The great nations and civilizations of this world were built by people who were tired of the way things were. They dared to challenge the status quo, walk their talk and create or recreate their world. 

Nelson Mandela took the road less travelled when he fought against apartheid in South Africa. He was imprisoned for years, suffered untold hardship and in the end, he not only witnessed the end of this era but eventually ruled the nation and became one of its most celebrated leaders. 

The founding fathers of America fought for their independence from the British. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Joseph Brant, George Washington and John Sullivan, were among the heroes who laid the foundation for a nation who had as its bedrock the belief that all people are created equal irrespective of their origins; that people had the fundamental rights such as liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of the law and freedom of assembly. 

In Nigeria, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, a teacher and political campaigner, and leading voice on women’s rights. So also was Margaret Ekpo who played major roles as a grassroots and nationalist politician in Aba at a time when the nation was majorly male-dominated. 

The list goes on and on…people who rose up for what they believed in and made a change. With the current political, economic and social clime, many are clamouring for change but few or none are willing to make the sacrifice to bring about that change. Very few are willing to step out of their comfort zones while our people continue to groan under untold hardship. 

This is a challenge to you and I, young and old, male and female, to take a very good look at the ‘man in the mirror’ to stand and arise for the change we desire. If you feel your environment is filthy that’s just an indication that you should bend down and start picking or sweeping. If the traffic is driving you crazy it may just mean you should get out of the car and direct the traffic a little or rise up people to fix the roads, the transport system and perhaps talk to those you are connected to in government. If you irked by the level of corruption in our or your nation it may be that it is time for you to take a place in the government or be that very person who makes corruption the most disgusting act. 

It is time we stop complaining and start doing. It is time we fix our world, not only for ourselves but also for the generations coming behind us. 

If each and every one of us were to play our part, what a wonderful world this would be. 

Here’s to better days ahead!