POWER TO WHO?

What do we mean when we say "power to the people?"
Power to the people might just , on research, be the most chanted mantra by activists and politicians around the world.

The mantra might be a true intention expressed or a cloak to garner the support of people to foster their own undoing in the next few years comprising the regime of a person in power.
To what extent do we mean this mantra and in what light: the truth or a cloak?
The quest for sustainable development is a long term one, achievable only through collaborative efforts but what happens when people deliberately excuse themselves because they believe that the quest is the governments' and not theirs to ensure?

The last post discussed the need to take action by everyone and not the judgement. All our posts preceding this have emphasized and reiterated the need for active citizenship but it might be far fetched in the face of bad governance, hence the need for collaborative efforts.
The global destiny is shared. It lies in the hands of everyone leaving no one behind; a refreshing start point for inclusion in the society.
Every member of the society owes it a duty to call the government to order when acting in breach of public faith reposed on them.

The place of good governance in the realization of a sustainable world cannot be shoved aside.
It is important that the government of nations all over the world take guided steps in the achievement of the sustainable development goals. It is common place to see messages on social media about the promises made by governments to commit to the SDGs, it must not stop there, they must swing into action and when they do not, citizens must call them to accountability as power indeed belongs to the people.

Strong governments and economies in realization of the fact that the imperative of sustainability is shared and fruitless if some parts of the world cannot step up to the task for peculiar or general reasons must commit to throw their weight behind the struggling economies and governments in order to achieve an inclusive and sustainable world for everyone.
This may be done through sharing ideas on best practices, experience and knowledge sharing, technology transfer (with caution), collaboration to act amongst others.
Bad governance in one country is a cause for alarm in every country, the truth in this statement is not far fetched. The effects of bad governance resonate all over the world, it causes poverty, migration, violence, unhealthy struggle for social amenities amongst others, all of which are the causes of global crisis all around the world.
Bad governance is the bane of sustainable development, it therefore behoves on everyone of us to seek ways to purge of country of every form of bad governance.

Bad governance just like a weak pillar in a building pulls down all efforts made by anyone or group of persons walking towards sustainable development.
Bad governance fosters the impediments to sustainable development and as such its important to find a way to make the government accountable to its people, the question is how?

This again, is achievable through citizens action by working hard against bad governance, exercising their rights and asserting it through the best means possible, acting right so that bad governance cannot thrive and collaborating with the government to take the world to the next level.
It is not enough to rant on social media and do no more, you must act, ensure accountability, speak up and resist bad governance through all peaceful means possible, use the social media to garner support to question the government responsibly.
Remind the government once again, that power belongs to the people and not to the government, hence the "p" and people which is absent in government (on a lighter note)

Power is vested in the government by the people and not the other way round, the power vested is what enables the government to act. There is no gain saying the fact that you cannot give what you do not have, power truly belongs to the people who give it to the government, to this extent, we are encouraged to take the global destiny in our hands and question every authority that acts in ways to impede the achievement of sustainable development.

The next post will highlight the ways we can peacefully resist bad governance. Have a beautiful week ahead.

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Much Ado about Action.

...Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 
-Marianne Williamson.

The sudden global fuss about the need to take action and the call for active citizenship evades many of us, we just do not get it, we begin to ask ourselves questions such as , why is it so important ?, even if it is important, why now? If so, what has it got to do with me? These questions sometimes throw us into confusion.

The need for action especially when things seem to have gone completely out of hands or have solutions which are seemingly beyond reach may seem as one which cannot be met especially when you innocently find yourself in the midst of such need by no deed or inadvertence on your part.
Earlier this week, we took an opinion poll via our twitter account (@19_nineteen), we asked the question; who should take action for sustainable development? the government or anyone. The result of the poll revealed that more voters believe that anyone can take action for sustainable development. Do we really think so ?because if we really do, we would have achieved more than we have today.

The question of how far a private individual can go as regards taking action for sustainable development is usually answered in the negative. However, think about the extent of impact that will be achieved when every one that thinks it is possible decides to take action and make impact. Imagine that a hundred persons in different locations, without any consultation from one another take action about one global issue... we all should be conditioned to think along that line. The urge to take action, to make a difference is not felt by you alone but by thousands of people around the world, however, your bold step can trigger other persons with or without the similar urge to act. That way, results are seen and  a difference more resounding than you set out to make is made visible. Imagine how many of your friends will decide to volunteer for a cause having seen the impact or potential of your courage to take an issue and transform it, how much dirt would be off the shanty slums if ten persons at different times decide to do a community service, educate persons in the slum on waste disposal and provide alternative means for safe waste disposal, imagine what difference would be made if ten persons decide to take on an education project in ten locations; would there or would there not be an increase in global literacy?

You should not be bothered about who is joining you to act , but the impact of your actions. If your actions do not show results immediately, it is not a sign to give up but a sign to wait, do something better or try a different approach.
It should be inconsequential at some point if the government is not doing what they ought to do, your action and not incessant complaint is a sufficient call to action.
You will be discouraged but the results of your action would outweigh the challenges and that should be sufficient motivation.
The world is ours to thrive, hence its protection and sustainability should be made priority over our shortcomings or lack of sufficient resources to act.
Actions no matter how little make a difference. You may not see it but others do and the change you bring or inspire, is sufficient for the world to be better and sustainable.
See a need and meet the need don't just complain and do nothing.
The world is ours not for the Government, United Nations or similar bodies, Charities or a select few.

This should be your thought: if my action can inspire change even in just one person, then I'm good to go. It's not in your place to ask questions such as , what if nobody joins me ? or even if decide to act, if it's just me, the change will not be so profound. There are a million reasons not to act but one compelling reason to act: the future of the globe may be thoroughly changed by my decision to act and eventual action, so why not?

There is nothing beyond the reach of ordinary citizens doing the daily work of democracy, and no problem too great to tackle with the power of active citizenship. 
-Joan Claybrook.
   
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LOVE OR HATE

For the love of tomorrow...

We are excited to publish our last post for the year 2016! This post seeks to summarize our previous posts under two parallels: Love and Hate.

A lot has been said about love from diverse perspectives, however, we would discuss love on a global scale and in terms of international development.

It is convenient to get caught up in your love for yourself, family, friends, and affiliates, so convenient that we may innocently forget other persons and areas of life which deserve our love.

The environment we live in and the globe that guarantees our existence deserves our love. It's important to have love at the back of our minds when we take actions towards our environment. We must show love to the trees, the ozone layer, the air and biodiversity in general.

We must show love for the entire human race, not owing allegiance to only persons we know but importantly, persons we do not know or may never come in contact with.

We need to spread the message of love over hate to the next generation through our actions towards living and non living things, we must teach them that everything in this world we live in deserves our love even to the ants.

We are excited to celebrate New Year's Eve tonight but are we acting in ways to ensure that our generations to come have a world to celebrate this day or even a rich bio diversity to show them how beautiful life is?

The message of peace must be emphasized at every given opportunity, governments should be discouraged from spending so much money on proliferation of arms, war or acquisition of technologies that threaten global peace, they should be encouraged to seek alternative means of dispute resolution, shy away from actions that threaten global peace and work hand in hand to ensure global sustainability by giving full effects to the action points of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Educate: through formal or informal means. Teach and transfer knowledge on any area you can. Education liberates the mind and empowers us for global change and impact.

Use technology to bring about global development and not foster situations that impede development while using technology.

The concept of hate must be completely done away with in the new year, welcome refugees , help out at Internally Displaced Persons camps, discourage racism and the attendant ills that come with hate.

From all of us at The Nineteen Initiative, we wish you a happy and peaceful new year. Remember to show: Love for mankind, love for the environment and love for sustainability.

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Before you go holiday shopping...

Before you go shopping for the holidays consider these:
1. What am I buying?
2. How were they produced?
3. What is the effect of the consumption of these things?
4. Am I putting the world at risk by buying these things?
5. How ethical is the production of what I am buying?
6. Would I  put the future of my kids at risk by buying certain things?
7. How can I be charitable in my purchase?
8. Do I really need all I have written on my list or am I about to be wasteful?
9. Are there any sustainable alternatives I could settle for?
10. Would my purchase ensure that someone somewhere has a happy holiday or am I by my inadvertence standing in the way of a joyous holiday for someone else?

As global citizens, we must consider these questions critically as we are aware of the fact that globalization has shrunken the world and by a purchase in Canada the life of another in Eritea may be endangered. The question hence is, what can we do to ensure that our grocery and holiday shopping are in consonance with sustainable practices?




You may ask why this is important? Actions we take today have the capacity to put the world at risk even in a thousand years to come, in fact our actions today have the capacity to determine to some extent the prospects of a happy holiday next year, in 5, 10 or even 100 years, to this extent we areencouraged to do the following;


1. The nature of the holiday may propel us to use energy excessively especially with the lights please be cautious with your use of energy ( I found this link very helpful.
http://www.everbluetraining.com/blog/20-ways-save-energy-holiday-season ).

2. It's easy to get too excited and buy more than we need, we must be cautious in our shopping in order to avoid waste.
3. Producers all over the world are under pressure to double their production especially consumables, be nice to ensure that you purchase only products that have been ethically produced as consumption of unethically produced goods have far reaching effects than you can imagine.
4. Many stores will have boxes for charity by their doors be kind enough to put something in the box.
5. Purchase goods that enhance sustainability , avoid goods that put the world at risk such as plastic, paper cups or disposable products. Go for the alternatives (imagine how interesting it would be washing plates and bonding with your family while at it).
6. Do not endanger the lives of plants and animals while satisfying your holiday cravings ,be cautious and forward thinking.
7. Show love this holiday season, share and not toss your excess food or drinks.
8. Take long walks and reduce your use of automobiles. It is also important to think of the impact of our actions on the environment. (you can refer to this post;  https://thenineteeninitiative.blogspot.com.ng/2016/10/what-do-i-owe-my-environment.html?1)
9. Spread the news on the need to engage in sustainable practices with someone this season.


10. Eat, drink, and enjoy your holiday while taking steps to guarantee the holidays to come.
From all of us at The Nineteen Initiative, we wish you and yours Happy Holidays!!!.

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TECHNOLOGY FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

Arguments have been canvassed for and against technology , some highlighting its woes and some singing its praises without restraint.Today, the impact of technology is seen in every area of our lives even those aspects we never envisaged it would permeate.

The amazing things we can do with technology in rural communities in our bid to achieve a sustainable world by 2030 can not be over emphasized.

The internet provides an irreplaceable enabling environment for sustainable development. The internet has an amazing capacity to connect every part of the world within a short time by sharing information on happenings even in the most remote parts of the world thus it is safe to submit that the internet has solved the first action point as regards the achievement of sustainable development goals which is ensuring that everyone in every part of the world is informed about the goals and the importance of these goals. To this extent, we must find ways to introduce the internet technology to rural communities.

Technology is an inextricable variable in the achievement of all the goals. The need for advancement in the way of doing things in every sector can be met through improved technology.

The rural areas must not be left out either. Efforts must be made to extend technological advancement to the rural communities. The introduction of new technology to these areas will improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of these areas. We must bear in mind the fact that no one should be left behind in the achievement of the goals hence the imperative of the extension of technology to these areas. How can this be achieved:
1. Purchase a mobile device for a local farmer or trader: This will help them communicate with prospective buyers for their products or goods. It will also help them stay in touch with persons outside their environment.
2. Donate a laptop to a local school: This will ensure that the students in the school have the opportunity to be computer literate. It's a huge step to sustainable development! You have no idea how much!
3. Organize a talk on the importance of technology in a rural community and teach them the basics ( it may be about the use of a calculator)

4. Discuss with wealthy people in your immediate environment to help get technology to these communities through sponsorship.
5. Use the social media to campaign about the need for technology in rural areas.
6. Surf the internet for volunteering  opportunities on technology especially for rural communities.
7. Preach the gospel of technology to everyone you can and who is in doubt of its usefulness.
8. Create the need for technology in rural areas don't just meet the existing needs. Creating the need will make the rural inhabitants crave technology and the novelty that comes with it for example, teach conventional practices with new technology.
9. Campaign for stable electricity in these communities in order to improve the new technology experience.
10. Lastly, talk to members of rural communities about the need for the introduction of new technology to improve their quality of life as pre-existing stereotypes may stand in the way of their acceptance of new technology.

We must remember that rural communities are comprised of human beings just as the urban communities and as such have as much need for technology as urban communities do.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions do not hesitate to use the comment box.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

CONNECTED BY BIODIVERSITY

The need to protect biodiversity can not be over emphasized at this time in view of the various efforts made by countries, NGOs, private associations and individuals alike all of which are geared towards the guarantee of a sustainable world by 2030.

Biodiversity is a precious gift to mankind, one we could never afford but for the magnanimity of nature. It is an inextricable resource of nature geared mainly towards the sustenance of mankind and the environment. Humans, animals and plants are connected by the inextricable web of biodiversity as we all depend on each other to survive.

Biodiversity is defined by UNESCO as the diversity of all living forms at different levels of complexity: genes, species, ecosystems and even landscapes and seascapes. Biodiversity can be greatly enhanced by human activities; however, it can also be adversely impacted by such activities due to unsustainable use or by more profound causes linked to our development models.

The protection of biodiversity affords us good soil for agriculture, food security, water resources, climate stability , reduction of pollution, medicine and pharmaceuticals and a host of other related benefits.

We must be be thorough in our thoughts as regards biodiversity as these resources can be extremely helpful if used positively and destructive if used negatively.

The convention about life on earth highlights the fact that; "At least 40 per cent of the world’s economy and 80 per cent of the needs of the poor are derived from biological resources. In addition, the richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical discoveries, economic development, and adaptive responses to such new challenges as climate change". The truth in this statement is not far fetched.

The wrong use of biological diversity is the bane of inclusive global development as the poor and developing population would be adversely affected by the attendant effects of such use. The adverse effect, however, does not spare the rich and developed economies as the world is now reduced to fist size, making occurrences in the remote part of the world affect every part of the world directly or indirectly.

The protection of biodiversity keeps the world healthy and brings about a healthy ecosystem, sufficient biological resources and social benefits. If the world has to seek alternative means to produce these resources, it would cost a lot, financially and ecologically.

It's important to galvanize efforts towards the protection of biodiversity on a global scale in order to protect our life on earth, below water and the globe ultimately. The Sustainable Development Goals on Life on Land, Life below water and Climate action cannot be met without taking calculated steps towards the protection of biodiversity. These are important goals that guarantee the existence of a world for us and generations to come.

It is therefore imperative that we make conscious efforts to use the earths resources reasonably and effectively bearing in mind the impact of our use on the sustainability of the globe. Remember that we are all connected from the tallest man to the tiniest ant. We are connected by Biodiversity.

Thank you for taking time to read and share this post. Should you have any questions, comments or contributions, do not hesitate to use the comment box.

THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

EDUCATE BY ALL MEANS

Today marks the end of our education series and we would be towing a novel path. The world we seek to sustain is in dire need of our resources;  time, labor, money and even attitude. Education being a strong tool for change is imperative and must be canvassed for and ensured in every nook and cranny of our world. World leaders have a pivotal role to play, however, there is no barrier or impediment to citizens participation and contribution even without assistance or input by the government (this is not a means to absolve the government of her duties to the people). Many strong  economies in the world come from a rich history of entrepreneurs who took the bull by its horns to develop their countries and pockets, hence, the ultimate development of their economies. The role of  the average citizen in the guarantee of quality education in our world whether formally or informally cannot be overemphasised. It is easy to identify a need and do nothing about it that is stand by, complain and detach oneself from the situation, the reasons are not far fetched as you may righteously believe that it is not in your place to take action.  

Revert your minds to how we all have been encouraged to take action no matter how little,  today, we  celebrate a phenomenal youth volunteer Oluwaseun Tolulope Adesanya who has decided to work against the dictates of conventional resistance; ‘Complaints without action’ in order to create the future of Nigeria that she desires to see.

In 2015, Seun Adesanya founded the Going Against The Tide Network (GATT Network). The network is an Oluseun A. Initiative in memory of her parents (Olufemi and Aderonke Adesanya). The network seeks to change the world through education on positivity and the need for an upright attitude in every youth. the form of education canvassed by the network is informal, seeking the liberation of the mind of the average Nigerian youth. This initiative is celebrated not because it has carried out multi million or even thousand Naira projects but for the little it does at every point in time to develop the youth mentally through its positivity campaigns. This brings me to another important aspect of this post that cannot be missed; YOU DO NOT NEED MEGA RESOURCES, MILLIONS OR THOUSANDS OF MONEY BEFORE YOU CAN VOLUNTEER OR TAKE ON PROJECTS GEERED AT THE IMPROVEMENT OF OUR WORLD. (this is a topic on its own set for another day). Whatever resources you have or can acquire such as your time, your space, your intuition, your mind or even waste in your environment has the potential to make the world a better place, so take action you have no reason not to!.

In her spare time, she volunteers with the the Bwari Child Foundation, an initiative set up by students of the Nigerian law school to reach out to children in the community through child welfare centric programs. she has signed up to be a volunteer at the Sickle Cell Aid Foundation. While she was in the university, she was an active member of a charity foundation that worked earnestly to raise school fees for indigent students and cater to the needs of surrounding orphanages and children homes. She did all these against the conventional dictates of hands in thighs and incessant complaints which colours the regular Nigerian youth. She has decided to change her world through informal education on positivity and the importance of uprightness in ensuring global change.

She clocks 21 today and it is another time to celebrate a youth who is taking charge of her world while holding the hands of secondary school students by encouraging them to go against the tide. The tides that now plague our world and must be addressed with prompt and guided measures.

How can you educate your immediate environment to facilitate change and sustainable development? As a citizen of this world, you owe your world a duty to ensure its sustenance through prompt and guided response to any form of impediment to its sustenance, you can take action as regards any occurrence that you believe is a threat to the sustenance of the world;  these impediments may be in relation to any of the sustainable development goals. The question is; what would you rather do? Sit around and sustain the conventional practice of complaint or stand up, be and make the change you want to see? I hope you chose the latter.

Always have it at the back of your mind that you owe your world a duty to actively contribute your own quota into making it the world you want to see and not the one you hate to see but complain incessantly about. 

Today, we celebrate Oluwaseun Adesanya and every youth volunteer out there taking the world as theirs’ and making it into a better and sustainable place.

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