The Future Is Here!!

So, the NASS elections did not hold as planned on April 2nd. Inadequate election materials made the postponement inevitable. And though a lot of spirits were dampened, many Nigerians became discouraged and demotivated; many eventually got over it and got their resolves back.

Saturday, April 9, the elections eventually took place and the enthusiastic, as well as some not so enthusiastic Nigerians made it to the polling units to cast their votes. The results of that days elections is another topic entirely, but I’ll just say “change is in the air!”. I can smell it, I can feel it, I can almost touch it!! And it feels good.

Once again this Saturday, we wear our determination on our feet, and move again, to join the poll queues to vote in the candidate who will have the ‘official’ responsibility of reorganizing our country. We cannot afford to make a wrong choice.Tthe future of Nigeria depends on the choices we make on that day, we cannot afford to make the wrong one. It begins with us and we owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the future generation.

This time, we will strive to make it work. We will go, we will vote, and we will protect our votes. After casting our votes, we will wait till all the votes are counted, and we will record the results. Need I say the camera phones will be the most utilized accessories on Saturday?

And yes, we will; because we can, because we must, and together we will – Fela Durotoye.

I leave you with an inspiring music video from one of Nigeria’s great talents, TY Bello.

Yes We Will!

So is it mere coincidence that my first blog post falls on April fool’s day? Yes it is.

It’s the 1^st day of the 2^nd quarter of 2011, and I finally did what I should have done six years ago: I started writing a blog.  And even though right now I’m a little uncertain about the way this blog will go; I’m confident in the fact that when we’re all settled in, it will be a very exciting read, and you will love to come around again and again till you are best friends for life (with my blog, and with me; if you do not mind).

Eight am tomorrow, the Nigerian 2011 general elections will kick-off amidst a lot of uncertainties, but in all, one thing is certain- it isn’t the usual ball game. Youth participation and technology has collided on this one, and it’s my guess that it will be harder for a camel to go through the proverbial needle’s eye than for any politician/political party to rig this election. But knowing the election antecedents, my guess could very well turn out wrong.

I am glad though, at the level of youth participation; It is encouraging. We have now chosen not to continue to stand by and watch (sidon look) but to actually be a part of a transformation, a part of the process. Enough is enough, the future is in our hands. Its time to make a change, and right now, it begins with us.

Nigeria is a great country with great people; it would be such a shame for her not to achieve her potential. We have got what it takes, we will make it work!  Yes we will!!