Mediocrity 1

Daily I think of the different ways we could be better as a country. Advancement first requires an acknowledgment of lagging. So, why are we behind?

In all my thoughts, the word which repeats itself is “MEDIOCRITY”. The state of being mediocre-medium quality, neither good nor poor-is largely a state of the mind. We decide if we are good, average or bad in the long run. However, tis evident that we have chosen to be mediocre in our lives and so nothing good or great is expected of us.

You may think for a moment that you are not involved. Here’s an analogy. A friend can do graphics design fairly and a stranger is an expert at it. Who would you patronise? Your friend or the stranger? That’s how basic it is. That brings to the fore how we have basically short-changed ourselves of beautiful things.

I happen to be undergoing industrial training as a civil engineer with an indigenous firm presently and this aspect of our Nigerian culture is grossly evident. Yeah, I didn’t say one tribe or the other, tis nationwide. Contracts are not handled on time, material quality is not tested, professional procedures and practices are not adhered to. Jobs, political positions, contracts are not dependent on merit but on tribal, political, religious affiliation. This has resulted in a lackadaisical approach to everything. From education to politics, it seems hard work doesn’t pay. I’m pretty sure same could said of whatever sector you find yourself. It isn’t a wonder I’m writing this at work. Activity having been stalled by bureaucracy

Bureaucracy, tribalism, nepotism, greed have eaten deep into our culture and redemption seems to be so far off. We have come to accept mediocrity and have now even begun to expect it. There is nothing wrong with advocating for local content, I totally endorse that. However, we shouldn’t reduce standards for any just so our folks can earn a living, that’s suicidal.

I look at my generation and I wonder if there is hope for the future. Hope that someday things will get better. The Bible says faith is the substance of things hope(d) for. And faith without works is dead. In other words, it can be inferred that our hope should make us have faith which would be evident in our actions. Let’s take a stand and stamp out our mentality of mediocrity and grow to achieve our glorious potential.