TIME TO TAKE-OFF IS NOW

                             

                                                    

                          History tells me that revolutions are a manifestation of public frustration.It is a means to express inner feelings when no other avenues are available or blocked.Revolution is the language of the voiceless and weak.It is the powder keg which explodes to scare aware the oppressors.It is the ammunition that strikes those who say they call the shots.Get me right - I'm not calling for a mammoth revolution.A revolution can be silent or "noisy";chaotic/violent or peaceful.The bottom line is that in all these cases there is a vision and a target.A revolution therefore,becomes the path through which man passes to reach his target.The interesting bit is that it is normally the oppressed or the disadvantaged who rise up to pay the ultimate price for all humanity(the oppressors included).

                         With regard to what is said above,I'm not heaping blames on the so called oppressors.They didn't become who they are by themselves alone.We all contributed to their wellbeing.Not materially but by "believing" that we are better placed where we are.We "tuned" our minds to think in a certain way.We engaged a reverse gear when everybody else is accelerating.This is the path the African youths are taking.Why am I writing this? I do this out of love.The love of strengthening the bond of brotherhood and nationhood.The love of creating a nation without boundaries;a nation driven by a collective vision.

                          I'm not pessimistic.I chased this spirit away.It is not in me.Maybe it is located somewhere in the high seas.I'm driven by optimism that the african youth is dynamic,energetic and knowledgeable.The only shortcoming he has is the reverse gear he is engaging.And this can be rectified!Time is ripe for this.This is the moment.We should all rise up and declare that this is the moment!

                         How comes this is the moment? OK lets look at some facts and figures about the african youth and his land(Africa): 70% of youths in africa have access to internet; time to start business in africa is  shorter- in some countries it takes you as short as 30 (thirty) days to register a company; there is presence of ready and ever-increasing consumer base;the african youth is dynamic and ready to take risks (going by the number of violent revolutions in the continent);mineral endowments;cheap workforce......LOOK at these goodies!What is stopping you from flying high?It is the reverse gear you are engaging!RISE UP!TIME IS NOW! 

                            

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY SUPERSEDES CROWD-CONSCIENCE

                              

                             Any development is opined on our individual/personal responsibility.It is the "mirror" from which we can see the true face of leadership.Leadership doesn't emanate from the chants of a crowd.This is just an expression of crowd ignorance.Where on earth does a crowd think?No,they don't!The domain of thinking is left for individuals.And this is where change starts.It is not determined by how loud a fanatical following can shout.It is determined by how silent you are( in individual capacity) in thinking and "meditating".Remember we are thinking creatures.We are creatures of conscience.Thus we are not led by "crowd-conscience".

                             Look at this - a family of 10(ten) appears on TV claiming that the government has "neglected" them.They chose to neglect simple family planning measures.Really,do we need policemen to police our bedrooms?If this will be the case,what would be the difference between a man and a goat for instance?We are not meant to be policed,we are meant to police ourselves!And this where personal responsibility comes in handy.I'm not a family planning campaigner - am headed to hitting some sense into you about personal responsibility.

                             Personal responsibility reigns supreme.This is the epitome of humanity. This is where we all derive our powers.It is the light that lightens our paths.It is the sensation we need to connect with our tasks and place in the hierarchy of humanity.It is best described in private.Hence it doesn't need "external inspection".It has a mechanism to inspect itself.On the contrary,crowd-conscience  seeks to admire the outside.It doesn't believe in itself.It is a slave of external factors.It is not visionary.It is self-centered and chaotic.It kills to further its intentions.It is dangerous!We are all bound by moral responsibility to run away from it.It is an obligation.We must discard and cut our ties with it if we are really serious with ourselves and the globe.

                             As you cut trees to line up your pockets,as you neglect/oppress the needy,as you choose chaos to "talk",as you blame others for your woos,as you sideline women and girls,as you crown robbers as "leaders",as you do all that you do best...what do you think?. STOP a minute and figure out your place in the sea of humanity;your true roles and  how to meet your moral obligations.ENJOY THE BLOG.

THE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN SOCIALISM IS STILL ALIVE

                              
Africa is rich. Indeed, it is rich. And I'm not talking of material riches (you can't rule that out too). I'm talking of the immaterial. The invisible riches of the African people. What we ought to cherish and hold dear. The teachings and aspirations of the African people. Their visions and philosophies are outstanding. 

They play in their own league. You can't compare them with anyone else. They are unique in all aspects. An African is a source of inspiration and hardwork. Get me right -am not talking of the contemporary definition of African. Mine is the "pure African"; the one who holds his values and whose conscience is not corrupted. Yes, this is the one I talk about.

 Children form a fundamental aspect of the African people. They "belonged" to everybody. They were subordinate (in its positive meaning) to the members of the society. Children knew their roles were cut out. If they veered off the road they needn't expect their parents to "hit sense" into them - any right thinking person could do that.  The fruits of this? The social bond and discipline was strengthened.

This begs the question - where did this "My kid! My kid can't do that! I discipline my kid and I know him/her!" come from? 

Some say this is a symbol of modernism. But what is modernism? Methinks this is a self-afflicted condition. We know its consequence but we voluntarily choose to live in self-denial. 

We choose to "demolish" the foundations that our forefathers worked hard to build. And they did this with the best intention for us; to foster a spirit of oneness and togetherness. But we've chosen to go the opposite way. We are now heading straight to "hell" - knowingly!

 Look at this - Africa is a home to a good number of rich and super-rich men and women. Paradoxically, a bulk of the poor also live here - side by side with the rich. You hear of a man building a multi-storied “residential home" in a sprawling slum of humanity.

This summarizes the expression of riches -the contemporary-African way. This one believes wealth is a show of might. Yes it is! But remember you are not living in a forest of trees - you are living in a forest of humanity.

This takes me to my conclusion: that the solution lies in revisiting and restudying our African roots, its foundations and principles. But remember the African spirit of socialism is still alive!

Suggestion: suppose each of us takes in one orphan and school him; don't you think we shall contribute in sending poverty to museums? ENJOY THE BLOG.

INFORMATION;A PREREQUISITE OF SUCCESS

                                        

                                       

                           Information gurus tell me that information is defined as "a degree of certainty in a person".It is what we need to boost our confidence.Subjectively,it is what causes "sensation" in somebody.Meaning,it is what responds to somebody's needs.It is anything that is relevant to that person.It is also the "right dosage" for someone's condition.Technically,it is what we need to take-off.It is learned and acquired.Once you know it,it turns you to a boiling pot,churning out ideas.It erases the fear of the unknown.It chases away doubt. What is certainty?Methinks it is the degree of self-belief or affirmation.It is when I say confidently to myself,"I can do it because I know what it entails". Certainty is the product of information.You can't be certain when you are not/ill informed.

                           I think success depends on information.Information is the bedrock on which successful plans are built.It is the match-stick that is needed to "fire" off the flow of ideas.An informed mind sees beyond the horizon.Besides,success is the turning point that signifies personal or group independence.It is a sign that speaks the language of optimism,the language of enlightenment,the language of transformation.It is incumbent to note that there is no success  where there is no flow of relevant information.This "flow of Information" is a requirement for us all in order to experience this(success) take-off. 

                          I think we can't rate development/success by the length of our beautiful roads or tall buildings we've built.What impact will these "gigantic developments" have on the people if they don't know their roles?This is reminiscent of mental imprisonment.You satisfy the eyes but the heart and the soul remain unattended to.This is to say people have nothing meaningful to contribute.It is to put them on the same category as animals;creatures of conformity.Not creative beings.This is 'torture' of the highest order! 

                         But how can we correct this?It is simple;just say this to yourself;"knowing and not doing is  contributing to global challenges ". And this is what the systems across the world have done.They acknowledge there is poverty in the globe but instead choose to administer "cosmetic treatment". They say expansion of airports will create "employment opportunities". Does the rural folk need an airport to augment his farm produce?No,he needs relevant information concerning agriculture.......You are a player in dissemination of information.Say what you know and improve lives of many.This way we shall send poverty to museums.It is possible!You only need willpower and the restlessness to look for information that is relevant.ENJOY THE BLOG.         

CULTURE IS INFERIOR TO THE PEOPLE

                         I have heard many people blame culture.They say 'it is because of culture that we practise this and that.'They are openly admitting that they are imprisoned by this condition they call 'culture'.In other words they say culture is their boss and decision maker.That it reigns supreme over them hence they are subject to its dictates and directions.They admit that for them culture is a "monster" standing somewhere above and supervising the works of man.That this monster cannot be challenged.Wow what a people!I think this is false.I have deep conviction that any right thinking individual will find it like that.

                         I believe culture is inferior to us (humans).We do 'manufacture' it.By our actions and deeds we give rise to culture.It reflects our thought patterns.Thus,it is a creation of our minds.So this begs the question ; why are people leaving culture reign supreme over them?I know some of my colleagues will say I am  'running away' from my culture by thinking this way.Yes, I do.Because admitting culture is supreme is itself culture;which I am 'running away' from.And this is what some chaps will call 'paradigm shift'.The act of questioning the present to improve the future.You know what?This is the route man has followed in his evolutionary journey.So why should I be punished and banished for doing the right thing?

                         And this takes me to my next point;that of thinking outside the box.You complain there is unemployment,that poverty is rising in astronomical terms and you blame the establishment for these ills.You say "these guys are making our lives harder".Who are these guys?And why are you allowing them to continue doing harm to you?The answer is simple.You are the cause.By "signing in" to the-business-as-usual philosophy you technically say "Yes guys!Keep on!Continue eating!".And then you blame "the culture".Believe you me,you can rectify this.You have the answer and the cure to this "cancer".And that answer is not found "outside there".It is inside your head.You have a brain?Yes of course,that is the answer!

                        Again,you equate girls and women to inferior beings under the pretext that you are preserving your culture.You say they are the source of promiscuity.You forget that they don't do that 'thing' alone.They need men.But where are these men when condemnations are poured out?And so you justify the sanctions meted on them.But you forget that your mum and sisters are women too.You actually disapprove the roles they have played in nurturing you.This is arrogance!It is unacceptable!By doing this you breed a generation that is inferior and that which says all challenges is the "Will of God".Come on guys!Lets do something!ENJOY THE BLOG!

                             

SELF-DENIAL; A RECIPE OF SOCIAL CONFUSION

                            I think as humans we are 'connected' to each other.We share a common bond.As long as we've different aspirations  our destiny remains the same;that is SUCCESS.We are actors and 'shapers' of ourselves.But for this to happen I think we do need one major factor; Knowing ourselves and embracing what makes us.It is that simple.But how can we reach this level?This takes me to another level;to inquire the causes of  the failure or success of a society.What is a society?Individually can we change the face and the outlook of a society?What role do we have individually and as a group in shaping a society?Let me try to examine this.

                           
                          Methinks a society is a collection of thoughts and aspirations.It is the umbilical cord that brings together all peoples and all nations.It is the destiny in the horizon that we all pursue to reach.It can either be material or immaterial.Thus it can be seen and be felt at the same time.It is the opposite of "myself,my family and my friends".It goes beyond boundaries;concrete or abstract.It knows no races or tribes.Thus it is universal.It characterizes the restlessness we need to be energized to look for social solutions.

                   
                          Besides,it neutralizes the spirit of self-denial.And what is self-denial?How does it turn to be a liability to societal make-up?Self-denial is the foundation of social fragmentation.It is a proponent of "so long as it doesn't touch me,it doesn't concern me." It is the cancer behind social conflicts and hatred.It negates the spirit of inter-connectedness.Its philosophy is that of 'when you get a chance,eat and satisfy yourself'.Its foundation stone rests on the assumption that man was created to pursue his own interests irrespective of the means of pursuing them(interests).It doesn't believe in humanity.

                          
                         When does it turn to be a recipe of social confusion?Look at this;a police officer who happens to be a son of a poor peasant is sent/paid to supervise the demolitions of settlements of slum dwellers to pave way for systemic grabbing of the land in question.Philosophically this police officer is 'connected' to the slum dwellers in that;first of all they are humans;second,they share the same background and thirdly they are 'players' in their liberation struggle.But his conscience is corrupted.How?He looks at the slum dwellers as 'another' group of people.Not to interact with and who only exist as a nuisance to his bosses(read the oppressors).And this is what I term as Self-denial;a recipe of social confusion.Sometimes it is better to rebel so as to live within the precincts of human inter-connectedness.This way we shall make the world conducive for everybody.

EDUCATION AS A TOOL OF LIBERATION

                         

                    Why should we get educated?Methinks we  don't go to school so as to 'learn how to secure employment'. If that isn't the case I beg to differ.Who said that when we face the east we shouldn't try to look elsewhere?Is our mind fixed?What is education?Is it a tool to liberate or to enslave?

                    A friend of mine from West Africa( for personal reasons allow me to withhold his nationality) recently graduated with a masters degree in law.Out of curiosity I asked his compatriot of any plans in the offing now that he has attained his masters degree.He told me the guy is planning to add a third degree.That he will enroll for a doctoral degree in law.I was astonished by this.He then moved on to explain why.That back at home (in his home country) he can't secure a job with what he has.I termed this situation a mockery of the foundations of education.And it led me to ask the questions aforementioned above.

                    Why should we 'specialize' in the various fields we study if the end result is to 'learn how to look for jobs?' I think we should instead 'specialize' in a field called 'looking for jobs and employment'.My understanding of education is that it exists in time and space.It is a reflection of our thoughts.It is a channel through which we release solutions to challenges.It is a platform to reinvent ourselves.Through education we get to understand ourselves.We question our weaknesses.We try to better ourselves.This way,education becomes a catalyst for change.A means through which humanity can liberate itself.

                   What is education?How can we rate an educated person?Methinks education is the trajectory of life through which we pass.It is the experience we've accumulated through interaction and learning from ourselves and others.Besides,being educated is the ability to offer solutions.To question the norms.To think outside the box.To take challenges as manure to think critically and in a progressive manner.This is my understanding.I don't know yours.

                   PARTING SHOT: I feel comfortable interacting with a peasant who transforms his challenges to assets than walking around with the so called 'educated' who only thinks of selling his labor and expertise for a few coins and who has configured his mind to believe that his condition is the best.

better pro-development ‘dictator’ than a centrist democrat

             Look at this; you have a democratically elected parliament which designs and draws all the policies bearing in mind their cronies and supporters, you(the voter) toil and make ends meet in difficulty, a declining public security…..and all the ills that can’t be listed here. Then you have an option of being ruled by a pro-work and pro-people dictator. Where will your mind take you?

            It is incumbent to note that power and authority is derived from the people and ought to be used for the benefit of the populace. This takes me back to my question; between a pro-development ‘dictator’ and a centrist democrat, who will you select? Allow me to look into the fundamentals of the so called democracy you are praising and glorifying. Democracy is given life by stability. Without stability, democracy is non-existent. So the question comes; which comes before the other; democracy or stability? Democracy, according to my conscience is the measure of the work done in between elections.Not the mere act of going to polls and elect individuals and forget then wait for the next turn to elect others. Stability comes from the nourishment of the mind which is then translated in proactive and self-reliant and dynamic population.

         This is why I will prefer a pro-development ‘dictator’ who will punish you for not attending your crops other than accept the fallacy of a centrist and selfish democrat who tells you it is your ‘right’ to not taking care of your crops and go out begging for food.I am a strong supporter of the rule of the people by the people. But it is better to draw a thin line between mere electioneering process and the final benefit that rolls back to the people. It is this that gives credence to democracy. PARTING SHOT: we must realize that the aspirations, motives and objectives implicit in meaningful thematic are human aspirations, motives and objectives. They do not exist ‘out there’ as static entities; they are occurring. They are as historical as human beings themselves consequently they cannot be apprehended apart from them. So before you condemn dictatorship try to interrogate what you’ve gained from ‘democracy’

THE POWER WITHIN.

                Call it hidden truth. Yes I do believe it is! Why is humanity suffering? Why do we still have poor men and women despite the wealth and endowments in the world? Why do we lament day in day out? Are we justified to blame The Almighty for our problems? Do parents have a hand in our suffering? These are some of the questions we do ask ourselves whenever we are faced with challenges. We have made it a habit to lament and complain instead of looking for solutions and discovering the underlying causes of suffering. Jesus Christ summarized all in His words, “ Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”The key to personal empowerment lies within us. Philosophy dictates that, being sincere to oneself is the first step to unlocking the potential in us. And this is what is missing in us! We tend to admire others and fail to understand that they are not super-humans! They bear the same features as us only that they appreciated themselves, unlocked the potential in them and in turn empowered themselves to the levels that we look upon them in admiration.No.I don’t criminalize admiration of the success of others. But let it be a challenge for us to appreciate ourselves first and believe in our potential. This is the way to go. Liberation is in-born! No one can liberate you from the shackles and bondage of poverty. You can only break these chains upon discovering the ‘power within’.

             The celebrated teacher and mentor; Dr Napoleon Hill in his book ‘the sixteen laws of success” states the first step towards success is hatched in the mind. And where is this mind located? Of course, within us. But how can you have liberating and success-oriented mindset if all you say is lamentations and empty hullallabo that contribute to failure and depression? The secret; run away from this negative attitude to life. Life isn’t made for you, you make it for yourself. Consume what empowers and encourages you. This is the selective formulae that work for your advantage.

           Man is the designer of his own destiny. He is a dynamic and knowledgeable creature with all the capabilities of shaping the world for his advantage. With all these credentials, why do we reduce ourselves to beggars? Believe this; you can do anything to shape your destiny. You have the capability and enabling environment to make this proclamation a reality. All that you need now is to think ontologically and hope for the better. But get me right, mere hopefulness is hope in vain if not anchored in practice and do-it-now mentality.

ME,YOU AND THEY…..

 

                 More often we talk about equality, equity and egalitarianism. But allow me to ask; how equal is the world? Do all of us reason and conduct ourselves the same way? Are we endowed in equal measure? These are some of the questions that kept knocking my mind when I read of a government minister who went abroad shopping. Then as a matter of entitlement, he decided to purchase a short-sleeved shirt worth several hundreds of dollars.Then came a picture of villagers wallowing in poverty, kids eking a living in the streets due to poverty, grandmas reduced to play the roles of breadwinners for  their  grandkids…..Some of us will argue that it was within his mind to purchase as he wanted. But   what lessons can we draw from this incident?.....Lets  look at humanity and personality..

               Allow me to quote this age-old African philosophy; our existence and successes are tied to existence and successes of others. Humanity  is measured by how we take care of others in vulnerable conditions. Don't expect to see God coming down personally from His heavenly abode to uplift that poor and vulnerable human; he works through us. When we fail to uplift our own then we have failed God. This is wickedness! But as humans and the so called ‘educated’ we’ve sanitized this wickedness by calling it entitlement.No! This is NOT entitlement. This is selfishness. We only gain by giving out.

           Man is the only one to treat not only his actions but his very self as an object of reflection; this capacity distinguishes him from animals which are unable to separate themselves from their activity and thus unable to reflect upon it. This reflection enables us to ‘connect’ with our fellow humans in their needs and aspirations. The Swahili will call this phenomenon ‘utu’.This summarizes the understanding that we are co-workers with God. You are blessed not because you are entitled to it but because we ‘co-work’ and hence have a moral responsibility not to look down upon those who haven’t. Empower one and poverty will be a thing  of the past, only to be seen in museums. And we can do it.

LEADERSHIP IS WITHIN US

                                            

                          In religion we say leadership comes from God. In democracy it is defined as a reflection and the will of the people. In both cases I tend to think that the biggest player in the design and choice of leadership is MAN (you and I).Some say man was created in the image of God. I’ve deep conviction that God can’t create man in his image without imparting His wisdom on him (man).Having a closer look at this, I think leadership is a product of how we apply this wisdom. Besides, I see leadership as a mirror of our mindset and inner feelings. These feelings dictate our coexistence and interaction.

                         Man has the power and intellectual might to better his world. He is the master of his own destiny. Animals don’t have these qualities! But I have never seen any animal complaining. Why should we look down upon ourselves? In the biblical story of Adam and Eve; it is said when man knew he had wronged his creator he pushed the blame to the wife (who God had created for him).When we legislate leadership, are we trying to create a loop-hole to drop all the accusations whenever we are cornered by our wrong-doings? Do we need the guidance of ‘super-humans’ to point out who real leaders are? Where have we hidden our wisdom? Do we still care about our destiny? I tend to think that we need to be ‘hammered’ by a right-thinking dictator for us to ‘utilize’ and see the usefulness of our wisdom.

                       Knowing and not practising is nothing. Now that you’ve seen the ‘light’ move out and do something. Prove that you have that wisdom and you are the master of your destiny. We are creators. You know that? Your place is higher than where you’ve placed yourself. Cling to your newfound heights and start ‘creating’. This is possible! Confidence is the only ingredient you need. And the good news is that, it (confidence) is found nowhere else but within you. Get it now!

INTELLECTUALS AND SOCIETY

        Intellectualism is defined as the devotion to the exercise of intellect or intellectual pursuit. What can we say about intellect or intellectual pursuit? Methinks intellect or intellectual pursuit can be likened to ideas. A competition of ideas whose final results must have a positive impact on its source and the underlying environment (read the society).  Society, on the other hand, is the factory that churns out ideas with a special consideration of it coming back to better it. So this begs the questions: Does today’s intellectualism benefit the society? Has it turned to be a curse to the people? Is the society still being considered as a source and owner of intellectualism?

          Intellectualism today has been likened to capitalism, where a clique of people have assumed sweeping powers to design the society and decide on behalf of the masses without due consultation with the people. This is the cause of our ills and social problems. It is until the views and the aspirations of that common man and woman in the village are considered we shall remain where we are. The society itself has taken a back seat in this intellectual race by accepting to be receivers (and not producers) of ideas for its betterment. This is the first stage in the journey towards failure. The so-called intellectuals (read professionals) have turned to be super-humans ready to prescribe any dose to the ailing society .If we really aspire to succeed; I feel this is not the way to take!

           Look at this: a non-governmental organization has visited a remote village whose population is in dire need of clean water. The villagers make their proposal to these messengers of God to drill them a water well. As fate could determine, these messengers of God decide to take one of the villagers for further studies to learn more about clean water. Then the ‘divine mission’ is accomplished. If I may ask, between the villagers and these chaps, who can be classified as intellectuals?

          This takes me to the conclusion; intellectualism is the ability to churn out ideas that are viable and respond to the needs at hand. Not the capacity to speak good English .True intellectualism must appreciate the voice of reason, the place of the society in its evolutionary journey of development and the ability to tolerate what the masses aspire to get as a tool to liberate themselves from bondage of poverty and over-dependence.Besides, true intellectualism must always look at the society as ‘a player’ in the pursuit of liberating itself, not a ‘receiver’ of ready-made solutions. To do this is to reduce the people to things. Do your part and we shall transform the planet, moment by moment.

DISCOVERING OUR MORAL CONNECTION

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.-DALAI LAMA.

                      In the past few weeks the world was awoken to noises all across the four winds. Reason?  Somebody is said to have produced a video that mocked a certain religion. Youths across the world were up in arms to “defend” their religion from agents of “Satan” who are hell-bent to “defame” their religion.Yes! This argument sounds logical. But I still have some reservations on this issue of the defense of religion.

What is religion?

                     Man is known since his creation as a creature who seeks “company”. He identifies himself with others. He feels “lonely” without others. In this regard, I think religion is a product of man’s creativity and imagination. He wanted to identify himself with his colleagues in the course of worshipping and glorifying his creator. It is only a “tool” to unite.

The defense of The supreme Being.

                     Religion served as an umbilical cord to unite people in their pursuit of spiritual nourishment. Man doesn’t worship religion. Does he? With this in mind, we do admit the existence of a Supreme Being to whom we all subscribe and look at. We believe He is powerful and defends the defenseless. He is the supreme protector. Hence my question; are we morally bonded to defend this “protector”? Can’t he defend himself? Methinks to do this would be like taking a whole civilian population to defend and protect an army armed with tanks and all arsenals of wars. Or how do you see it?

Religion and Morality.

                        As stated above, religion is a creation of man meant to “sloganize” his spiritual pursuits and to bond himself with others. But what is morality? Methinks morality is older than man. It is the “glue” that sticks us to the Creator. It is what defines our daily undertakings and actions. It dictates our closeness to our neighbors. It is the invisible judiciary that “shows” us what to do and what not to do. Religion can’t give you this! Have you ever seen anyone who got this from religion? Let me be clear, I don’t discourage you from being a member of your religion of choice but don’t allow religious connection to overshadow your moral obligations.

Meditation: Where are you? For religion or for morality?

UNITY OF PURPOSE

The Swahilis will tell you “umoja ni nguvu,utengano ni udhaifu”(Unity is strength, divided we fall).What wisdom! This has summarized all my thoughts! I feel not to add anything to this! But for the love of writing I feel obliged to say a word or two. 

Methinks unity is the vision of every mankind. It is the ingredient that we all long to get. We admire those who have it and feel like we should be like them. We talk about it and even seek divine intervention for it to appear amongst us. 

But is unity found “outside there”? I feel not! I think unity is part and parcel of us. It is found within us. As we walk, we walk with it. As we speak, it is listening to us. I mean Unity is us and we are unity.

In the Bible I learn about the Tower of Babel. The vision of man to construct a “bridge” to connect his earthly abode with the heavenly seat of Yahweh. What an incredible idea! You mean a man can “bridge” heaven and earth! 

As I read the story, I find man had nothing special that almost made his vision materialize. He didn’t have access to all gigantic construction machines we have now. I haven’t seen any mention of a world class engineering school that these chaps attended. They had one “thing”. That thing is Unity!

Let me not dwell much on this biblical story. Allow me to take you through an intellectual ride of my village. 

My mum was a member of a “muganda”. This was a village merry-go-round mainly done by women. They pooled their contributions to a member every two weeks. Each contributed religiously. There was no collateral attached. It was a game of “upping” every member. 

Of the six or so members, mum seemed to be the oldest and experienced of all. By virtue of this, her advice was highly needed and believed. But I came to learn that the glue that brought them together wasn’t their age. They were united for a purpose. They all looked forward to seeing their families in good mood. And they succeeded! Not even a single day did mum tell us she was broke. 

Where did they learn this? Who taught them? Why is it only happening with them (women)? Are men disqualified from practising this?

In the course of my interaction with friends and reading, I have come to understand that what we can’t do alone, we can do in group. 

Which begs the question –how are these groups formed? Methinks you need not a rocket scientist to form a group or to identify group members. 

All you need is unity of purpose. It is to acknowledge that you all share a common destiny and vision (say to get a livelihood).This will then lead to formulation of “tactics”. You know what? This is pooling together your intellectual might and putting them in action. Just as my mum and her colleagues did and succeeded, I believe you are not an exception. You will succeed!

Suggestion: You’ve just graduated from university with your colleagues, you have access to information, you know how to make friends, and of course a group; is it impossible for you to contribute say KSH10,000 and purchase a greenhouse kit and start supplying tomatoes to your locality? I won’t force you to do it, just try! JUST TRY.