We have a popular illustration in Africa that teaches us not to point accusing fingers at others when we have not checked ourselves. When you are pointing towards someone with a finger, the other four points back at you. This is used by elders to teach and instruct their children to always look within before blaming others. We have various angles to look at in discussing such a topic and it’s not like such illustrations are used only for youths; but can apply to any age group in the society, although in this article I am interested in addressing the youth populace.
How many of you have watched a football game and unfortunately your team lost; then you sat with a group of friends to analyze the loop holes? What each player did wrong, the weak defence, how the coach would have changed the formation and strategy of the game to outwit their opponent; on and on. Sometimes if we have supporters of the opposition, we argue and almost fight in defence of our teams with so much passion. The truth is when you are passionate about something; you will always want the best to happen in relation to it. You can even go an extra mile to send an email or text message or make a phone call on a radio program to share your opinion on the game.
I also guess that most of us at one time or the other have analyzed the political situations in our countries and states and have come up with various suggestions. We have very intelligent economic, political and developmental analysts amongst the youth who point accusing fingers at the present leadership of their nation, yet in their terrain or area of influence and authority they have been no better. Yes we are passionate for positive change in our country and want the best for her, but how we go about it matters. Most of our arguments and accusations against political office holders and the like have not been effectively communicated because we have not chosen the right channels.
The channel I suggest today is the one that emphasizes on being the change you want to see in the world. Let us stop the pointing of accusing fingers and painting leaders bad, when in our little corners we do worse things. Is your leader corrupt and embezzling public funds? Speak up constructively when you can, on the right platform and live the life you are proposing; the life that does not embezzle. Let us stop complaining about our representatives in the House of Assembly or Parliament when as a school teacher you have collected money from students for examination malpractice in your subject area. Stop pointing fingers at the Commissioner or Minister for Petroleum Resources when your family member is an oil bunker and you share from the profit. Stop all the hullabaloos about how corrupt our systems are when you received bribe a week ago to change some figures in that file at your office.
Youths stop the complaining and look inwards; what are the little things you are doing now that could grow to become big things in the future? As a youth leader in your community how have you exemplified effective leadership? What contributions have you made with your scarce resources and the opportunities you have presently? Or are you waiting to be the Governor before you contribute to development? The future we agitate for and desire is in us, and we could paint a clear picture that can become real when we begin to live out the values ourselves.
When you can boldly attest that you have never been involved in a shady deal or corrupt practice. When you can stand on the integrity you have built over the years as a youth and critique those in the corridors of power without fear or rancour. Youth rise is a call to being the change first, and then others will follow or learn from you.
