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Breaking The Jinx Of Poverty
What we see physically as poverty is more of a state of mind, manifesting in various ways in conditions and actions, utterances and thoughts are included as actions. Quite often, the environment and circumstances in which people experience their living and activities usually reflect the state and conditions which the people themselves have created. Therefore, the principal medium of bringing about changes and alterations in the fortunes and circumstances of any individual is the thought process, which we can call personal volition.
Poverty is not a virtue, neither is it an attribute of a truly developed state of being, unless where it is necessity as a means of some atonement. When those who had created deficiencies and imbalance in the past have learned their lessons through experiencing poverty, then, better conditions would emerge eventually. The process of development and maturity does not tolerate one-sidedness, making it necessary that every person must have varieties of experiences and life’s conditions.
Foremost in the requirements to break the jinx of poverty is the application of the power of personal volition, expressed in thinking and value orientation. There must be a definite purpose or goal which encapsulates an individual’s mission in life. Then, such mission statement must dominate the mind with persistence and a genuine volition to see the desired condition become a reality. A success-conscious state of mind is better than pessimism.
Anyone wishing to have a successful life, away from humiliating poverty, should recognise the fact that opportunities to make a change for the better can come in the guise of misfortunes. Without a personal mission statement to which one is committed and truly convinced about, great opportunities coming in the guise of misfortunes or crisis, can be misused or ruined.
One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overwhelmed by temporary defeats.
A second guideline in the regime of breaking the jinx of poverty is the recognition of a psychological law which stipulates that a dominant state of mind is beginning of the attraction and eventual achievement of any desire. A worthwhile goal or desire must not end in the mind but effort must be made to transform it into a reality. This would require planning definite ways and means to achieve the goal; following up such plan with persistence, conviction, enthusiasm and determination. Visualise the goal always.
Without personal conviction, faith can hardly arise and what gives impetus to conviction includes the justice or value of what is being desired. A goal or desire which does not further the well-being of humanity cannot be nourished with conviction because it would lack the justice and value of an instrument of human up-building.
The human intuitive faculty works best when individual desire or goal carry furthering values which can enhance rather than debase the collective good of humanity generally. An earnest volition should carry purity.
To break the jinx of poverty would demand the application of experiences and knowledge which have been organized and utilised before, to improve the conditions of humans. A rich or educated person is not the one who has or knows everything, but the one who knows how to get, organise and utilise available resources to improve conditions. Knowledge includes getting what you want without violating the law or putting the well-being of others in jeopardy. To take right decisions demands the ability to apply such experiences and knowledge which had been of relevant help in the past, in specific contexts.
Having embarked on a task considered worthwhile, it is right to see it to a logical conclusion, rather than quit because there are obstacles. Past bitter experiences should become challenges and spur one to do better in the future. Bear in mind that no single person knows everything; therefore, learn to work with and utilize the experiences of other people. This demands humility and unassuming attitude, rather than conceit. Link your efforts with the right people you need to help make your plans succeed.
To make a positive change demands unswerving courage derived from a personal conviction and the worth whileness of the purpose at hand. Self-control and self-discipline demand the avoidance of anything unethical but the cultivation of a keen sense of justice and fair-play. Success in any task demands doing more than monetary rewards, i.e. going the extra mile.
Willingness to take rather than dodge responsibility is vital for great achievement. This would include cultivating a pleasant personality, showing respect and understanding for others, co-operation rather than confrontation with those around you, and not underrating the intelligence or ability of anyone. We need other people towards enhancement of our efforts for a successful life. Poverty has something to do with personal deficiencies which must be corrected.
Unfavourable hereditary or family background which hinder a free expression that stifle the mind can account for poverty. Indolence, lack of personal initiatives and ambitions, fear and a complacent attitude are not success-friendly. Fear kills dreams, hopes and aspirations, and, anyone wishing to break the jinx of poverty must not allow fear to keep him back from his dreams and hopes. Neither must indoctrinations which stress fears and docility be allowed to destroy personal aspirations.
Breaking the jinx of poverty demands an individual to take some bold steps, speak up and offend where necessary, rather than die in silence. Neither must anyone become a door-mat for others to trample upon. Other personal deficiencies associated with poverty, include procrastination, unbridled sexual appetite, unethical lifestyle which wants to get something for nothing, unstable family life manifesting on lingering disharmony. Poverty will flee where there is success-conscious state of mind, coupled with diligence and patience.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has affirmed that Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture Made-In-Nigeria cars for local use and export.
With the enabling environment being provided by the government, she said manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.
Currently, Nigeria produces less than 10 per cent of the vehicles used in the country.
Last year, Nigeria’s vehicle assembling industry, estimated to be worth around N302billion, tanked to a new low due to increasing production costs and weakened demand for locally assembled automobiles.
According to the Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, activities of motor vehicles and miscellaneous assembly deteriorated further below the benchmark (50 points) from 48.6 to 46.7 points.
But speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja, she noted that the automobile industry is faced with both challenges and opportunities.
A statement issued last Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said, “In a significant move aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s automobile industry, the Federal Government has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem.
“The call comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.”
Encouraging the stakeholders to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, the Minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go.
“We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen. If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”
Anite emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, saying by working together, they can address challenges, streamline processes, and drive innovation.
She also urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the board, including vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control, and after-sales services.
Stringent adherence to quality, she said, will boost consumer confidence and attract investment.
The minister assured all that the government would continue to encourage increased investment in research and development, adding that, innovations in electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources are critical for long-term sustainability.
On local content, she also emphasised the importance of promoting local content by sourcing materials and components locally.
By doing this, she said, the sector can create jobs, reduce import dependency, and contribute to economic diversification
In his introductory comments, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of team action and shared vision as outlined in the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy.
He also urged stakeholders that the country “will overcome obstacles and unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s automotive component sector.”
He encouraged NADDC and other stakeholders to use the chance to form alliances, explore new areas of collaboration, and devise ways to catapult the automotive components manufacturing industry to new heights of success.
The statement added, “The government’s charge underscores the pivotal role stakeholders play in shaping its trajectory. Their commitment to sustainable practices will drive Nigeria’s automotive sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Environmental Responsibility: Stakeholders are reminded of their environmental responsibilities. Sustainable practices, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are essential for a greener future.”
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the importation of electronic components from taxation for inventive engineers.
Chairman of APWEN, Ms Atinuke Owolabi, said this a in statement yesterday in Lagos, in commenration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day, with the theme: “Step Out and Innovate”.
The Tide source reports that World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN Day, celebrated on April 21, to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
This is with respect to advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, also known as the global goal.
Owolabi explained that such a measure would significantly enhance technological progress, support local innovators, and elevate Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation globally.
She stated that in a world marked by dynamic challenges and unprecedented opportunities, creativity and innovation stand as the driving forces behind progress and transformation.
According to her, women engineers recognise the critical role that innovation plays in shaping our societies and driving sustainable development.
”On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within our organisation and the broader engineering community.
”Together, let us step out, innovate, and inspire the next generation of women engineers to reach even greater heights of achievement and impact.
”We believe that by stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we can unlock innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today,” she said.
According to her, the theme: ‘step out and innovate’, serves as a call to action for women engineers everywhere to break barriers, challenge conventions.
She noted that it would also pioneer groundbreaking solutions that would propel them toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Owolabi disclosed that in celebration of the World Creativity Day, APWEN Lagos had inaugurated an artificial intelligence club tailored for female engineering students and young engineers.
She said that the proactive initiative aimed to inspire and equip young engineers with cutting-edge technological insights.
Th chairman said, “Additionally, we already have a 200-capacity hall to set up a resource, technology, and innovation hub to empower women and girls in engineering.
”This endeavour serves as a catalyst for encouraging aspiring female engineers to embrace innovation and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field.
”APWEN Lagos stands united in its dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in engineering.
“We encourage all female engineers to seize this opportunity to unleash their creativity, explore new frontiers, and make an indelible mark on the world.”
A pan-Igbo group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has commended the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his management for reducing the price of diesel from N1,600 to N,1000 per litre.
The Tide’s source reports that diesel is the major fuel used by heavy duty vehicles and generating sets to transport goods as well as run industries across the country.
The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, told The Tide’s source in Enugu, yesterday, that Dangote’s timely response to suffering masses of Nigerians, going through hell to get a meal a day, “is highly commendable”.
According to Chukwudum, Nigerians need to appreciate the patriotism of Dangote since what he has done will go a long way in reducing prices of goods, especially food stuff which has gone out of the reach of the poor.
He called on Nigerians, who wish and pray always for the betterment of the country, to appreciate and thank God for answering their prayer through Dangote’s move.
“It is clear that if Dangote Refinery starts fully and gets all the crude oil needed from Nigeria, the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel will further reduce.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for being a listening President and supporting the Dangote Group on our crude oil needs.
“We appeal to Tinubu to encourage Dangote by providing the company with crude oil at a reduced rate as we have been demanding,” he said.
Chukwudum said that this move and subsequent further reduction, would bring industries in comatose back to life, jobs created for unemployed youths and reduction in crime as well.
“We call on governors of oil-producing Anambra, Imo and Abia States to bring investors, who shall build refineries in each of the states to refine thousands of barrels of crude in commercial quantities,” he said.
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