It’s always exciting to convert ones thoughts into readable words of meaning; helping to inform and educate anyone who can access such information. This month’s writing demand of June’s issue HH People was a tricky one, because except one has been in a position where he or she played a role or actively participated, knowing how it truly feels might be elusive or sometimes academic.
On Fatherhood
However, growing up as a child with my parents, I could see first-hand a snippet of what it feels like to be a father. It’s sometimes draining and much like learning on the job when I look at it in retrospect.
Fatherhood is about sacrifice. It is replicating oneself into another human being, making them better and ensuring they attain a new height in life. Fatherhood is that aspect of parenting that protects the family and provides the roadmap by which all must abide. A lot, however, has changed lately. Increasingly it seems like the role of fathering is disappearing quite fast. I believe that it’s beyond the provision of what the family requires. Fatherhood entails having the ability and skill set to mould family members into responsible members of the larger society. The traditional fathering role played under a roof is greatly impaired by modernisation which seems to care less about the future.
While I don’t see myself as an authority in providing advice for soon-to-be dads, I sincerely hold the view that fatherhood involves preparation. A major part of that preparation happens within ones pysche. There will be trying periods when family itself will challenge you; testing and stretching your will to be in that position, therefore preparation is key. The investment and sacrifices made as a father may not always be commensurate to returns, it’s the life cycle of nature.
On Leadership
Leadership is an ongoing process, consciously working on oneself to improve consistently is also a major ingredient. Learning new things and unlearning those things that might impede your mind from being broad enough to take in new information that is relevant for the task ahead. Every new position is arduous, and adapting to its demands is imminent. For example, as I moved from my position as a SENIOR ANALYST to my current position ASSISTANT ASSOCIATE, it’s been the proverbial success route that is always under construction. Yet it is very important that at every curve we give our very best.
On Democracy
Democracy, I sincerely think that it derives its essence from its definition. The moment that people are systematically ousted from the process it became a tool in the hand of a few. Having said that, I am a lover of originality and adaptation which is the reason I think that we must create a system and brand of democracy that suits our environmental construction. For me, democracy remains the involvement of people in the process of how they are governed, the preservation of societal ideals and the improvement of life generally.
Nigeria can never fully reach the pinnacle of its potential if things remain the same. There must be a conscious effort to elevate our rural populace through education, investing in sectors to create jobs, reduce poverty and promote economic growth. Nigeria needs leaders who are committed to good governance, accountability and transparency. Nigeria needs to tackle security challenges in the country. It requires the collective efforts of all Nigerians from the leaders, citizens, and civil society organis ation to attaining the Nigeria of our dreams.
On Becoming
Lastly, to become the better version of yourself is a life journey that involves continuous self-improvement and personal growth by identifying one’s goals and values, developing good habits, embrace failures, yes! do not ever be afraid to fail or make mistakes instead view them as opportunities to learn and grow, use setbacks as motivation to improve and keep pushing yourself towards your goals. Finally, practice SELF-CARE, SELF – CARE and more SELF-CARE, take good care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally, it is very crucial to make time for activities that brings you joy and relaxes you. Remember that becoming the best version of yourself is a journey, it takes time, effort and dedication.
Love,
Jess
