“Nigeria is a Democracy, Not A Monarchy”! Nigerian Professionals Coalition urge Nigerians to ‘Take A Stand’ at Abuja Discourse

“Nigeria: Having a dream is not enough, take a Stand!” These were the words resounded by various speakers at the Take A Stand Discourse held recently at the Niger/Enugu Banquet Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

“Take A Stand”, powered by the Nigerian Professionals Coalition (NPC), was born out of the urgency to get Nigerians to stop sitting on the side-lines and get involved in creating a truly dynamic Nigeria. Earlier in February 2015, a Press Conference was held in Lagos state to introduce the initiative. Among the first course of actions was the scheduled discourse in Abuja to get essential stakeholders involved in the initiative process.

The Discourse, which was moderated by one of Africa’s premier Life and Mind Coach, Lanre Olusola, popularly known as the ‘Catalyst’, was well attended by concerned and well-meaning Nigerians drawn from various industrial sectors.

Setting the tone of the discourse was a paper presentation, titled “Nigeria: Having A Dream is not Enough”, by the co-ordinator of the Take A Stand Initiative, Adebola Odu-Onikosi.

According to him, “For the potentials of the nation not to be totally wasted, the followers need to wake up across the length and breadth of the country and demand a say in the way we are governed. This is the set time for every Nigerian to wake up to his/her identity and be the master of his/her fate. After all, Nigeria is a democracy and not a monarchy. We each have a basic right to good education, infrastructure, healthcare and security. The leadership is vested with the responsibility to deliver these dividends to every Nigerian.“

Taking a true form of a discourse, all participants were given an opportunity to speak and challenge everyone to action.

Hare are some memorable and inspiring quotes from discussants at the event;
– “Taking a stand is from the practical day to day behavior. We need to get our hands into the scheme of things” – Esiri Ojo (National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria)

– “The stand we ought to take is an attitudinal revolution. We have been reduced to a very low mindset, this must change” – Enitan Oyenuga (Emotions Mechanics Coach)

– “Nigeria would never ever change if the only way we disagree is in private. We must step out and do more than just talk” – Omojuwa Japheth (International Public Speaker and Writer)

– “It is time for us to #TakeAStand and ensure that our educational system is at par with the international schools we run to – discussant running commentaries does not change the football game. It’s the footballers in the field who do. As citizens, we need to take our power back and vote in the elections” – The Catalyst, Lanre Olusola (Life and Mind Coach)

– “There’s so much value damage that we have done within ourselves, we have started judging people by their material things” – Salim U. Malami (Politician and Leadership Trainer)

– “I am Nigerian and I choose to “take a stand” for Nigeria. And I start by choosing to vote, to elect credible and purposeful leadership for my country during the elections beginning on the 28th and “TAKE A STAND” with me” – Adebola Odu- Onikosi (Engineer and Take A stand Coordinator)

Take A Stand is a Self-Sponsored and totally non-partisan initiative all about achieving the Nigeria of our dreams.

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