Written by Prof. Mannixs Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCILG, FCFIA, FCECFI, CCrFA, FFARLet’s be honest—development isn’t as complicated as we often make it. It’s not about grand theories or endless policies. At its core, it’s about *vision—and about having selfless individuals* who are willing to do the right thing even when no one is watching.
If the foundation is faulty, whatever we build on it will surely collapse. And so it is with a nation. When the motive is wrong, the outcome will always betray us.
I’ve always believed—and history agrees—that there is nothing a people united in purpose cannot achieve. Sadly, what we see too often is a culture that silences or destroys its “Josephs”—those with the vision to lead, to warn, to build. And then we wonder why the pain keeps returning, why the affliction stretches into the next generation.
Even worse, we’re now witnessing attempts to rewrite history—not to empower, but to blind future generations. To feed them stories of helplessness instead of hope.
But here’s where I stand: we must not live in the past, but we must learn from it. The lessons are there—etched in the blood, sweat, and sacrifices of those who came before. We owe it to them—and to ourselves—to walk forward with wisdom and courage.
To those who still hear: don’t let yourself be used. Don’t become just another tool in the hands of the ravagers of our time—those who wear fine clothes but leave their communities empty.
This is our moment to stand for truth. To choose purpose over personal gain. To build not for applause, but for legacy.
Let history, one day, tell a different story—because we chose to be different.
Courtesy of MEFOUNDATION