Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe…. ~Albert Einstein
An axe cuts through a forest not because of its size, but its endurance. People who have fully prepared always save time. Albert Einstein was right to teach that if he is given six hours to chop down a tree, he would spend the first four sharpening the axes. We have been ushered into year 2018 which leaves us with barely 11 months into 2019. What about 2019? What does the year 2019 hold in stock for us? Could the query posited above be tagged a rhetorical question?
With reference to the geo-political zones in Nigeria: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo are the five States that make up the South Eastern zone. The zone is known for its peaceful coexistence, unity, solidarity and unfettered support for positive advancement, which contribute to the socio-economic status of our country. The relevance of the womenfolk in nation building is forever on the upward surge. South Eastern women are forever conscious and fully enmeshed in this modern struggle to enhance mankind. Generally women are the Bella, English Rose, Peach, crème de la crème and finest flower of the society. We can relish and attest to the biblical cadence on this submission. Creating a family scenario, women are always a bond while being supportive and meticulous. A woman’s sacrifice to a cause is beyond measure.
Nevertheless, we are au courant with the happenings in our nation as it’s no news. Many a times, I have been engaged in discussions with some distinguished elites of women from all walks of life across the South Eastern zone. Talk about the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi and Rivers States to mention but a few. The idea of a two-way effect is essential in the concept of interaction, as opposed to a one-way causal effect. In our developmental course as the Giant of Africa, which feat have been achieved and reckoned with among our contemporary? Gone are the days when women were being relegated to only domestic affairs, as many remarkable landmark achievements have been recorded, which stemmed from the great strides of our women.
In view of 2019, resilience, perseverance and felt positive impacts seem to be their watchword. Days of apathy are truly over. Their line of thought is geared towards a sustainable future for the younger generation. Little wonder then that those with political acumen have aligned with different political platforms while some are making it worthwhile in government parastatals as well as other establishments, individually owned firms inclusive.
In readiness for 2019 elections registration of voters’ card is ongoing across the country. Before now, some women who actually perceived their voices can’t be heard had been deterred in this call which resulted in lackadaisical attitudes. But with the outcome of conducted elections and collated poll results especially with regards to 2015 general election, many have come to terms with the fact that the masses (Nigerians) can speak and make a choice in unison. It was and is really our call!
To today’s woman the dividends of democracy have come to stay. These very firm stands are being felt and observed by keen eyes in the South Eastern states. Women from the region are not only gearing up to be counted but also be a significant percentage of those doing the counting.
So for the coming 2019 electioneering process, women from this region will unfold a stellar structure that would be a significant upgrade in deep-seated participation in all levels of the process. Certainly women from the other zones may end up having to borrow some useful leaves from their counterparts from the zone of the rising sun. Besides equipping strongly to effect the presidential outcome, women are gearing up for many other positions ranging from Councilor to Governor.
That is how affirmatively the South Eastern woman is readying for the ‘battle’ of 2019. And ignore them at your peril.
Obi, Justina Oly Rivers, Nigeria.
