Educational – Nigerian Patriot

33. The Strength Of Visualizing A Goal And The Precision Effect Of Goal-Setting.

Deciding on a destination, Visualization and Planning are the foundation steps that should define the beginning of any journey.
© 2019 Nigerian Patriot

Definitive Intro

For the purpose of this summary blog episode, a Goal can be defined as the designated end of a task or project. It is the target destination of all resources expended in any endeavor. For contextual relevance, goal in this paragraph could refer to the desired global expectation of an entire project. Examples: earning a degree at school, embarking on a holiday, building a house, etc. For the sake of distinction, it is tagged macro-goal through the rest of this post. A goal could also mean the designated end of a phase of a project; this definition is tagged micro-goal through the rest of this post. Examples: passing a semester exam toward earning a degree at school, booking a hotel toward embarking on a holiday, acquiring a structural plan toward building a house.

Visualizing a (macro or micro) goal involves creating a strong mental multidimensional impression of the destination. A person should be able to observe, feel, taste, smell, and wholly interact with this mental picture as if they are actually at that end point. It is this powerful mental impression that will provide the motivational drive required to pursue the goal-setting process as well as every other task involved in the journey toward pursuing a macro-goal to a logical conclusion. This means that a person must select a macro-goal which is driven by personal passion.

Goal-setting is the process of developing a map of smaller (micro) goals that will guide the journey toward the destination predefined in the first paragraph as the macro-goal. As we all know, without a map, the journey of a thousand miles, might transform into a perilous nightmare of a million miles. Goal-setting provides focus and direction. The footsteps of a person who is armed with such a map is always informed by the wisdom and advantages of the Precision effect.

The Precision effect is a phrase coined for the purpose of this blog episode and defined by four strengths highlighted below:

The Precision effect would birth an innate independent and deep rooted feeling of success in a person on a journey toward a goal. This guarantee of victory cannot be shaken by the doubt of people who may not share the vision of the gainful rewards of completing the journey, or phases of it.
The Precision effect develops a renewable and invincible spirit within a person who embarks on a goal bound journey. This indomitable spirit would feed and sustain the motivation, courage, faith and hope required to deal with the challenges encountered along the journey. Yes, this spirit of tireless boldness would always keep the eyes focused on the destination, and constantly propel the feet effortlessly toward the goal, regardless the odds.
The Precision effect generates a deep measure of reassuring self confidence that any resource expended along the journey would translate to a successful end.
The Precision effect enables a person to gain traction and improve momentum as a journey progresses toward the goal.

Attributes Of A Smart Goal-Setting Process

An effective goal-setting process must be guided by established standards of success. The acronym S.M.A.R.T defines a popular and globally accepted set of attributes for a successful goal-setting process. They are briefly highlighted below.

(S) Specific: The macro-goal and micro-goals must be specific and clearly defined in order to provide direction, and a fix on the destination.

(M) Measurable: The macro-goal and micro-goals must be measurable values in order to track preset milestones, stay focused and remain motivated.

(A) Achievable: The macro-goal and micro-goals could be challenging, but must be achievable within your realm of effort and ability. Setting goals beyond the borders of our capacity could lead to disappointments and discouragement.

(R) Relevant/Realistic: The macro-goal and micro goals must be relevant and realistic with your circumstance, means, and aptitude. This would develop the resilience and stability required to gain traction and win the race.

(T) Time-bound: The macro-goal and micro-goals must be time-bound to start and end moments. This will imbibe the discipline required for consistent milestone achievements which are usually accompanied by well deserved self treats.

Documentation

The procedure of deciding on the macro-goal (final destination), visualization, and goal-setting process must be documented in great detail. This documentation is the Master plan. It would form the basis of a daily reminder and an easy reference point of audit on the progress, zeal, and any adjustments required to stay focused on the finish line that marks the end of the journey.

Sustainable Action

The journey to any destination can never be achieved by wishful thinking. It requires the consistent action of motion for success. This logic of wisdom applies in gaining any meaningful result from the contents of this summary post. There are no short-cuts to bypass this understanding of truth.

Closing Remarks

This post has been designed to inspire the noble citizens of Nigeria on the basic skills required to inform a positive mindset capable of attaining success with any endeavor of life. It is the sincere wish of the author, that these endeavors include renewing our spirit of Patriotism and Love for each other. This feat would significantly assist our collective effort at lifting our country Nigeria back to greatness.

This post is in honor of the inspirational encouragement of the ‘Sweet Believer’: a profound blogger that knows how to bring out the bloom beneath any gloom. Great thanks S.B.

Arise O Compatriots….

Special Blogger Award 1

I was nominated by Ribana from Popsicle Society for the Special Blogger Award. Ribana, I am deeply inspired by this kind gesture of immense encouragement. Infinite Thanks.

Ribana is an interesting blend of positive energy. She radiates a timeless and endless dose of courage, strength and happiness. A worthy Companion on a long tiring journey. A trip to her diverse wonderland of Knowledge (@ Popsicle Society) always leaves a refreshing aftertaste of rejuvenation.

Rules as Copied from Ribana’s Post:

Thank the blogger who nominated you.
Answer the questions you are asked (if you’re comfortable doing so!)
Create 10 questions for the bloggers you’ve nominated
Nominate at least 3 bloggers for the Special Blogger Award.
Comment on your nominee’s most recent blog post to let them know you’ve nominated.
Have fun

Ribana’s Questions:

Do you enjoy your life?: I love my life. I’d never trade my challenges, my victories, or my defeats for anything. They were ordained by the Almighty God for the purpose of the season and for good reason. They blend into an exciting cocktail of experiences that informs who I am today.
Did you achieve any of your dreams so far?: Sure. The project ‘Nigerian Patriot’ is one of several dreams.

A cottage by the sea or a cabin in the mountains?: A Cabin in the Mountains.
Chocolate or cookies?: Cookies any day!

Do you shop online?: Once in a while, when I can afford to buy something of interest.
Do you have your own business or working for someone else?: I work for myself. Its more fulfilling.
Dogs or cats?: I love both because they bring different flavors of companionship to life. Its an equal love that has no preference.

Cooking at home or eating outside?: I love cooking at home. Its great fun, and presents an opportunity to create anything my mind conceives that my body needs; my way!

My questions:

What inspires your motivation to blog?
How did you overcome your greatest defeat in life?
Make a wish?
Given a chance to re-write history, what would you edit?
Do you think Humans are giving the right attention to the wellbeing of our Planet?
If something goes wrong with planet earth, is there some other place humans could relocate?
Your favorite color?
Happiness, Wealth, or Power (make a pick)?
Your favorite meal?
Your favorite genre of music?

My nominees:

Have fun & share the joy!

NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE YOU!! — Things Tinashe Says

They say survival is for the fittest and you do not know your own strength until you’re put in situations where you actually need to use it. Well now looking at the dire situation we are in as youth. When does survival mode kick in? We have sent out SOS signals, we have called for […]
NO ONE IS COMING TO SAVE YOU!! — Things Tinashe Says

19. Patriot Alert 14: Our Profane Countenance On The Mutilation Of Our Currency In Nigeria.

The three keywords Profane, Countenance, and Mutilation will be defined in the context of this blog episode for better clarity on the subject title and content.

Profane: Grossly disrespectful toward what is held to be sacred. Countenance: The appearance conveyed by a person’s face. Mutilation: A damage that causes disfigurement or that deprives an important member part.

Every nation on earth is defined by a currency which is simply the local money used in a country. The currency notes of most countries in the world bear images of prominent heroes or heroines peculiar to that country; it may also bear significant landmarks or other respectable illustrations which define a collectively accepted symbol of high esteem to the particular nation. In certain instances, the currency of a nation is defined by paper notes and coins.

This blog episode focuses on our handling of the currency notes in Nigeria.

It must be mentioned that the value of a currency note is not determined by any of its physical design features, but rather by other financial mechanics which are beyond the scope of this blog. Suffice it to say that the value of a currency note does not and should not necessarily denote the weight of respect with handling, therefore the attribute of value is not key to this discussion. A single unit of the British Pound note or US Dollar or EU Euros deserves the respect of twenty units of the equivalent currency note.

Decency and respect for the accepted symbol of illustration on a currency note demands a handling of equivalent standard regardless the value inscribed on the note. A secondary yet important rationale bordering on hygiene is another reason for a recommended dignified handling of currency notes. A wallet is the recommended personal mobile housing for currency notes and should be strictly dedicated to this purpose. Experience has shown that any other alternative to the wallet will only guarantee a shorter life span for the currency note.

It is also expedient to point out that currency notes are not printed for free, and a cost must be incurred to generate any single currency note. This means that the frequency of recycling currency notes is dependent on the manner of handling of the notes by the citizens of any nation. A higher recycle frequency connotes more expense on the government institution which bears the burden of funding the recycle process.

Evidently, there are very good reasons why currency notes are handled with pride and care in progressive countries of the world.

The story of the handling currency notes in our dear country Nigeria should not be different. However, there is very little respect for the revered national images and symbols which dot the landscape of all our currency notes.

Some of our currency notes include the now extinct 1 Naira note which had the image of Herbert Macaulay; a noble gentleman considered the founder of Nigerian Nationalism. The 5 Naira note bears the image of the revered Sir Abubarkar Tafawa Balewa; the first Prime Minister of our great country. The 10 Naira note bears the image of Dr. Alvan Ikoku; a renowned Educationist, Activist, Statesman, and Politician. The 100 Naira note holds the image of Chief Obafemi Awolowo foremost nationalist and statesman who played a prominent role in our pursuit of Independence. Our 200 Naira note has the kind stare of Sir Ahmadu Bello; the great Premier of the Northern Region who also held the renowned title of the Sardauna of Sokoto. The 500 Naira note bears the gentle face of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe the first Executive President of Nigeria.

Our collective handling of our currency notes in Nigeria does not show any iota of respect to the noble figures mentioned in the paragraph above. Their selfless achievements are far more than most of us can dream in a lifetime. Our handling of our currency notes denotes a complete disregard of our sense of national belonging to our country. Our character in this regard underlines a disgraceful stench which bears no single Patriotic undertone.

At social functions, a majority of us proudly trample our currency notes underfoot, in the name of celebrating with money. A very strange culture which leaves the naira assaulted with all manner of unhygienic debris as picked up by our footwear. The same naira notes are usually handled with our hands which may eventually end up in plates of food at the same function. This is a very disgusting trend which leaves a lot of questions regarding our decency as a people.

My imagination cannot comprehend any Briton of rational mind trampling on the British pound with the image of Queen Elizabeth II boldly printed on it. Ironically, it is also certainly correct to assume that the majority of Nigerians, who are guilty of this weird act which presumably typifies affluence, will not drop and dance on top of picture images of treasured relatives.

For the sake of brevity, the illustrations above are enough to buttress the point that with most of us, the noble currency of our great country can be likened to a worthless piece of bare paper. On a daily basis, our currency continues to endure all forms of unimaginable abuse by citizens of the Nigerian nation and no one is held in penal accountability.

There is every need to change the current narrative to something more dignifying and more in line with the tenets of the Creed of A Nigerian Patriot. There is a strong reason to remind ourselves that our currency is a financial extension of the face of our great country Nigeria.

Finally it may help to remind ourselves that assuming it were possible for our past Heroes and Leaders to see our inglorious actions through their faces printed on our currency notes, they would be awfully upset with every single one of us for this brazen act of disrespect; our repayment to them for giving us an Independent Nigerian nation.

Arise O Compatriots…

18. Patriot Alert 13: The Concept Of African Time – A National Embarrassment

An Embarrassment is the shame a person feels when their inadequacy or guilt is made public. On a national scale, the concept of African time is a national embarrassment of grievous proportions on our noble nation Nigeria. It is a concept brought to bear by the collective decision of a majority of our citizens to be neither sincere nor accountable for their statements most of the time.

It is a concept with the mutual understanding that simply means ‘we all know we are not going to keep to the schedule of this task’.

Most of us seem quick to forget the reason behind keeping to the agreed schedule of the designated task. If it is an appointment scheduled by 12 noon as an instance, you will definitely not see anyone at the venue at the scheduled time. Everyone will deliberately choose to make a casual arrival at varying intervals of lateness. This is the height of frivolity among adults endowed with sound reasoning abilities.

This strange character of immaturity bears several frustrating twists with negative consequences of under achievement in any group endeavor. This fact is very clear in the Courts of Common Opinion therefore we ought to know better. In addition, it completely defeats the essence of the invention of individual time keeping instruments aka watches, clocks, calendars, etc.

The invention and application of time keeping instruments is designed to enable everyone synchronize to any schedule of appointment. It also means that a scheduled arrangement which has been planned in theory can be realized in practice within the time-line scheduled for it.

Our attitude always guarantees that any series of dependent schedules which forms a part of a whole project can never be achieved as planned right from the blast of the starting whistle since no one is ready to keep to time. From the start, the outcome of the task hangs on the uncertain balance of a mediocre attitude we proudly refer to as African time.

Another unfortunate and heart rending reality of this strange decision by a majority of Nigerians to simply be tragically funny is that the younger generation are learning this art from us right from birth; so much so that it has become second nature in their lives.

It is incredibly amazing and sad to often see a group of esteemed Nigerian citizens presiding a meeting which might run into marathon hours; engage themselves through the pains of documenting such meetings; only to deliberately throw each other into a planless state of chaos for the sake of ‘African time’. I often ponder the name ‘African time’ because this behavior seems to be mostly peculiar with the Nigerian nation so we might as well tag it ‘Nigerian time’.

We should not feign ignorance on the reason our index of achievements is very low considering the resources we have collectively expended on various projects in Nigeria through the years. This grave attribute of hypocrisy has taught our subconscious minds that the efficacy of the meaning of words no longer matters.

Little wonder the profoundly rich words of the National pledge has no consequence in our daily lives. Little wonder the melodious call of the National anthem has consistently fallen on deaf ears. Little wonder the words of our prayers carry no meanings with our actions. Little wonder it is becoming more difficult to find a Nigerian who can pledge accountability for their statements. Little wonder we have almost become the most unserious nation on the planet.

The notorious concept of ‘African time’ has evolved into a national embarrassment and must be unlearned by every single Citizen of this country as a matter of great priority. The plain truth is that there is no Nation on this planet where development can survive on such a terrain of hypocrisy and planlessness. This is one of the monsters which has retarded national development with our country in a very subtle manner. Until we choose a collective will to act on changing our current narrative of ‘African time’, the future of our dream Nigerian nation remains very bleak.

Arise O Compatriots….

17. Patriot Alert 12: Productivity & The Non-Diligence Of A Majority Of Nigerians. Part II Of II

The narrative of a diligent approach to life within the demarcation that defines our dear country Nigeria is simply tear-jerking.

Before delving into this disconcerting issue, there is every need to acknowledge the citizens who have chosen to commit a diligent approach with their contributions to the development of our country regardless the dispiriting lifestyle of the majority.

Top on this list are the citizens of honor who are the members of the Nigerian Armed Forces defined in blog episode 4 ‘A Proud Symbol of Unrelenting Patriotism’. Others include citizens whose picture illustrations were proudly utilized to buttress the points of blog episode 5 ‘Giving A Face To Our Noble Country Nigeria’, blog episode 12 ‘The Nearly Infinite Potentials of The Nigerian Nation‘ Indeed there are several Nigerians who define their contribution to daily life on the platform of diligence however, the numbers are very marginal for a country with an estimate population of 190 million.

It must be stated in unequivocal and clear terms that the reason behind the popular cliché of most Nigerians that ‘the system does not work’ is simply due to a lack of diligence by the majority of us. It is not due to a curse of divine fate or any remote manipulation by any person of cultist tendencies. In the court of Divine Wisdom, both reasons are simply laughable and ignorantly primitive.

There is no diligence with the Teachers in our schools; half baked graduates are routinely pumped out into the workforce. There is no diligence with our law makers; policies of no relevance are utilized to address serious national issues. There is no diligence with our financial institutions; high denominations and dirty currency notes are what we find in circulation. There is no diligence with our health workers; hospitals are grave yards rather than institutions of health rejuvenation. There is no diligence with our judiciary; serious crimes of corruption are ignored for petty issues of no comparison. Inefficiency is the order of the day, and the entire nation spends its financial resources on mediocrity. The list is endless and gravely disheartening.

A pause in thought would agree with the conclusion that this lack of diligence is the reason for the low national productivity of our nation. There is nothing more or less.

The truth remains that until there is a change in this philosophy of neglect and callousness, there can be no hope of real positive change. An uncountable number of investments have been run aground by this unproductive philosophy of nonchalance and negligence.

Our nation Nigeria is blessed with untold resources which can be likened to the fortunes of the Treasure Island. Our nation Nigeria is also blessed with the support of friendly nations and institutions who have tirelessly committed funds to resuscitate the dwindling fortunes of productivity from time immemorial; however, our lack of diligence has made this dream a bridge too far from reality.

Several fruitless experiments ought to have revealed to all of us that there is no shortcut to the application of diligence in all we do. These experiments which can be termed an aimless exercise in the waste of financial resources ought to have taught us the hard lesson that life is not about an aimless scramble for money, but on the fulfilling principles of diligent productivity.

Productivity we have learned in this blog episode is a function of diligence.

It is time for us to collectively revolt against this philosophy of selfish negligence in our daily chores of existence. It is time for the patriotic minded citizens of our great nation to collectively stand strong and influence the thoughts of the majority on the right attitude. It is only this change in our character of reasoning which can guarantee that our vision of a dream Nigerian nation remains in realistic view.

On these truths and more, I rest my case.

16. Patriot Alert 12: Productivity & The Non-Diligence Of A Majority Of Nigerians. Part I Of II

Productivity is the ratio of the quantity and quality of units produced to the labor per unit of time. It can also be defined as having the power to create. Diligence is the persevering determination to perform a task or carefulness in paying proper attention to a task, giving the degree of care required in a given situation.

A careful observation of the developed nations of the world would reveal that a majority of the citizens are diligent with any task they engage in. In these countries; the citizens dedicate a careful attitude of paying proper attention and getting the best results with any task.

From the citizen occupying the official position of the President, through to the citizens in the legislative houses, or the judiciary, down to the policeman on the streets, the personnel at the power station, the gardener mowing the lawn at public parks, right through to the refuse disposal personnel, at every turn of life; conscientious diligence is on display with the majority. It is no rocket science that such nations are always progressive advances on the productive axis of life.

With such countries, a healthy quantity of products and services utilized on a daily basis within the nation are locally sourced and produced: clothing, consumables, furniture items, building materials, electronics, and more serious hardware.

Such countries may engage in the importation of certain items of necessity, however, they also export their own high quality locally manufactured goods and services. This helps them to earn a healthy income and maintain an economic balance that ensures that issues relating to a recession can only be experienced as a result of an extreme miscalculation of ignorance.

With great pride, such nations of the world are quick to refuse the delivery of substandard products into their country. A heavy frown and penalty would greet any organization or individual who attempts to make such unacceptable introductions.

Diligence of the majority ensures that lifeless systems which are driven by human beings work efficiently. Diligence of the majority encourages the bloom of an attractive flora of national development on all frontiers. Diligence of the majority guarantees easy connect by the citizens with the patriotic ethics required to sustain the progressive vision statement of such nations.

Diligence of the majority would discourage a desperate mind from nursing thoughts of braving unthinkable odds in a bid to find the comfort of a better life in a foreign land. Everyone understands very clearly, that the grass is never greener on any other side except for where they are standing.

An illustration of this truth can be found with the Afro-American, some of whom may have complaints relating to racist behaviors within their country; however, they can never trade the American nation for another. They have proudly adorned the national flag of their great nation with several global achievements. Mostly, our case in Nigeria is different, and our justification simply ridiculous.

15. Patriot Alert 11: Fake News – A Treacherous Assault On The Non-Negotiable Peace & Unity Of The Nigerian Nation.

Four keywords will be defined in order to provide character to the direction of this blog episode.

Treacherous: A tendency to betray one’s own. Assault: A threatened or attempted physical attack by an entity which appears to be able to cause bodily harm if not stopped. Non-negotiable: A concept or items which can neither be bought nor sold. Fake: Not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article.

The filth called ‘Fake News’ has become a modern weapon of war in the digital information age of today. It is an art that is gaining popularity with persons of low integrity that defines a complete bankruptcy of decent ethics. It is peculiar to Persons who owe loyalty only to the mirror image of themselves. This art of treachery is reserved for an unforgivably unpatriotic citizen whose sole intent given the opportunity is to distort the truth by fabricating and sharing false news stories.

For the context of this blog episode we will focus our attention the consequence of the menace of Fake News on our peaceful coexistence within our noble nation Nigeria.

Fake News is a modern adversary of far worse capabilities than the age long rival of our great Nation: Corruption. The devastation Corruption may have achieved in Nigeria in a decade of ten years can be achieved by Fake News in an instant.

If Corruption may be likened to the hand grenade of a nation’s problems, then Fake News may be likened to the nuclear war head of a country’s headaches. The consequence of Fake News on the fabric of a nation is simply toxic to say the least.

Deep meditation will reveal that Fake News can lead to the implosion of a nation more efficiently than any other device of human origin.

A simple truth is that if the altercation described in blog episode 6 ‘Nigeria Vs Corruption’ is allowed to ensure between Nigeria and Fake News, our noble nation will need the prime intervention of our finest Patriots to survive the onslaught. Nothing short of this magnitude and degree would rescue our nation.

For this reason, there is every need to nip the phenomena called Fake News in the bud and send it as far away as possible from the demarcation we fondly know as our country Nigeria.

Fake News is a lifeless concept which is fueled by human beings. It is a phenomenon which has been given popularity by nefarious citizens of our nation.

A pause in thought would convince anyone that an outsider cannot instigate any Fake News of credibility into a family save with the help of a family member. Therefore it should not be rocket science to conclude that Fake News in our country is mongered by severely unpatriotic Citizens who have no regard for any line of the creed of a Nigerian Patriot.

Any effort of national interest designed to expunge the emerging scourge of Fake news in our country, must be subtle enough to carefully and systematically expose the fake attributes of the source of the news and culpable citizens. These despicable citizens should be penalized severely for threatening the sovereignty of our nation to prevent a recurrence. This is not a task for faint minded persons.

It is a task for any Nigerian citizen who can understand the substance of each line of our national pledge without the sentiments of religious, ethnic, or political bias.

This effort of national interest must incorporate a highly objective and non-partisan News Verification System (NVS), which is designed to enable citizens confirm the authenticity of any contentious news item. The NVS of the Nigerian nation is recommended to comprise core membership of reputable and disciplined local media outfits, with ancillary membership of reputable foreign media outfits. Other details of the NVS proposal are beyond the scope of this blog.

The patriotic citizens within the legislative arms of the government must as a matter of urgency, draft laws guiding the introduction, operations and integrity of the NVS in Nigeria.

In addition, the Patriots within the Judiciary system of our Nation must be seen to sincerely penalize such citizens who have been determined to introduce any Fake News item into our nations media space.

A diligent and stringent application of these measures will provide a healthy measure of transparent decency and accountability on the information broadcast by media houses in Nigeria

In conclusion, we have witnessed all sorts of fake news ranging from the absurd to the nefariously mischievous in recent times, and it has become crystal clear that only a collective action of Patriotic gallantry will guarantee that our peaceful national walk toward our dream Nigeria is not interrupted by the treachery of Fake News. A stitch in time, saves nine.

Arise O Compatriots…

14. Patriot Alert 10: The Nigerian Farmer, The Nigerian Herder, And Peaceful Coexistence.

A Farmer is a person who works the land or keeps livestock, especially on a farm. A Herder is someone who drives a herd of livestock, in the context of this blog episode, Cows and Sheep etc.

The definition above exposes similarities with two groups who ought to be mutual business partners for reason to be exposed in the paragraphs below. We could say the two groups ought to be best friends in business; since they complement each other in several areas.

For simple illustration, the cow dung is a natural fertilizer for the farmer’s crops while the grass taken off the farmers land is fodder for the cow. There are other complementary benefits which can only be derived from a productive interaction between the two groups.

In developed and progressive nations of this earth, the great potentials of this symbiotic relationship have been exploited to maximize the capability of this sector and has made a healthy contribution to the strength of the economy of such nations, while boosting the financial capability of all participants.

In Nigeria, the story as usual has been heart-breaking and nefariously different. The reason and solution does not rest in the spiritual realm or in some unexplained trick of fate. It rests with what is popularly referred to as common sense, which is not commonly obtainable in any market place or by the street corner. It rests with deep thinking and the minds of the participants which has been polluted by shadows of the real issue rather than the issue itself. It is a self made problem which is fueled by the ignorance of the participating and non participating citizens.

The population of Nigeria from independence till date has grown from about 33 million to about 190 million today. The fastest recorded growth rate was recorded through the period 1990 – 2008 as 56 Million. This is a 60% growth rate in less than two decades. The massive land mass of the country has not witnessed a spread of planned and structured settlements at a speed that will ensure adequate accommodation of this swell in number of Human beings.

This is a very irresponsible development which can be excused for the sake of ignorance. The rate of altercations between two close businesses partners (the Farmer and the Herder), clearly shows that this excuse is wearing thin in the face of our current reality in Nigeria.

Moving forward, it might be pertinent in the face of a rapidly growing population, to either confine the Herders to grazing reserves, or create more planned settlements for the farmers; Nigeria has the land space.

It would seem a more practical approach for the government to create grazing reserves for the fewer herders, than settlements for the rest of the population who are in the majority.

The creation of grazing reserves would provide countless jobs for persons who are neither Herdsmen nor Farmers, e.g. Veterinary doctors, Fodder Suppliers, Modern Abattoirs for cheap cow meat. On the part of the Herders, it would enable them supply the cow dung obtained from the reserves to the Farmers. The cow dung is still adjudged to favorably compete with industrial fertilizers, and this string of employment would surely put a smile on the faces of many currently unemployed Nigerians.

The farmer or interested parties can grow grass on Nigeria’s vast landscape, and supply the herdsman fodder for their herd, and this would also create employment opportunities for those that claim unemployment. The herd would be healthier, providing better quality meat and milk; opening up industrial entities that deal on the processing and packaging of cow meat like corned beef, and other dairy products.

This development would also encourage foreign investment in this area and the list of productive advantages goes on.

It is an established fact that true Patriotism knows neither Religious, ethnic, or political bias. There are Patriots on either side of the fence of the farmer/herder divide and this is the unifying factor that makes the greatness of the Nigerian nation. The solution to this seemingly perilous challenge can only be implemented by the patriotically minded citizens of this country and driven by the sincerity of purpose of the government of the day.

In conclusion, it is only a solution of patriotic distinction that can provide a way out of the currently precarious challenge that defines the Herders and Farmers clashes.

The continuous needless banter over issues of no consequence will neither provide the solution nor needed respite from the current gruesome outcome of altercations generated by our wanton neglect to collectively live up to our responsibilities as patriotic minded Nigerian citizens .

It would be best for the Patriots of this great nation to wield the constructive power of intellectual relevance and find a solution that will forge a way out of our current quagmire. Nothing less than solutions which include what has been summarily tendered above would suffice.

We are all one family called Nigeria, and this is a non negotiable reality which has existed since October 1^st 1960.

On these truths and more, I rest my case on the Herdsmen, the Farmers and peaceful coexistence.

Arise O compatriots…

13. Patriot Alert 9: Nigerian Elections – The Priceless Value Of A Single Human Life.

Your vote counts, but your life matters more…
© 2019 Nigerian Patriot

The summary dictionary meaning of the word Priceless refers: ‘Having incalculable monetary, intellectual, or spiritual worth’.

In truth, a single human life is of incalculable monetary, intellectual and spiritual worth regardless of the social status of the individual.

Unfortunately, in our beloved country Nigeria, human lives are the fodder which is used to fuel election chaos. Human lives are wasted through the consequence of each election in our great country in a recurrent manner that is mind blowing. It is very clear that an unhealthy percentage of us do not appreciate the value of the breath of life in each of us.

The process of an election is a fairly simple exercise which is nothing close to Rocket science. The process summarily requires citizens to cast their votes; thereafter an election Umpire will count and announce this result. This is a very simple arrangement which works relatively much better in the progressive countries of the world.

This arrangement has recorded consistent and dismal failures as it relates to the recurrent loss of lives with each election of any magnitude in our great country Nigeria.

The priceless nature of a human life and deep thinking ought to avail us with a resolution on the dire need to bring this senseless absurdity to a permanent halt. The process is not worth the life of any single human being. For anyone who is not in agreement, the question would be to find out if such a person would sacrifice their life in the process rather than some other person who might not know any better. The answer with most normal humans would be an emphatic ‘No!!’

Ironically, it is on record that the citizens who have lost their lives at different instances of elections in Nigeria mostly do not have a firsthand relationship with the Politician they have committed to sacrifice their lives for. This is akin to madness of the first order.

The politicians on the other hand have parked their Wings of escape through airports across the country, ready to scamper to safety in foreign countries at the slightest sign of trouble in the even that their nefarious exploitation does not go as planned. Armed with this intent, they proceed to charge the polity with brazen audacity through the campaign period by throwing tantrums, war cries and blows. This ploy is fueled by the very dramatic and sensational media industry of our great nation.

In progressive countries of the world, their political contemporaries highlight their intentions aimed at providing good governance for their citizens with intelligent comportment. Our case in Nigeria is an illustrative example of the art of deceptive wickedness at its best.

We all need to realize that the very large population of this country is simply a humongous and diversely endowed family cell called Nigeria. We all drive through the same roads, shop at the same markets, send our children to the same schools, worship in the same churches and mosques etc. Blows, tantrums and war cries should not be exchanged during periods of elections.

It is very safe to conclude that if the process of an election which will involve the same set of people who share roads, schools, hospitals etc will become a threat to the coexistence of these people, then something must be terribly wrong with either the process, or the people. Frankly the reason for this twist rests with the latter since the process of an election is given life of effect by the people.

Either ways, we would desperately need to do things differently henceforth for a variety of cogent reasons. Top on the list is the quest by the Nigerian Patriots for a Dream Nigeria. The next reason on the list is the priceless nature of a human life. This list of healthy reasons is actually limitless.

It is agreeable that disagreements are bound to arise on national issues or indeed issues of the likes of elections; however this is a normal trend with any family and should not result in the loss of a single Nigerian citizen.

It is an unthinkable act of patriotic treachery to see two citizens trading blows with each other regardless the reason. It is unimaginable to conceive this scenario can be instigated by another citizen; the politician who is aiming to pilot the affairs of a democratic section of government for reasons which have nothing to do with the development of the citizens that are trading blows.

As mentioned in episode 5: Nigeria Vs Corruption, the battle for a Dream Nigeria is a war of concepts; Patriotic concepts Vs unpatriotic concepts, with each divide of the concept wearing the face of a Nigerian citizen. A simple litmus test with the national pledge on the action of each participant on this stage play would effectively reveal the patriots and non-patriots in this act.

A critical examination of the campaign profile, utterances, actions, body language etc will reveal which side of the patriotic divide our politicians belong. Rest assured, Religious affiliation, ethnic origin, political bias, and any subjective sentiment will not expose the culprits of our predicament. Therefore we need to approach the process with undiluted political objectivity.

This can only be achieved by a true Nigerian Patriot who lives by the code of the National Pledge clear and simple.

Going forward, The Court of Wise Jurisprudence recommends that all Patriots of Nigerian decent lock hands in a tight union to ensure that no single life is lost through any election process henceforth. If we can achieve this, everything else regarding our quest for good governance would fall into place seamlessly.

Arise O Compatriots…