On the same day President Ruto of Kenya visited the White House this week, I had the pleasure to meet Mr. Peter Obi, the recent Presidential Candidate of Nigeria. The event was part of his thank you tour for all who supported his candidacy during the recent elections.
Since I am interested and committed to nation-building and governance in the African continent, I appreciated hearing him speak. I paid close attention to his ultimate aim, his vision, his nature, his mentality and conceptual framework, his approach to governance, and how he navigated experiences he shared. I read between the lines, followed eyes movements, body language, emotions behind words… to get a good reading for my own education. I even asked a question during the Q & A session.
Before you start climbing, you must learn from those who are already near the summit.
I respect him for many reasons I can explain. But there are three things in particular I noticed that he does not do, which may appear small but are significant in character: 1) Blame others; 2) Complain; 3) Demean other politicians.
It was an insightful and refreshing experience. Mentally I took careful notes. There were inner and outer connections, inspirations, and a reinforcement for me to keep my eyes fixed on the cause and keep marching toward the goal of being an international nation-building diplomat, who will be a helper and guardian of the welfare and further development of the African people.
Onward & Upward!
~Dr. Ikenna Ezealah
Nation Upbuilding 