This National Conference is not for cowards

The idea, the theory behind it and all associated with it, have now become a practical reality. Any assembly of 492 delegates, most of who were at one point or the other, key players in the scheme of things across the fatherland, is not child’s play. So, for fellow Nigerians still grieving about the conference, […]

The idea, the theory behind it and all associated with it, have now become a practical reality. Any assembly of 492 delegates, most of who were at one point or the other, key players in the scheme of things across the fatherland, is not child’s play. So, for fellow Nigerians still grieving about the conference, viewing it as waste of meager resources that can be put to better use in addressing our countless challenges, I want them to face the reality of events facing the nation. It is incumbent on any family member to accept the fact that any newborn child is a member of the family, whether born out of joy or out of necessity. Also, for any serious-minded father and other siblings, equal treatment is what is needed to ensure healthy upbringing.
Let’s not bother much about the fact that similar conferences held in the past did not yield any fruit and this very one also share the same traits. This is a pessimist mindset. Let’s be very optimistic and pray that this new ‘baby’ may be the awaited messiah. With this in mind, the first step to take is to fully understand what a conference is, its benefit and who is to participate. Other critical areas to look into include what key issues those of us not at the conference want the delegates to deliberate upon.
Another benefit of dialogue is that it encourages us to mature, leading us to a higher level of emotional maturity by forcing us to deal with conflict instead of avoiding it. Dialogue encourages and enables us to speak about issues that divide us. It is only, therefore, for the courageous to participate. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in an essay, once said “Courage consists in equality to the problem before us.” With this in mind, every Nigerian will reap the fruits of the confab.
Mohammed M. Mohammed, Pantami, Gombe ([email protected])