By Dominic (Big-D) Ikeogu
It is my recommendation that Africans, more importantly Nigerians, who intends to run for political office; or even those currently in power should watch video clips of Nelson Mandela over and over. I bet they would acquire substantial commonsense life and policy-making lessons to better serve the society or their constituents; and improve lives, environment, and standard of living. He is not a stranger in the contemporary leadership world, for Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist, who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
But with his accomplishments within a specific period of time, we could see why South African is a better and more civilized society than most other African countries. We could see why a country once in the brinks of disintegration rejuvenated because of the sacrifice and contribution of one man – NELSON MANDELA.
Sad enough, the irony remains that his humility and wisdom are yet to be utilized in the African academic institutions. His legacies have been underreported in the very continent he inspired. And we could see how African schools and the societies have failed in educating the young generation of leaders in following the footsteps of this icon.
It is still my conviction that Mandela’s stories and the values he lived are substantial to positively inspire the continent he left behind. I strongly believe that the governments, academic communities, NGOs and other entities could prosper by developing Mandela’s life-lessons and effective leadership moments. As Africans, we could make an impact too. Individuals could create video clips and reading notes; and disseminate them through out the continent as a strategy to prepare the younger generation to be better leaders.
With our current system engrossed in corruption, and our leaders failing more and more in living up to their moral responsibilities, we must focus on the younger generation and shield them off from following the impending filthy trends. Finally , I must confess, NELSON MANDELA’S words are words that weep, and tears that speak.
♦ BIG D – Dominic Ikeogu resides in Minnesota.
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