The Real Role of Elites in Nation-Building: A Call To Do More!
Margaret Mead once said,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
This quote resonates deeply in the context of Nigeria, a nation of over 200 million people facing challenges of poverty, limited education, and deep-rooted societal issues. Changing a society of this size and complexity may seem overwhelming, but history has shown that the true power lies in the hands of the elites.
Definition- Who Are the Elites?
Elites are the individuals who hold a disproportionate influence over a society’s direction—through economic power, intellectual capital, or political influence. They include those who’ve attended prestigious institutions like Harvard and Oxford, and those who are respected voices in their fields. With access to global knowledge, resources, and networks, they hold a unique power to shape the future.
The Real Role of Elites
Elites can either uplift or hinder societal progress. When they are strategic, passionate, and united by a shared vision for positive change, they have the capacity to transform entire nations. However, if the elites are compromised—driven only by personal gain, luxury, or status—society stagnates.
The cost of elite indifference is a society left in a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
For Nigerians who have had the privilege of world-class education and opportunities, the question becomes: What are we doing with this privilege?
Is it solely to achieve personal success, or are we committed to the greater purpose of building a nation that provides opportunities for all?
A Call for Purposeful Leadership
Nations that thrive are those where citizens recognize their collective responsibility. Those of us with the resources and influence must ask ourselves if we are living up to this responsibility or simply benefiting from it. Nigeria needs leaders who understand that our privilege is not just for personal gain but a God-given responsibility to contribute to nation-building.
The power of a nation lies with its people—but the direction of that power often lies with its elites.
Let’s use it wisely.
#Leadership #NationBuilding #Responsibility #Nigeria