Mind Restructuring: Nation-building And Restoration -By Richard Odusanya

NATION BUILDING

Nation-building is a normative concept that means different things to different people. Nation-building generally assumes that someone or something is doing the building intentionally. But it is important to look for the evolution of theories of Nation-building and at the other concepts which it has both supplanted and included. Many people believe that Nation-building is EVOLUTIONARY rather than REVOLUTIONARY.

Nation-building is also the basis on which to ensure that the country takes up an effective role within the world community. The primary function and objective of Nation-building is to make a violent society peaceful. Security, food, shelter, basic services should be provided first. Including the possibility of peaceful coexistence. Our beloved nation Nigeria deserves a Nehemiah.

RESTORATION OF GRACE

In Nehemiah 2:5, Nehemiah requested from the king that he be allowed to go and build the city of Judah, which had been in ruins. The word ‘build’ as used in that scripture comes from the Hebrew word ‘banah’ (pronounced ‘baw naw’). One of the meanings of ‘banah’ is to ‘rebuild’. So Nehemiah requested to go and rebuild what was destroyed. He elected to go and rebuild the city of God which was in ruin. His mission was a mission of restoration.

Restoration is always in abundance. When something is restored, it is always better than it was in the beginning. God’s promise to us is a better way, a better life, a better future for ourselves and our loved ones. Nigeria will rise again; Nigeria will occupy her rightful position in the global community and champion the African Renaissance.

In the spirit of TRUTH and RECONCILIATION. It has become imperative to address our minds to the importance of a national rebirth; a lot of introspection, a reminder that we are all infallible and human. A time to heal and to forgive. Our humanity should supercede the issues of tribe or religion. Nigeria must be saved at whatever cost. A nation of over 200 inhabitants bonded in unity cannot afford to go down. It is doable.

Total healing begins with genuine repentance and forgiveness. This is evident in the way that our global icon Ta-ta Madiba’ Nelson Mandela activated the platform of TRUTH and RECONCILIATION, which subsequently consolidated the peace process in South Africa. It was also replicated in Kenya by the current President Uhuru Kenyatta. Our beloved country Nigeria is in dire need of such mindset and healing balm.

Restoration of grace, glory, peace and blessings using the ruins situation in Nigeria as a point of contact for the many troubled Nations in Africa and the global community as God Almighty raise another dimension of NEHEMIAHS. DRY BONES SHALL RISE AGAIN.

ARISE ‘O COMPATRIOTS

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI.