Being the concluding text of Nkari Eluama/Lecture series delivered by Mazi Chukwuma Ubaji Amaram (ShaFT) MNIN, emeritus Secretary-General, Eluama Development Union, Worldwide, on August 30, 2024, at the occasion of the Iri Ji Eluama Community, Isuamawu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria.
BASIC DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
(i). Development and associated Concepts
Develop:
Grow Bigger or Stronger, to gradually grow or become stronger, more advanced. It means to think of or produce a new idea, product, etc. To start to happen or change.
It also means to become better, to start to have a skill, ability, quality, that becomes better and stronger. To build or erect facilities, amenities, etc.
To make ideas clearer by explaining further.
Developed:
Country or society having many industries and complicated economic systems.
Developer:
A person or company that designs and creates new products.
Developing:
Country or society trying to make its industry and economic systems more advanced.
Development:
Gradual growth of something to become more advanced, stronger. Process of producing or creating something new or more advanced.
New event or stage that is likely to affect what happens in continuing situations.
Developmental:
In state of developing or being developed. Connected with the development of something or somebody. These generic definitions, pointers and references on the subject of develop/developed/developing/development/developmental, come from: Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary.
Thus, development, is a complex, highly contoured matter and subject, but critical and crucial to every aspect of human or societal advancement, socioeconomically, socio-politically, socio-organizationally, morphologically, structurally, technically, or technologically. Development is a hybrid terminology and covers wide spectrum of concepts and ideas.
Generally, the term Development, connotes positive change or transformation. Development is analyzed or contextualized under three primary concepts or paradigms.
Development as a Vision:
In this context, it implies the aspiration/desire/determination of societies or communities, including nation states, to embrace change or advancement oftentimes contextualized or measured in terms of ‘What’ the society or entity endeavours to become or it can become. In other words, combinations of vision driven purpose and passion are critical factors.
Development as Historical Process:
Refers to the socioeconomic or sociopolitical change that takes place over a period of time on account of certain existential forces or human orchestrated factors that shaped or reshaped societies. Capitalism and Communism, Colonialism and Imperialism, Neocolonialism and Neo-imperialism; Industrial Revolution and Technology driven Revolution are critical/typical examples.
Development as Action
Implies deliberate ‘Action’ designed to change existing conditions or things for the better. Such as measures designed to improve socioeconomic or sociopolitical conditions of societies, vide policies and programs or processes and procedures.
Popular concepts/thinking/perspectives on Development, include essentially:
Process directed towards socioeconomic development and nation-building; positive change underscored by visible and measurable growth indicators; means of securing socioeconomic growth by changing or replacing existing conditions of underdevelopment by means of coordinated, organized and planned efforts and actions.
BRIEF PERSPECTIVES ON DEVELOPMENT MODELS/PARADIGMS
Notable models, include:
Western Liberal Model:
This model posits that societies undergo changes from traditional, transitional to modern stages/state of development. Change, gradual or rapid in nature or occurrence is the key denominator in this particular perspective.
Welfare Model:
Views states as agents and engines of change and transformations by means of driving developmental agenda or projects for societal advancement and transformations.
Socialist/Marxist Model:
Favours radical changes and transformations by means of revolutions or revolutionary forces; and supports centralized system of economic planning and management; centralized political control. This model usually is repressive and violent in nature, with scant regards to human rights considerations.
Democratic-Socialist Model:
Aims to secure or attain socialist goals by means of democratic system and process.
Gandhian Model:
Advocates that the essence of ‘Development’ is to provide basic necessities of life and livelihood, including education and employment, by governments and organizations.
Sustainable Development:
Preaches the message that current or present developmental initiatives or projects must not endanger or jeopardize the survival of the future generations of mankind. United Nations and her agencies, especially UNDP, popularized this concept.
BRIEF SURVEY OF THE ROLES OF VECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT
By definition, a Vector is an entity with quantity and direction. The quantity and direction can be analyzed, determined, and the impact can be perceived or felt. Another definition, states that a Vector is an agent or carrier or transmitter of particular objects. In this context, microorganisms particularly are vectors for certain diseases.
And in terms of ‘Development’, Vectors of Development ESSENTIALLY AS ACCELERATORS of Development, include all modes or means closely associated with promoting development, including humans and human actions/activities. In a general context, modes, means, channels, conveyors, blueprints, programs, processes, procedures, and systems, represent Vectors of development. And in more specific terms, humans, leadership/leadership structures and leadership roles, public and private institutions, technologies, including Internet are examples of Vectors of development.
In physical or structural context, public amenities, facilities, capital assets, for example, roads networks, telecom installations, represent of Vectors of development.
In this discourse, our primary concern and focus, in the context of Vectors of development, include blueprints, programs, policies, processes and procedures, inclusive of the managerial or organizational roles/responsibilities performed by humans, especially leaders, as critical stakeholders.
CASE FOR THE ADOPTION OF BEST MODEL
Earlier, we explained that BEST is an Acronym/Synthesis. It can be simply described as a FORMULA. Now, we shall analyze what BEST means or represents, as a Model or Formula for Development.
B: Represents/stands for Benchmark (Standard).
E: Represents/stands for Expectation (Targeted Outcome).
S: Represents/stands for Services or Deliverables (Action/Activity).
T: Represents/stands for Transformation (Change/Advancement).
Arguably, BEST MODEL, if systematically or scientifically applied in driving effectively/efficiently development or developmental agenda or initiatives, can unlock the keys to positive change, advancement, and transformation. It must be emphasized though for the avoidance of doubts, that BEST MODEL is not in itself a Magic Wand or Miracle working Formula. Great discipline is what is needed to advance BEST MODEL from Theory to concrete Practice. Even as established scientific and empirical laws are bound to fail, if the principles are disregarded, BEST MODEL can only yield the desirable results, if the principles/precepts are obeyed.
The PRINCIPLES are simple: Benchmark, Expectation, Service, Transformation, should not be discarded or jettisoned in order to attain desirable and optimal results. It is in the disciplined application or observance of the symbiotic/osmotic relationships among the four component parts/principles or subsystems of BEST MODEL, desired or desirable results can be guaranteed.
EDU WW, though desirous to transform Eluama Community, for decades and long before the advent of present dispensation, seem not to have focused adequate attention on the critical matter of the proper articulation of systematized Model to drive development and developmental agenda/blueprints and initiatives.
BEST Model is capable of filling in the gaps and vacuums.
BEST MODEL is synonymous with the Acronym STAR (Standard, Target, Activity/Action, Results).
The coordinate, correlative relationship, is shown in diagrammatic representation or transposition below.
GREAT IDEAS TO PONDER
“If we don’t change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are going”. (Chinese Proverb).
“The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it cannot be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it”. (Harry Emerson Fosdick).
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”. (T.S Eliot).
“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something”. (Franklin D. Roosevelt).
“If I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning”. (Ghandi).
“Creative thinking may mean simply the realization that there is no particular virtue in doing things the way they have always been done”. (Rudolph Flesch).
“A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn, it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by the frown on the right man’s brow”. (Charlie Brower).
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The Spirit of the annual tradition of Nkari Eluama be sustained and supported by well-meaning patriots, as we march forward as EDU WW, in recognition of the vital role of enlightenment associated with Nkari Eluama. Moreso, efforts should be devoted towards encouraging better attendance and participation.
- There are absolutely pressing needs to make development the centerpiece of EDU WW, by vigorously exploring opportunities existing in collaborations with governmental and non- governmental agencies. Infrastructure should be the vital areas of priority/prioritization.
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Iri Ji Eluama Ceremony should be repackaged/repositioned and redesigned to serve as veritable platform to unlock the keys of community development agenda and projects.
- EDU WW needs to carry out thorough audit of existing systems in the context of modus operandi. With singular intent to overhaul the systems. Specifically, EDU WW needs to graduate to higher levels of operating on annual budgetary systems based on specific developmental templates.
Adapted: Tested and trusted Japanese Industry Improvement Concept/Method of KAIZEN
- Standing Committees in the critical areas of Budget and Finance, Infrastructure, Education, Employment/Empowerment, Security, etc, manned by capable persons with relevant knowledge and expertise, is not only expedient but absolutely a necessity, for strategically guided development of Eluama Community.
- EDU WW and entire Eluama Community need to get set to confront the challenges that shall come up on the heels of the completion of Nunya/Eluama/Ogboro road construction project. Different kinds of pressures shall mark the completion of the road, including the good, the bad, and the ugly.
- EDU WW should encourage more active participation in politics of EDU members and Ndi-Eluama in general. Development and developmental agenda sponsored by the National, State, LGA tiers are partisan politics driven, distributed and influenced, essentially. Given the astronomically rising costs of developmental projects, if we depend solely on self-help projects, development may continue to elude our communities. Participation in politics provides the pedestal and platform to attract government sponsored projects to Eluama Community. Resetting of political barometer becomes critically essential in this context.
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More robust efforts should be fostered to drive effectively synergy between EDU WW and Eluama Autonomous Communities.
- Peace and Security remain the bedrock of communal development. Development cannot take roots in atmospheres of insecurity. Peace and security shall be our priority. Especially, now the State government is displaying friendly dispositions towards making semi urban/rural communities the launch pads for socioeconomic development and growth of Abia economy.
- EDU WW and Eluama Community need to consider with seriousness the adoption and application of the age-long Igbo Philosophy of IVU ANYI NDANDA. Proverbs 6: 6-8, paints the picture perfectly, thus: ” Go to the ants, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest”. In addition, the Spirit and Philosophy of ONYE AGHALA NWANNEYA, if embraced and imbibed by Ndi-Eluama, shall be most beneficial and profitable, in all aspects of endeavours. Especially, in Politics, Commerce and Industry, Human Capacity Building/Development, Youth Development, Empowerment. Ditto, for IGWE BU IKE Philosophy. The Spirit and Philosophy of community self-help development initiatives requires the adoption and application of AKU RUO ULO mindset.
- EDU WW, should be chartered/registered as a development body/organization with relevant governmental institutions, including Corporate Affairs Commission. The advantages and benefits shall include public recognition to seamlessly cooperate/collaborate with local, national and international Development agencies or institutions, including governments at different tiers.
- I can’t ever stop imagining the tremendous benefits, if anyone with streak of ambition or desire and imagination to serve within the ranks of EDU WW at the apex National level or at the Branch Union level, gets hold of From Good To Great, by Jim Collins.
BEST Model as highlighted in this discourse, can be refined for better services delivery or efficient performance, only if this discourse/presentation provoked more deliberations/discussions in EDU WW circles: and I ask, Why Not Now?
CONCLUSION
I thank you sincerely, Distinguished Eluama personalities and citizens, for the great honour and privilege of kind listening attention.
If I succeed in agitating, awakening, stirring your hearts, minds, souls; If I succeeded in arousing your innermost feelings, emotions and passions; if I succeeded in engaging and commanding your attention; if at this particular juncture you believe you have gained something, may be useful information, fresh insights or knowledge to add to what you have already, it would simply mean one thing: I HAVESUCCEEDED IN NOT WASTING YOUR PRECIOUS, VALUABLE TIME, IN THIS PLACE, AND IN THIS ENDEAVOUR.
If this is the case, if this is your candid belief and experience, with deep humility and profound gratitude, I owe you all immense debts of appreciations for making this outing a special and memorable experience for me particularly and all of us. Frankly, without you, seated here, this endeavour would be meaningless. But you have made it become exciting moment and time for all of us.
Thank you, Sir, Chief Johnnie Emenike Ndukauba, PhD, President General, EDU WW, and the entire EXCO, for organizing another successful round of Nkari Eluama.
This discourse, gratefully, is dedicated to my uncle, Sir Chief Ukeje O. Eloagu, my Mentor, who groomed, inculcated, instilled, and implanted the Spirit of attending EDU Meetings, and accepting responsibilities, in my early adolescence. Without that early firm foundation, EDU WW, and the noble cause it represents, probably may have been construed or perceived and regarded as a Burden. Thank you, Sir, immeasurably, for preparing me adequately to accept and welcome at all times community service as great source of joy and means of self-expression.
In same vein of token of profound gratitude, I wish to acknowledge most sincerely the colossal, monumental, spectacular, stellar and titanic contributions of my precious Friends of ShaFT. Mere words fail me to qualify and quantify your hugely, enormous, impactful contributions, massive and immeasurable support to the success of this endeavour. Your creative juice and abundant talents, intellects, dedication, moral, financial, tangible and intangible contributions by means of all ramifications, undeniably are quite visible to the success of this Lecture. Your resounding, impactful contributions in projecting positively the image/prestige of 2024 Eluama Iri Ji Festival to higher pedestals are clearly evident and manifest. For these credible reasons, precious Friends of ShaFT, you are individually and collectively the true heroes and heroines of this event. I owe you all great debts of gratitude.
Long live the Friends of ShaFT!
EPILOGUE
“Men who are anxious to win the favour of a prince nearly always follow the custom of presenting themselves to him with the possessions they value most, or with things they know especially please him. So, we often see princes given horses, weapons, cloth-of-gold, precious stones, and similar ornaments worthy of their high position. Now, I am anxious to offer myself to Your Magnificence with some token of my devotion to you and I have not found among my belongings anything as dear as to me or that I value as much as my understanding of deeds of great men—I could not give you a more valuable gift than the means of being able in a very short space of time to grasp all that I, over so many years and with so much affiliation and peril have learned and understood—and if you read and consider it diligently, you will discover in it my urgent wish that you reach the eminence that fortune and your other qualities promise you”. Machiavelli.
God bless EDU! Eluama Community! Isuikwuato Community!!! And Abia State (God’s Own State) !!!!
Mazi Chukwuma Ubaji Amaram (ShaFT).
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