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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.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.