SOME LESSONS FROM BARACK OBAMA TO NIGERIAN YOUTHS

The politics, intrigues, activism and oratory of Senator Barack Obama and the 21 months of campaigns comes with so many lifelong lessons. I no longer see myself as a youth at a disadvantage after seeing how Obama broke the norms to emerge as the 44th President elect of USA . I now see myself as a black young adult who will rule in any part of the world or excel in anything I set my heart to do! Yes We Can! Obama has changed the phenomenon; the beacon of Change has come to us in Africa .

Determination, Spirit of Sportsmanship, Audacity of Hope, Setting higher goals, Testament of Hand Work, Optimism, faith in God, Enduring Passion, Values, Vision, Team work and Energy were some of the key values that contributed to Obama’s victory. He was so determined to win the election, even despite high level of criticism and humiliation as a black young adult. In his speech, he said “the road will be long, our climb will be steep, we may not get there in one year but American, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there”. Gordon Brown, British Prime Minister, said that Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energizing politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future. What are our vision, energy and values for the future as young people in Nigeria ?

The youths in the USA voted for Obama in overwhelming numbers because they understood the power of positive change. It is time for young people in Nigeria to tell politicians that we are not for political gangsterism rather that we are committed to absolute change and back up our commitment with positive action. E.g. by refusing to dance to the drums of corrupt politicians and their likes.

Above all, what position do we have for God in all our dealings of life, socially, politically, materially, emotionally, etc.? Nigeria is said to be the most religious country in the world, but do we really have anything to show for our faith? We need to step up so that even our opponents will testify to it. Just as Senator McCain’s speech to congratulate Obama was titled ‘Godspeed to the man who will be my president’. Do you know that every speech of a US president ends with: Thank You, God bless you and may God bless the United States of America? Let put God first in whatever we do in life and see our progress as a nation take up a Godspeed! Change is in YOU. No more excuse for failure!

Mayowa Adeniran
Development News Organization