Many students have questioned the rationale behind the poverty that persists in most international locations, notably in Africa. Whereas some attribute it to corruption, this to my thoughts, is merely one of many components contributing to poverty. The basis trigger lies in the truth that many international locations with predominantly poor inhabitants lack a tradition that fosters wealth creation.
Tradition is an idea that has been outlined in numerous methods by completely different students. In line with the Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy, tradition encompasses all the lifestyle of a selected group of individuals. This contains their particular person attitudes, values, beliefs, inventive expressions, scientific developments, mode of notion, and ordinary patterns of thought and behavior. Though cultural options are acquired by way of studying, they’re usually so ingrained and all-encompassing that they might be troublesome to acknowledge from an inside perspective.
Many public intellectuals have emphasised the profound impression that tradition has on our collective behaviours and attitudes. On this specific article, we are going to dissect broad societal developments with out invoking any specific judgement concerning their desirability. Our arguments are rooted within the basic commentary {that a} society’s worth system holds the keys to its improvement.
Upon nearer examination of the developmental challenges dealing with our society, a disturbing pattern emerges: the tradition of impunity. This pervasive norm has hindered our progress in the direction of attaining sustainable improvement and left us with little to indicate for our efforts.
Whereas an apology can by no means erase the injury brought on by poor management, it might probably nonetheless function a sign of accountability and a willingness to do higher
Apology with out motion
Of concern is the effectiveness of apologies from a couple of leaders at state and federal ranges who’ve failed to steer their residents satisfactorily. What’s the function of an apology if a frontrunner’s actions don’t match his or her phrases? A few of our leaders have instructed the world that they’ve delivered on “change agenda.” However over the previous decade, we’ve witnessed a major misalignment between financial, fiscal, and commerce insurance policies, negatively impacting practically half of the residents of the nation grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and poverty.
Whereas an apology can by no means erase the injury brought on by poor management, it might probably nonetheless function a sign of accountability and a willingness to do higher. One sees it as a gesture that acknowledges the ache and struggling skilled by the individuals and promotes the start of a therapeutic course of.
Nonetheless, an apology have to be accompanied by concrete actions and modifications that handle the basis causes of the problems confronted by residents. It’s not sufficient to apologize after which proceed with enterprise as ordinary. Come Could 29, 2023, we’re prone to have a brand new set of leaders who could not measure as much as our expectations however will doubtless apologize for his or her lack of dedication.
Leaders ought to indicate real dedication and take daring steps in the direction of actual change, similar to instituting sound financial insurance policies and investing in schooling, healthcare, and infrastructure to uplift the lives of their residents. Many management lovers consider that leaders ought to try to create a greater future for all residents, and that begins with accountability, humility, and a honest want to make amends.
The failure to encourage and empower most of our individuals to be productive has resulted in a heavy reliance on imported items. We spend trillions of Naira to import kerosene, petrol, fuel oil, motor cycles and cycles in addition to pretty used vehicles and pretty -used garments amongst different objects. One wonders when Nigeria might be self -sufficient and self-reliant.
Blame-game
Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, “Lengthy Stroll To Freedom”, contains an anecdote about Reverend Andre Schefer, a minister of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, who notes that every time issues come up, options have to be discovered. Nonetheless, in Nigeria and most African international locations, excuses are sometimes made as a substitute of discovering options. This “blame sport” tradition entails subordinates blaming leaders and vice versa, hindering progress and stopping efficient problem-solving.
Undoubtedly, the measure of a nation’s financial energy is carefully tied to its stage of technological improvement. Science, with its pursuit of pure legal guidelines, and expertise, which applies these legal guidelines to create instruments to be used by humanity, are key contributors to a nation’s prosperity.
Regardless of this reality, Nigeria’s progress in these areas has been unimpressive at greatest. To disclaim this actuality could be to ask: to what extent has Nigeria invested in its personal scientific and technological capabilities? Because of a good portion of the inhabitants being illiterate, science, expertise, and trade are but to develop into deeply ingrained parts of Nigeria’s trendy worth system, remaining a supply of confusion and mystification for a lot of.
It’s essential to acknowledge the basis causes of Nigeria’s continual poverty, which can’t be remedied by faith alone. Quite, the nation should prioritize its financial aims and implement efficient measures to alleviate the hardships confronted by over 130 million impoverished residents. Sadly, many Nigerians are unable to economize as a result of poverty, resulting in a scarcity of funding and thus, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. Even when one is ready to save, it might be eroded by inflation.
Regardless of the rise of non secular establishments and academic services in Nigeria, it begs the query as to why their proliferation has not led to a major shift within the attitudes in the direction of the pure world amongst the populace. Quite than striving for excellence based mostly on advantage, there seems to be a rising tradition of embracing mediocrity in society.
This pattern is clear within the widespread acceptance of unscientific beliefs even among the many educated inhabitants. Moreover, Nigeria’s sturdy inclination in the direction of religiosity has had a detrimental impact on its financial improvement, as evidenced by the meteoric rise of the non secular trade on the expense of conventional manufacturing companies.
City improvement is dealing with a rising concern as non secular establishments forcefully occupy prime industrial actual property places in some states. Such a pattern is of concern because it begs the query of their impression on the event of our cities.
Furthermore, there’s a pervasive scepticism in the direction of some members of society’s capability to handle public funds, which stems from a historical past of disappointment and potential misconduct. This notion is aptly illustrated by the saying, “In case you can’t be trusted with small issues, how are you going to be anticipated to be trusted with huge issues?” In the end, we should ask ourselves why that is the case and what it means for the longer term.
Learn additionally: Quality leadership – Doguwa’s startling example
Faith versus economy- who wins?
The continuing stress between faith and financial improvement within the nation is but to provide a concrete reply. For a extra in-depth understanding of this battle, a couple of students recommend studying Max Weber’s famend work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism.
On this e-book, Weber posits that non secular beliefs and the related character traits can drastically affect an individual’s potential to generate wealth. Nonetheless, it is very important word that wealth creation can’t be solely attributed to any specific faith. If this have been the case, Nigeria – with its deeply non secular society – would undoubtedly be the wealthiest nation on the earth. Sadly, this isn’t the fact we observe.
In line with Weber’s “The Spirit of Capitalism,” true wealth creation just isn’t merely about spending and consumption, however reasonably the environment friendly utilization of assets and skills. A tradition of using assets and skills is one the place people, organizations and all the nation give attention to maximizing the assets obtainable to them, together with each tangible assets similar to cash and tools, in addition to intangible assets similar to information and experience.
This kind of tradition encourages the event and utilization of particular person abilities and abilities, in addition to collaboration and teamwork to attain widespread objectives. This sometimes results in environment friendly and efficient use of assets, in addition to enhance productiveness and innovation. Total, a tradition of using assets and skills helps to create a thriving and profitable setting for people and organizations alike. Thanks
To be continued
