WHEN PREPAREDNESS MEETS OPPORTUNITY: A CALL FOR MORE SELF DEVELOPMENT

I might not have shared the same political ideology with the APC, neither am I comfortably disposed to most of their stiff economic policies and political lopsidedness since they took over power at the centre in 2015 with unrealistic promise of change, but as a salesman who deals on youth development and inclusion in governance, our commodity must not be sacrificed in the altar of partisanship.

To this view, neither my eyes are beclouded nor conscience smeared by the singular appointment of a young Nigerian ( Abdulrasheed Bawa ) as Chairman of EFCC regardless of his origin or geopolitical zone.For once, we must rise beyond party differences as rightly charged by the Dakkada creed to appreciate President Buhari for appointing a brilliant and capacity driven youth at the age of 40 to head one of the most challenging commissions in Nigeria.

For me and all rational thinkers, the bottom line is not who recommended the appointee or the might behind his appointment, but his stunning capabilities. This goes to show that,” CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PRECEDES PERFORMANCE”.In a related development, Gov. Udom Emmanuel is worthy of commendation for his prototype of youth inclusion in governance, which the specification has given allowances for youths to be entrusted with high responsibilities.

Those to be counted under this category of appointees include Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia ( SSA Youth Matters), Prince Ikim ( Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Mr. Ime Uwah ( SSA Marketing and Brand Management), while conscripted Mr. Eric Akpan, Anthony Luke, Kingsley Frank, Michael Ekpo, Emem Ibanga Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bssey, Emmanuel Bassey, Esse Umoh, Barr. Otobong Effiong Bob, Uwemedimoh Udoh ( Ph.D) and others from the youth leadership development pool and within the universal age bracket as Chairmen of Local Government Councils and members of House of Assembly. More so, His Excellency has created opportunities for young men such as Frank Archibong and Ini Ememobong to become Honourable Commissioners and many other public functionaries.

It is quite instructive that Akwa Ibo’m is equally blessed with a young and dynamic representative, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke in the National Assembly.Nevertheless, as we all agitate for youth inclusion in governance and leadership positions, the question is, are we adequately prepared for service? . It is factual that no reasonable and dignified roles will be assigned to the youths in the power ratio of this country if we have character or capacity deficiency.

It is very important that the government at all levels should encourage training and retraining within and outside the country for more exposure because the greatest investment is an education in a knowledge age. As an addendum, more youth should be involved in skill acquisition to create enhancement for optimal progress.

In this vein, personal development is a precursor to performance. Hence, youths must do self-evaluation and profiling to determine self-worth in a value rating system where surname and zoning are inconsequential in a time where capacity development is the key to unlock endless opportunities.

Lastly, in a highly competitive system where opportunities are earned, this article is objectively designed to inspire the youth in line with the timeless proposition of Abraham Lincoln who said,” I will study and prepare myself, and someday my chance will come”.