The Ministry of Transportation has announced the Federal Government’s plan to introduce solar powered vehicles to Nigerian transport system. The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the plan involves the introduction of vehicles that can dive on water and land also.

He said the steps are necessary to reduce pollution emanating from combustible vehicles, which has been hazardous to the environment and public health. And the Federal Executive Council has approved plans to effect the initiative. The Nation reports.

It’s an initiative that has waited for so long to come by, at a time when climate change is wreaking havoc on the planet, and the world is tirelessly looking for a solution. Countries like France, Sweden, Norway etc. have set a goal to eliminate combustible vehicles by at most, 2050.

Unfortunately, only a few African countries seem to be interested in spearheading the drive in the African continent, the rest are dragging feet. And Nigeria for long has been leading the group of the lax countries.

Earlier this year, the Senator representing Bayelsa East, in the 8th Assembly, Ben Bruce Murray introduced an electric bill that will see Nigeria gearing toward cleaner energy, but it was killed on arrival by other senators.

In fact, the former Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu called for the Nigerian Government to frustrate the efforts of other countries trying to replace diesel engines with electric and solar engines. He said that Nigeria is an oil producing country, and will suffer a great revenue loss if the rest of the world switch to cars with cleaner energy. But in response to the fears of Nigerian Government, Senator Ben Bruce said:

“The world is going beyond electric cars. Now, the next generation is thinking of electric planes. Meanwhile, Nigeria rejected my electric car bill, claiming it is a threat to our oil industry. An Ostrich that buries its head in the sand fools only itself.”

Senator Bruce added that electric cars and the quest for cleaner energy do not depend on whether Nigeria implements policies that are environmentally friendly or not. “The world is moving ahead, and it has already left Nigeria behind,” he said.

To demonstrate his staunch belief in the future of electric cars, Senator Bruce ordered his company, the SilverBird Group, to henceforth, purchase only electric vehicles. But that’s just a drop of water in a sea of backward swimmers. The idea of protecting the oil industry at the cost of innovation and environmental cleanliness seems to be winning right now.

However, the introduction of solar powered vehicles by the Federal Government has given hope for a future where electric vehicles will also thrive.

Our dear nation is seen as a model by other nations. Not only do her youths excel in various fields such as Medicine, Arts, Technology, etc; they excel in games as well. We are seen as the giant of Africa. However, in recent years, there is a game in which almost everyone of us plays , and in which we are very good at – which is the Blame Game.

WHO IS TO BLAME?

“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the President. You realize that you control your own destiny.” ~~Albert Ellis

It is no longer news that we always find a scapegoat as the cause of our predicament. The youths blame those in leadership positions, without improving themselves or upgrading their skills to meet opportunities. For everything that happens, the masses blame the President, and even the ruling party. Some others would even point fingers at Islam, and the Muslims in the far north. To them, they influence the policies made, and the activities of the President – who is a Muslim. I was pissed up during the recession, when there was a fall in the oil prices. Why? Many refused to understand that the President and those at the House of Assembly were not the ones who caused the problem. They refused to acknowledge that the fall in oil prices was global, and not just a Nigerian issue. It saddens my heart to know that many educated Nigerians blamed the Presidency as being the cause of the exchange rate fluctuations. How is that possible? Is it not absurd? How about the market forces of demand and supply?

“If you want to enter hell, don’t complain of the dark; you can’t blame the world for being unfair if you start on the path of the rebel.” ~~Liu Xiaobo

We love the Blame Game so much, despite the fact that we never win. We resort to violence, crime and other social vices, because we feel the government is not doing enough to assist us. How about those that rob or defraud their kinsmen? Is the government also responsible for that? We sell the truth, and buy excuses, using the excuses as cover-up for our actions. An average Nigerian will tell you that he/she is fed up with the country. Why? He/She feels that that there are no jobs in the country. To such a person, the leaders haven’t created jobs for them. Is it the government that should create jobs for us? Can’t we create jobs for ourselves? Are we not good at anything? These people are so desperate to leave the country, while foreigners flood the country for investments. These foreigners see so many opportunities in our dear country, while most of our youths are blind to them. An average Nigerian prefers traveling overseas to be a dishwasher or a cleaner. Most times, our youths do not get to their destination, and are exposed to such risks like hunger, death, discrimination, sexual abuse, and even deportation. Of course, those who returned from Libya are not done with their narrations, yet.

We love giving excuses. We are never tired of that. Some weeks ago, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) black-listed some names. These fraudsters would blame the presidency, and even the country. How about the drug dealers who were to be executed by Saudi Arabia? Of all the noble professions and occupations, why should they venture into illicit trades? Maybe, this time, it is the devil himself that made them do it. Of course, according to Stephen Covey, ”Reactive people… are often affected by their physical environment. They find external sources to blame for their behavior. “

”Great leaders don’t rush to blame. They instinctively look for solutions.” ~~Nina Easton

Our leaders excel in the Blame Game, too, but they never win. They do not understand that nobody wins the Blame Game; they hurt themselves instead. Why is it that there is always something to say? Perhaps, if our leaders learn to listen well, they would know the right way to relate with everyone. Some sects, and ethnic groups feel unloved because to them, the government prefers a particular ethnic group, and a particular religion, over the others. During elections, it is usually tense. Everybody is talking, instead of listening. If you are a parent, how do you ensure that nobody feels useless in the house? Do you pay more attention to some and leave out some? Do you consult those you feel are relevant, and neglect the others? Is that not one of the major issues we face as a nation? Even if we are from different mothers, and have been adopted into the Nigerian family, are our voices not supposed to count as well? Do the lives of some Nigerian citizens not matter to you? Perhaps, there is a reason why you had to do all you did! There is a reason why people had to be shot, and others imprisoned! How about when the courts have directed for the release of those imprisoned ? Is there not still a reason why they have to be locked up for days, weeks, months and even years? That is it! Everybody has something to say! Nobody understands each other anymore! Perhaps, if our leaders had listened well before acting, we would not have gotten to this point. The fact that we miss, is that we are all leaders. Everybody is a leader, and Everyone is guilty of this.

In the words of Robert Anthony, “when you blame others, you give up your power to change.” It is time we acknowledge that we are responsible for what happens to us. When the image of the country is tarnished overseas, foreigners are more interested in knowing the country. We are the ones who get to pay the price. Yes! Everyone! It is everyone who gets the restriction on the use of PayPal and other Payment platforms! It is everyone who gets to be embarrassed at the airports, through several search procedures! It is every Nigerian who gets to be asked several questions at the embassy! They see us as a whole number, but we see ourselves as fractions ! So sad. Must we have to blame someone or the society, whenever something bad happens? As Thomas Sowell would say, “In various countries and times, leaders of groups that lagged behind, economically and educationally, have taught their followers to blame all their problems on other people – and to hate those other people. ”

How do we Quit the Blame Game?

We must learn to pay attention to our needs as a people, and address these issues. A seed can never germinate when it receives acid , as a substitute for water. It can only grow, when it receives supply of water. Therefore, we can never grow when we give hate, as a substitute for love. We will only grow as a nation, when we begin to love one another as ourselves.

“We must create economic opportunity, build a culture of entrepreneurship, get people to take responsibility for improving their lives, rather than putting them in a position where they sit back in their poverty and blame others for it. ” ~~Paul Kigame

It is time to quit this Blame Game. We do not have to pause, and continue later. We have to stop it entirely, and never engage in it again. We have had countless meetings as a country. Some years ago, delegates from all the ethnic groups converged at an agreed venue in Nigeria, to deliberate. Till date, the report of that meeting has become history. We have been unable to execute certain projects because we are not united. We don’t even know what we believe in, anymore. There is still a lot of hate being served as an appetizer, a main course, and even dessert. Nobody wants to forgive. What happened during the civil war is still in the minds of those who never witnessed the war. Some ethnic groups still discriminate against others. Some never forgive the wrongs done to them, neither do they forget. If it takes them fifty years to get their pound of flesh, they would not mind. It will be sung as a song, and recited as a verse, until the innocent ones are indoctrinated into seeking for vengeance. Is that how we will grow? Is that the way forward? How long shall we continue like this, deceiving ourselves?

In conclusion, it is important to note that “When a man points the finger at someone else, he should remember that three of his fingers are pointing at himself“~~Louis Nizer

I read a post on LinkedIn some weeks ago, where Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, the Chairman of Fasmicro Group, advised that every entrepreneur should endeavour to create a mini village that is made up of his customers, followers and fans. That post touched me. I started imagining what it will be like if there is an actual village, where all the inhabitants are connected in one way or the other to an entrepreneur. I don’t think there will be a physical village like this, but I believe there could be a virtual, economic, commercial, mental or psychological one.

I brought up an idea like this last night while discussing with a friend on WhatsApp and he thought that I just dropped from the moon. Don’t blame him because sometimes I also wonder if I’m actually from the moon. But the truth is that this village of a thing is possible.

My interest in this piece is not on the way we can make it possible (that will require further visits to the moon) but on the people that are supposed to be in that village. I want to draw an attention to the fact that being a member of a village isn’t just about being a fan. You can be a fan without contributing to the development of this El Dorado, but you cannot be a village member without contributing your own quota. So, take a stand before you continue reading.

There are several advantages to creating this entrepreneurial village. The first one is that you gather a group of people that will learn from you. This automatically makes you a mentor. And when you mentor young souls, you also mentor yourself.

Next advantage is that you are exposed to fresh ideas. You know that adage that says that no one knows it all? Think about it anytime you are wondering if you should even consider creating this beautiful village.

Then, there is the possibility of creating more markets through your villagers. When so many people know you and look up to you, they will spread news about you and your products faster. Now tell me which other form of loud and effective advertisement that is better than this?

In El Dorado, nobody is poor. This means that your villagers will be employed and will be growing as you grow. Their talents are well harnessed and they have job satisfactions.

Ok, let’s go to the major item for today – who should belong to your village and who should not? I will list out some members that should be searched for as well those that should be avoided. This list isn’t exhaustive, therefore look for more and add to the numbers.

A. Members to Look For

1. The Innovators: Of course you know that today everybody is looking for new ideas. This group of people are the ones that have concrete ideas on how existing problems could be solved. Their ideas are usually ‘closer to earth’ and are easily applicable. So, look for people that can bring up ideas on how old things could be made new.

2. The Analysts: These people like working with data. They like facts and figures. Just team them up with the Innovators and leave them to solve an existing problem.

3. The Zealous: These ones can be enthusiastic if the job appeals to them. It is now left for the Innovators and the Analysts to convince them to put in their excessive energy towards achieving their goal. The only problem with this people is that if they don’t like what was tabled before them, you may have to drag them to work. So, that means that we need another group of people in case they disappoint us.

4. The Go-Getters: When the Zealous don’t show interest in the ideas of the innovators, send in the Go-Getters to get the job done. They don’t think about what they like; theirs is to get the job done and bring home the desired results.

5. The Freelancers: This people don’t want to belong to any village but they still depend on existing villages to make their livings. So, if you see them, allow them in. The good thing about this group is that they usually have something new to add. Besides, their drive is the money they will be paid (they don’t want to lose that at all) which means that the job will definitely be done.

6. The Dreamers: Don’t laugh here, please. The Dreamers are the innovators of tomorrow. What they dreamt of yesterday was what the Innovators refined and redesigned to present today. They may sound like they fall from the moon (just like me) but their dreams do come true if they are harnessed at the right time. So, get their ideas and keep in the library for the innovators. Trust me, a single idea from a dreamer may be redefined by different innovators for several years.

7. The Critics: These people are like pain in the neck that makes sure you do not take a wrong turn. When you remember them, you will want to do it right. Besides, good Critics look at what you did and tell you what is good and what is bad about it. They are not that group of people that treat your sweat like trash.

8. The Teachers: You need someone that will train and retrain your village members. Those new ideas that come up every now and then need to be passed on to others. Someone has to do that. And the only people that can do the job very well are the Teachers.

9. The Cautious: This set of people reminds me of my mother. She will always say things like, “Ozioma, be careful. Ozioma, watch your health. Be careful with who you talk to” and all. These people are important too. They usually draw you back a little to reconsider your actions to make sure they won’t affect you or other people negatively.

10. The Gossips: Yes, you need them too. Just leak what you want them to know and they will add their own and spread it out – like wildfire. I know that what they send out cannot easily be controlled but they are the cheapest form of loud advertisement.

11. The Clergy: You can never be human without someone pointing out the destructive nature of inhumanity. The Clergy will be your conscience. They will be your sanitizers. Just keep them around and thank me later.

12. The Marketers: Here are those that can sell salty water to an Ijaw man. Just give them the go-ahead and your products will be exchanged for bars of gold.

13. The Fun Lovers: Remember the saying about all works and no play? Well these people will make sure you always remember it. They will keep removing your hands off the plough so you can take a break and relax.

B. People to Avoid

1. The Sycophants: You don’t need their insincerity. They should look for another Oga on top. You are building up an empire and you need as much knowledge as you can get, not insincere praise singing.

2. The Slanderers: Who needs the pain that comes from hearing bad things about him? Make sure this people don’t even come a mile close to the village gate, their tongues and pens can cause more havoc than a Californian wildfire.

3. The Perfectionists: These people can drain your energy like a vampire drains a human of his blood. Nobody needs their ‘it-must-be-perfect’ approach to everything. Trust me, with them you will end up achieving nothing.

4. The Grouch: These people are not harmful, so to say. But if complaints irritants you like it does me, please avoid them. Always give them the ‘not-available’ manner anytime they come to you because they are just coming to complain about nothing in particular.

5. The Discouragers: These people will keep finding reasons why you shouldn’t do something. They may do this out of true love, but please, you don’t need this now.

6. The Confused, aka Oh-Yes Members: These people belong nowhere. If you send them right, they will go; send them left, no problem they are there already. They have no bearing. You know why these people are harmful? They can easily be turned against you by your ‘enemies’. So, keep them away until they find their positions.

7. The Greedy: These ones will only scheme on how to take the village away from you and drain it. No matter how innovative they are, please, get rid of them.

8. The Fanatics: These ones are the extremists that compete for positions with the Perfectionists. The only difference is that while the Perfectionists want it perfect according to their own way of thought, the Fanatics want it done according to a law (that they may not even be able to interpret). The bad thing about the Fanatics is that they could harm you believing it is for a due cause. So, keep them away.

9. The Indecisive: These ones don’t know how to make decisions. You can call them slow, or sluggish. But for me, they should wait outside the village gate until they learn the skills of decision making. This people may sound harmless but they can drag back others, or worse be a burden to them. Works assigned to them are always left undone unless they are supervised. Please, let them go, better people will come.

Ok, I have downloaded my message from the moon. In case you haven’t gotten it, my message is not as complicated as it sounds – your village is your network and your villagers are the people in it.

So, you can see that my message is just a simple thing to do. Gather the right people around you. You can get them from anywhere – employers, employees, colleagues, customers, social media contacts, friends, family members, close and distant blood relatives, acquaintances, neighbours, club members, members from the same religious organisations, you just name it. Network properly with these people and you will see yourself moving to the top.

But always do one thing – screen anybody that comes your way to see if he truly fits into your village or not. Remember, you are building your El Dorado.