Olanrewaju Ojuoluwa
I write to every good citizen of Nigeria, especially the 'reasonable' youths who against all odds strive daily to make ends meet; to all those who want the best for our dear country, to those who don't just complain about Nigeria's deteriorated state but take actions towards reviving her, to those who are bold enough to challenge the existing modalities, to those fronting for better alternatives to the existing dubious political structures, to those brave enough to run for political offices against all odds - in the midst of scavengers who are bent on sucking us dry of our God-given resources and fortunes.
To the market women, traders and business owners who diligently struggle everyday to make ends meet without 'cutting-corners', to every parent in Nigeria who keep spending their hard earned monies on sponsoring their wards to school everyday, year after year even though the hope of securing jobs thereafter is almost 'impossible' without connection. To those who notwithstanding the government's irresponsibility to the welfare of workers still do their jobs diligently even when they are owed months of unpaid salaries. To those children whose future seem bleak because of structural and infrastructural inadequacies.
To the teaming youths who are stranded, strapped and frustrated, who have given their all with virtually nothing to show for it. To their parents who have invested so much in them but are experiencing hunger even at old age, I want you to know that there is hope it you don't give up. You will definitely make it if you keep pressing!
Let us consider the story of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America who never quit despite failing in many attempts to make it in life.
Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown.
He could have quit many times – but he didn’t and because he didn’t quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the United States history.
Here is a sketch of Lincoln’s road to the White House:
1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them.
1818 His mother died.
1831 Failed in business.
1832 Ran for state legislature – lost.
1832 Also lost his job – wanted to go to law school but couldn’t get in.
1833 Borrowed some money from a friend to begin a business and by the end of the year he was bankrupt. He spent the next 17 years of his life paying off this debt.
1834 Ran for state legislature again – won.
1835 Was engaged to be married, sweetheart died and his heart was broken.
1836 Had a total nervous breakdown and was in bed for six months.
1838 Sought to become speaker of the state legislature – defeated.
1840 Sought to become elector – defeated.
1843 Ran for Congress – lost.
1846 Ran for Congress again – this time he won – went to Washington and did a good job.
1848 Ran for re-election to Congress – lost.
1849 Sought the job of land officer in his home state – rejected.
1854 Ran for Senate of the United States – lost.
1856 Sought the Vice-Presidential nomination at his party’s national convention – get less than 100 votes.
1858 Ran for U.S. Senate again – again he lost.
1860 Elected president of the United States.
If this supposedly destined-to-fail-man could become a world renowned because he didn't give up even after failing in many attempts to becoming great in life, then I am rest assured that you too can.
God bless Nigeria and all of her citizens who seek her betterment.
I am Olanrewaju Ojuoluwa, Youth Advocate and Social Reformer, Convener of #TooRichToSuffer. I believe in a country where things work. I believe in a New Nigeria!
