I'm not sure I fully understand that "change" song, J. Cole is quite new to me. However, I choose to apply the overly repeated lyrics, "the only real change comes from inside" to this write up. So there, THE ONLY REAL CHANGE COMES FROM INSIDE. Believe it.
It is evident that Nigerians believe that "the politician" is an entirely different specie of humans. They overtly assert that this breed is corrupt, inhumane and greedy.
To close your eyes and blame the leaders is an incredibly convenient thing to do, but note that it could also amount to being overlt self-righteous and even dishonest in some cases.
The bland truth is that before "the politician" emerged, there was the "average Nigerian" and the latter is also a problem.
Induction into the coven of "politicianism" does not necessarily make anyone bad. Worse, maybe. But in simple terms, a corrupt leader is a corrupt person, who unfortunately, is now a leader.
Many young people talk about an overhaul, we get young people into power through legislative and electoral activism... Uhuh
With the way most people have the "I must chop my own" mentality? Corruption has spread far and wide...
I believe corruption is the root of the problem not complicated things like structural reform.
The change we so desperately seek has to begin from the mind. We need an overhaul of values and beliefs, we need to be less selfish and dualistic, more honest and more considerate. We need to convince ourselves that the "national cake" is to be left intact. We need to start favoring merit over nepotism.
Young people need to see that contrary to what our "role models" would have us believe, money is not easy to come by and people don't just get rich overnight (at least legitimately), there is a process. Hardwork pays. Honesty matter. Patience is a virtue. Integrity is everything.
If we want a good country, we need good people, a lot of good people. So lets start doing good and pressuring others to do the same. The seemingly little things matter. There is no difference between converting a billion and jumping an ATM queue, just scales and opportunity.
We must look inside, that is where the real change comes from