Years ago, when I was the Youth President of a Redeemed Christian Church of God Parish in Abuja, I observed that one of my very intelligent and promising youth fellowship members from the South-East part of Nigeria was romanticizing some personalities whose antecedents were not commendable. One afternoon, I arranged a private meeting with him to discuss among other things who his role models were. At that time in my personal development, I had researched how role models model our lives. I had seen the influence of James Brown on Michael Jackson. I had observed the influence of Sidney Poitier on Denzel Washington. And I had acknowledged the influence of Fela Anikulapo Kuti on the new generation of Nigerian musicians. Lately, I have also confirmed this theory with the influence of Jay Z on Kanye West and Rihanna. And I have unmistakably seen the modeling role Archbishop Benson Idahosa and Pastor Benny Hinn played in the life and ministries of Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, respectively. Our choice of role models speaks volumes about our goals, ambition, and values, which ultimately dictates our daily decisions, character, and life.
It is in this context that I am always amazed when Nigerians who desire a peaceful, prosperous, and corruption-free Nigeria mention their role models. From Okada riders from Northern Nigeria to Harvard University graduates from Southern Nigeria, our choices of role models betray our desire for a better Nigeria. The answer from my youth fellowship member confirmed my fears and left me so sad on that day that our cordial relationship could not recover after that revelation. He told me with great conviction and defiance that his role models are Nasir El Rufai and Muhammadu Buhari. My disappointment was deep and complete. In hindsight, I understood the genesis of his choice. His mentors who were senior Pastors of our parish at that time were having a symbiotic Bromance with El Rufai. And his choices taught me another lesson about the need to be intentional about those who we allow or choose to mentor us. This is so important because mentors are meant to mint new mentors from their mentees. Hence, if you get garbage from your mentors, you will give garbage to your mentees. This is our present albatross in Nigeria and Africa. The trees are infected with corrupt practices, the seedlings are mimicking the trees and the seeds from the trees are almost hopelessly corrupt before planting.
Going to the North North it is difficult to find youngsters who see the hardworking Aliko Dangote as a role model. They would most likely prefer corrupt politicians who live flamboyant lifestyles. If you visit the South-South few youths would want to emulate Olorogun Michael Ibru – the legitimately richest man of his days who created numerous jobs, empowered all his siblings to be individually renowned and created an enduring legacy. The South West is not better off, the most educated and experienced who should know better, still call the most corrupt politicians in the region their leader. The South East that traditionally abhors hero-worshipping is not excluded from this anomaly. Many would a hundred times prefer the unproven and uncircumspectful Nnamdi Kanu than Peter Obi – one of the most accomplished bankers and former governor in Nigeria as a role model. Many well-meaning Nigerians still see Goodluck Jonathan as a weakling for creating a largely independent electoral commission. Many are still unhappy with him for ceding power because of the present situation in Nigeria. And a handful still believes the economic growth experienced during his administration that made Nigeria the biggest economy in Africa were fictitious, to substantiate their continued illusion that this present administration is not doing badly. Until we are sincere in our analysis of the past and present and emulate personalities whose values are truly commendable, a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria will remain elusive.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com