Many prophecies have gone ahead of this great country we live in. We are all excited when we consider the great future and destiny Nigeria boasts of. You will also agree with me that despite this great destiny, Nigeria is in a state that this great destiny is threatened with abortion. At the rate this nation is going, the possibility of seeing that future emerge is so faint. It can be likened to a person whose pulse is getting weaker and weaker by the minute. Death seems inevitable and the abortion of that destiny seems imminent. Our leaders seem clueless as to what to do and to compound matters; more complex problems are developing-sectarian crises, unresolved economic issues, unavailability of basic infrastructure, and so on. So what can be done to salvage this situation?
It’s obvious we are in need of saviours; men and women who are solution providers; individuals who know how to chart the course for the future; people who can handle the challenges presented to them and tackle all the social, economic, educational, etc problems we face as a nation. Just like Joseph rose up in those days of famine, we need men and women in Nigeria who will rise up to the challenge of the problems we face as a nation and bring lasting solutions.
Joseph, the son of Jacob was aptly called Zaphnath Paneah (pronounced zaf-nat pa-nay-yah), an Egyptian name meaning saviour. Why would a pagan king attribute such a name to a mere Hebrew slave? How could a pagan king identify the presence of the Spirit of God in the life of this man Joseph? It’s so simple. Excellence will break any kind of barrier: racial discrimination, male chauvinism, social class, etc. When a man provides a solution to a long lasting problem or a knotty situation, it doesn’t matter where he was born, the colour of his skin, where he lives, his educational background. Men respect achievements, particularly when it relates to solving problems.
A good case in point is the sudden transformation of Oshodi, Lagos. It did not matter to you the governor’s religious or educational background. As far as most Lagosians were concerned, a problem was solved. In the same vein, saviours need to begin to arise in this nation.
In considering Joseph, a great example of a saviour of the earth, we cannot overlook the fact that he was a man who had a great capacity to bring change in whatever circumstances he found himself. It takes a lot of courage and capacity to be able to help others when you find yourself in a helpless plight. Joseph was always solving problems right from being in Potiphar’s house to even his time in the royal prison. We need to rise to the occasion and bring solutions to the problems around us but we need to be men of strong character; men of great capacity; men that do not give up in spite of the challenges they face.
It’s obvious that our circumstances are daunting and the reality of our challenges is obvious but just as one great man said, tough times never last but tough people do. The saving of this country cannot be committed to lily-livered, easily-rattled individuals. We need men of strong character; men of great vision; women of great perseverance, individuals with great endurance and follow-through ability.
‘Nuff said.
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