You're not Productive enough, forget Weekends, work more, Minister tells Nigerians

By emmanuel MALAGU

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged Nigerians to abandon complaints and embrace Habits of Discipline, Productivity, and Responsibility for National Progress.

She made the call on Saturday at the ongoing National Leadership Conference Titled Transforming Minds: Inspiring Results, organised by GOTNI Leadership Centre in Abuja.

Speaking on the Topic ‘Power of Daily Habits: Small Shifts, Big Results’, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Nation cannot afford to waste time lamenting while others advance.

She stressed that Nigeria needs Dreamers, Visionaries, Doers, and People of Excellence, adding that Citizens must aspire for greatness out of love for the Country.

“Today, many complain rather than act. Complaints achieve little, but Action, Determination, and Discipline solve Problems and deliver Results,” she said.

She argued that some Countries no longer keep Weekends, instead working daily, adding that Nigeria must rethink Work Culture to keep pace with Global Development.

According to her, Nigerians often slow down once Friday arrives, but the Nation requires a Culture that prioritises consistent work to fast-track Progress.

She urged Nigerians to rise to the Challenge, noting that while other Nations face Population Decline, Nigeria is experiencing rapid Growth and must prepare accordingly.

She added that Systems and Structures must support Nigeria’s growing Population and Economy, stressing that Implementation and Discipline remain weak despite existing Policies.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said everyone has a role to play, urging Citizens to abandon the blame game and work collectively towards repositioning the Nation.

She recalled that Dubai had set a Dream three Decades ago to become the World’s Best Place to Live, Play, and Work, and achieved it.

“We can develop such a Vision for Nigeria. Trust me, this Country has everything it takes,” she added.

In his Remarks, Michael Orokpo, Founder of Encounter Jesus Ministries International (EJMI), criticised Africa’s Leadership Culture, describing it as plagued with Challenges.

He identified Corruption, Lack of Accountability, Weak Institutions, Nepotism, Poor Vision, Greed, Dependence on Aid, and Absence of Succession Plans as hindrances to Leadership in Africa.

Orokpo insisted that Transformative Leadership requires Service, Empowerment, Values, Purpose, and Inclusion, stressing the need for Leaders to inspire Citizens and uphold Integrity.

He emphasised that Leaders must adopt a Growth-Oriented Mindset, driven by Inspiration, Purpose, and Self-Awareness to drive National Transformation.

Andy Ikekhide, President of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) Network, said Responsibility begins with Training the Mind to Think, Reason, and Imagine Possibilities.

He explained that Leadership entails intentionally Inspiring Teams to envision and picture the Future through purposeful guidance and clarity of thought.

“Transformation is only possible through Renewal of the Mind. To shape the Future, one must first see it clearly with the Eyes of the Mind.

“Shaping the Future starts with a Clear Vision. If you cannot see ahead, you cannot lead ahead,” Ikekhide said. 

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline