: What can you make out of your life living in such an environment? Remember, Dubai which the whole world looks forward to visiting today for holidays and leisure was a mere desert about 30 years ago, with no visible attraction whatsoever to draw any living soul there. But today it is a different story because someone with a vision turned it around and made it a global centre of attraction. Nigerians have suffered enough, and if Nigeria is going to get better, it is you the youths that will make it happen. And if you are waiting for these evil politicians in government to retire and hands over power to you, then you will be joking. They aren’t going anywhere except you arise and push them out. Yes, you Must Arise and Shine, it is your time.

See you at the Top!

Dr. Elvis UKPAKA
Trainer. Coach. Consultant. Author
President, Youth With A Vision (YWAV)

Nations rise and fall according to the level of their leaders in government. Nigeria will only get better with leaders who have the interest of people at heart, not leaders who are detached from reality.

It is evident that emotions are high at this moment because things are really tough for most Nigerians. And if you notice today, at any slightest provocation, people pour out their venom. But then we need to think & criticize constructively. Things won't get better by insulting the government.

The question is: How long do I need to sit at the fence with no impact. What role do I need to play no matter how little to make a change in my domain of influence in the society. Those in government are not spirits...they are human. You may think you do not have a voice...and say, what difference could I make in the midst of 170 million people. Just start a cause. If everyone of us begins to do their bits, sooner or later the positive effects will be seen in Nigeria. After all, Nigeria wasn't like this until certain group of corrupt folks were left unchecked. We can reverse it.

No matter how glooming it looks, I still see a bright FUTURE in this Nation. But we all need to get down to work in each and every area where we can make impact...not just sitting down and do nothing. This is my submission!