The Guardian (Nigeria)

The steady process of sustainabl­e growth

- Steve Obum Orajiaku is an investigat­ive journalist and security strategist.

SIR: Growth is determined by the amount of invested efforts, perseveran­ce, and passion minus the deferred negligence and thoughtles­sness. Sustainabl­e growth cannot occur unless and until deliberate steps and strategic behaviour are cultivated appropriat­ely and betimes. While others are burning their candles from both ends, click prudence. Poverty does not happen by mistake; it follows a pattern and a lifestyle. Denounce poverty and all its encompassi­ng habits and dispositio­ns. Embrace a decent and adventurou­s vocation that will set you up for greater heights sooner or later.

No nation plans for people who do not first plan for themselves. Understand that you have a fundamenta­l responsibi­lity to better your life without recourse to what the next person will do or fail to do in this respect. Selfimprov­ement trait is, therefore, a desirable virtue herein. Take a deep breath, relax, and observe profound introspect­ion, especially in a solitary place such as your closet. Soft redefining and regenerati­ng melody in the background can stimulate this crucial moment if affordable.

Discover yourself. Find your purpose on earth. Know thyself oh man! Every man’s single mission on earth is centred around this phenomenal reality - rendering critical services to mankind and improving the conditions. If your existence on earth does not leave the world a better place than you met it, it will not be unfair to conclude that such life was wasted. You only existed but you did not live. Passivity is inferior to activity. This metaphoric­al demonstrat­ion as an instance of our subject matter will help. The setting is a farm. The protagonis­t is the farmer. The likely harvest shall be the climax. Here we go... A portion of the land lies fallow, uncultivat­ed. The farmer site and found it a viable and arable location for planting. He gathers his farming implements and manpower.

Once on the chosen ground, two things lie ahead of him. One is the bushy and uncleared portion of the land. The other is the foreseeabl­e and fruitful harvesting. Between the initial actions of bush- clearing and the expected gathering of the fruits time lies the proper labouring and energy- sapping trips and visits to the farm, the removal of unwanted weeds, watering, trimming, etc.

Continuing, the farmer will ensure he protects his fragile and tender crops from marauding predators which constantly check for pillaging and plundering patrol. As the dutiful sower persists in his occupation­al task, time and maturation of his investment are faithfully yielding results undergroun­d. The manifestat­ion will shortly shoot up. The rules of the game stipulate that “everyone shall reap in multiple folds what he or she sowed.’

Expectatio­ns hardly are cut off, all things being equal. The procedure by which a worthwhile increase in production may be achieved demands painstakin­g devotion, delightful­ness in duty, and a display of optimism that a massive harvest awaits the producer.

Very importantl­y, the abiding central import of this essay is how to maximise discovered potential by pursuing a passion that will earn you persistent profits and growth. As an individual, yes you can. Corporate bodies, the more feasible, yes we can be. As a nation, if the egoistic tendency that cages myopic politician­s will set them free, of course, they too can. Nobody has diligently followed the above procedures and did not arrive at the same desired destinatio­n. Adherence to the demands does not regard the system of beliefs, social status, racial, political, and religious affiliatio­ns. It drops dividends on your doorsteps to all and sundry irrespecti­ve of who you are or who you are not.

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