A CALL TO HARNESS OUR COLLECTIVE GENIUS

By Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman

Throughout history, every great and unified nation has emerged not by accident but through deliberate and conscious statecraft. Nations that have achieved greatness, prosperity, and peace were shaped by leaders and citizens who combined wisdom with power to create transformative solutions. As Nigerians, we face a crucial moment in our history where we must recognize that our fundamental challenges cannot be solved by the same level of consciousness that created them. Instead, we must rise to a new level of understanding—one that accesses the transcendent wisdom inherent in each human being.

The Powerlessness of Power Without Wisdom

Power, in its raw form, is inherently powerless without wisdom. History is replete with examples of powerful leaders who failed to achieve greatness because they lacked the wisdom to direct their power towards meaningful ends. Conversely, there are those who, through their exceptional blend of wisdom and power, transformed their societies and altered the course of history for generations.

Consider the ancient civilizations—Egypt, Greece, and Rome—where the confluence of wisdom and power laid the foundation for enduring legacies. The wisdom of philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle in Greece shaped not only the governance of their city-states but also the entire Western world. Their insights into governance, justice, and human nature guided rulers to wield their power with purpose and prudence.

In more recent history, we see the transformative power of wisdom in leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. These leaders were not just powerful; they were wise. They understood that true change comes from tapping into the higher dimensions of human intelligence—the moral and spiritual wisdom that transcends mere political might. They led revolutions not by brute force but by the superior strength of wisdom, understanding, and the unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Building a Thriving Nation on the Foundation of Wisdom

This Truth is Eternal and Universal. Even in the Divine Realm, we see this principle at work. GOD Almighty Founded the Earth through Divine Wisdom, demonstrating that any thriving entity—be it a nation, a community, or a civilization—must be built on the Foundation of Wisdom.

For Nigeria, a nation endowed with vast human and natural resources, the time has come to realize that power alone cannot solve our challenges. Political power, economic power, or even social influence is inadequate without the guiding light of wisdom. It is wisdom that gives meaning and direction to power, transforming it from a mere force into a creative and constructive energy capable of building a just, prosperous, and peaceful society.

Why “Dialogue with Wisdom”?

Our maiden column, “Dialogue with Wisdom,” seeks to ignite a transformative discourse that will change the trajectory of our beloved country, Nigeria. We are creating a lofty space where profound thinkers, philosophers, and great intellectuals of our time can converge to offer practical solutions rooted in wisdom. This column is not just a platform for discussion; it is a call to action—a call to consciously exploit the inner dimensions of our collective intelligence as a people.

Albert Einstein once remarked, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” This statement captures the essence of our mission. To address Nigeria’s fundamental challenges—be they economic, social, or political—we must elevate our consciousness and approach these issues from a higher plane of understanding. We must delve deep into the reservoirs of our collective wisdom and draw from the wellsprings of universal truths that have guided great civilizations.

Historical Evidence: Wisdom as the Bedrock of Great Civilizations

Look to the East, and you find the wisdom of Confucius and Laozi guiding China’s dynasties for centuries. Their teachings on governance, ethics, and the moral duty of rulers laid the groundwork for a stable and enduring civilization. In modern times, the strategic wisdom of leaders like Lee Kuan Yew transformed Singapore from a small, struggling nation into a global economic powerhouse. His leadership was not merely about wielding power but about applying wisdom to create policies that promoted social harmony, economic growth, and national development.

In the West, the Founding Fathers of the United States, like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, applied deep philosophical and ethical wisdom to birth a new nation. Their understanding of human unalienable rights, governance, and justice set the stage for what would become one of the most influential democracies in history.

A Call to Nigeria’s Leadership and Citizenry

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where we must decide whether to continue along the path of power without purpose or to embrace a new era where wisdom informs our decisions. This is a call to our leaders: power is not enough. We need wisdom—transcendent wisdom that elevates us beyond our divisions, prejudices, and shortsighted ambitions.

This is also a call to every Nigerian. It is time to harness the genius in our collective wisdom. It is time to “Dialogue with Wisdom” and let this dialogue be the bedrock upon which we build a new Nigeria—a Nigeria that not only survives but thrives as a beacon of hope, unity, and prosperity for Africa and the world.

As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that the most transformative power is not that which seeks to dominate, but that which seeks to understand, to enlighten, and to uplift. Let us, therefore, bring wisdom to power and create the Nigeria of our dreams—a Nigeria founded on wisdom, justice, and enduring peace.

Welcome to “Dialogue with Wisdom.” Let us begin the conversation that will change our beloved country – Nigeria.

Yours for Nigeria as a Global Leader!

Musa-Ododo Abdulrahaman,
Founder/President,
Initiative for Discovery of Nigeria Heritage and Endowment (IDNHE).
Project Coordinator,
National Policy Dialogue.
www.nationalpolicydialogue.org