"Surulere",
"Ndidiamaka". Patience Pays! Well that is the title of a 2016 Nollywood
movie I would love to see, having been intrigued by its trailer. Surulere is
also the name of a popilar city in lagos Nigeria known for its commercial
nature and also home to some very talented artistes in both Nollywood and the
Nigerian Music industry.
One
of the things lacking in the relationship between Youths and adults is
patience. Yes patience. Adults are not patient with the youthfulness of the young;
the young are not patient with wisdom of the elders manifested in long talks
and slow processes.
But
patience is a virtue, a central key to solving the many conflicts in our world
today. Lack of patience breeds suspicion, hatred, envy, jealousy, anger, pride
and resentment.
The
youth is known for their beauty, exuberance, vigor, energy, innovation,
impatience and rush among others. Adults are known inter alia for their wisdom,
time taking, elaborate plans, and thorough checks. Patience is bridge that
connects the wisdom of the old and energy of the youth to achieve a common
goal.
When
the elders are not patient with the young and hurriedly conclude on everything
they do, when the youth believe that the elders are always slow, then the right
recipe for conflict is brewed. Thus one way to avoid this seeming looming
fractious collision is ensure that young people have the right guidance,
mentorship and motivation needed to achieve sanity, control and success.
Today
is the International Youth Day celebration. This year, the 17th in
the series, the theme is The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and
Achieving
Sustainable Consumption and Production. This theme is indeed bold and
broad. The SDGs with its 17 goals and 169 targets have been said to be one of
the most ambitious document ever agreed upon nations. Now imagine when 193
countries in the United Nations say yes!
If
we must achieve quality education, eradicate poverty, combat inequalities, ensure
sustained economies; promote peaceful, just and inclusive cities and societies,
and then we need to understand the role of patience. Our young people must
learn not to put the cart before the horse. They must learn that there is something
called the gestation period – the period of growth and development.
Our
adults on the other hand must learn to not teach then youths the wrong lessons.
It takes sweat and hard work, and also working smart to achieve success. Showing
wealth, living very lavish and scandalous lives are not the lessons the average
youth needs to learn now. The Youths need to be properly guided and mentored
and taught the values of patience and its rewards.
The
Yorubas say Surulere, Bintilaye “life
is lived with ease; step by step”. The Igbos say Ndidiamaka “Patience is beautiful”. This is the lesson we must
teach the youth today. When we hurry, we create problems for the future because
of the process and steps we skipped. Nature is orderly; you may be fast, but
you may not be in order.
Take
a #YouthDay pledge today to imbibe
patience and also share the pledge with others.
There
is dignity in being patient!
To
achieve the SDGs, Patience is key!
Be
patient for the Glory Days are nigh!
OjisiEmezie
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