Last week I watched PMB launch the "Change begins with me" campaign and of course enjoyed all the response ( positive and negative). Even those whom I expected to throw full weight behind this campaign did not fail to take jabs at the slogan. Well, for me , "change begins with me" (if embraced by all of us) will set us on the path of tremendous growth and development.
From crossing the road to obeying traffic regulations to bribery and corruption (the list is endless) , there is overwhelming reason to embark on such a campaign. Even the much touted anti corruption crusade can only yield results if we re-adjust our mindsets. I've always believed that for any leader to succeed , that leader must first re-orient us as a people. Many pf us still believe there is a way things work in Nigeria and that nothing can change the way things are done. You either join the bandwagon or fizzle out. But from the last election, we could see how a different mindset could affect the outcome. We saw how Nigeria had a peaceful transition with no element of violence. We all agreed that votes counted after all the 1993, 2007 & 2011 stories of elections marred by violence and irregularities. We saw that when we all believed in the power of the ballot, we could define our own destiny. This can be replicated in various aspects of our lives. We must do away with the belief that corruption is a way of life in Nigeria and embrace transparency, accountability and virtues that will enable us build sustainable institutions and legacies. As a health professional, I have always believed that no amount of money can pay me for what i do. I am driven by my passion. That is why I am able to work beyond my official work duration, and work beyond my scope when able. My quote has always been " Professionalism above benefits, patients above profits". And i have always told myself, anyday i stop believing in these words, i shall resign my job.
This is the time to redefine who we are and stop living within what we have been defined as. The earlier we take this challenge and begin to do things according to laid rules and procedures, the easier life becomes for us. We dont need to travel out of Nigeria before we behave well. Let us be the change we yearn for and rightfully deserve.
