Between Being Religious And Taking Action

When I woke up this morning, one thing that was foremost on my mind is the issue of religion and action. I hear it said all the time that Nigerian's are too religious and instead of taking action, they rely on prayers and religiosity. That, for a country with some religious place of worship on every street corner, sometimes more than one, it is a wonder that there is still chaos both in governance and personal relationships.

These are observations that are very difficult to give a definitive answer to because we are in a world where we can't readily dictate the seasons and times. Yes, some people will say, we can, because scientists have managed to chart and plot seasons and times! So, I ask, if that is so, then how come certain destructive weather patterns come upon some countries unexpectedly? Defying all calculations?

A lot of people are operating in very dire circumstances and most times, when they can't find a ready explanation, they turn very religious. Nigeria doesn't readily lend itself with being able to provide multiple learning curves that could replace white coloured jobs because for a long time the focus was on 'oil and gas'. Money was free flow and it created an uncreative society that looked outwards instead of inwards. People did not know how to be creative - (although with the situation prevalent, people are beginning to look inwards into their talents and skills for survival, both for themselves and the country.)

Whilst other countries were building on what they had, Nigeria was allowing what they have to fall into disrepair whilst empowering the industries of other countries.

So they became creatively lazy, and now that recession is biting, and reality of looking inwards is the way to go, it has become very difficult for some to articulate. So what do most do? They go religious with "God is in control!" They realise or choose not to realise that God has given us all we need to prosper in life BUT we need to take the first step of being productive ourselves. I must say that there is hope because people are now beginning to look inwards to tap into their talents and skills for survival, both for their own good and that of the nation.

So, it is time that Nigerians to get their priorities right and stop the wasteful spending that was obvious everywhere with extravagant parties and flamboyant dressing that most times were out of place. It is time to 'take action' and stop relying on just 'God in in control' mantra. It is time for them to be proactive and sort out all the issues that is within their capabilities. It is time for change of mindsets to be put in place so that transformation is possible. It is time for Nigerians to look beyond themselves and see themselves as part of a whole - a Nigerian! It is time for us all to join hands and build - synergy and collaboration is what will get us past the point we are in. Other countries have done it, WE CAN also, if we want to. It is time to stop pointing fingers and criticising and put our hands to the plough of restrategising and rebuilding. This process is not easy and doesn't happy overnight but a step a time, with the right attitude, we can build a Nation to be proud of.

It is time to upskill yourselves and this is what we at ACTS Consulting do best. Helping you to be winners and not grumbling losers. We will assist you to UNRAVEL THE BALL that creates chaos and non productivity. Get in touch with us at: [email protected].

www.lailastmatthewdaniel/actsconsulting.com