Finding peace amid hardship (II) – Our Security, Our Peace by Prof. O.E Bassey

Finding peace amid hardship can be a daunting task. It is an economic tide that challenges one’s mental health as twice as it does challenge one’s financial health. If things are not properly managed, it could spiral into disastrous results that could end up being a problem to the government and the individuals themselves. This explains why the first edition of this series majored on the government and their inevitable role towards ensuring that the peace and order in the society is maintained while work is ongoing to see that a much better economic tide is ushered in as soon as possible.

While the government indeed has its own work cut out to see that the country holds together irrespective of the economic challenges, the people themselves have a duty to themselves and the state to ensure that together we go through this phase in peace and harmony, for only on such wings can we enter into the next phase without colossal regrets or losses irreplaceable.

It’s already a hard phase, making it harder for ourselves should be the least of our priorities. Therefore, here are some important qualities we must hold on to at this peculiar time:

Authenticity

We must remain true to ourselves and who we are as a people at this time. We must not get swayed by violence or crime. We must remain original, bound by national values for the posterity of our nation.

Stay Motivated

It is not unlikely to get demotivated at times like this, but we must not give in to such low. We must continually stay motivated, as it is only by such means, we would be able to stay afloat in this season.

 Choose wisely

Your choices must be informed. This is not the time to make hasty, irrational and unguarded decisions. You must choose wisely to avoid regrets or wastage.

Resilience

The times are tough but we must not give in to despair. We must continue to strive, remain strong and optimistic regardless of the economic challenges being battled with. If we don’t give up, we are closer to our victory than ever.

Adaptability

It’s checkered time. Things would move at variance. Our ability to adapt would determine our ability to survive and remain at peace while we navigate together out of the economic rot.

Emotional Intelligence

The management of one’s emotions other than the suppression or dissipation of them. A lot of things and some people are bound to want to get at you, eliciting reactions off your emotions. If not properly managed, the emotion you choose to express and how you express it can be the difference between peace and chaos for you.

Compassion

The ability to show love and care. This must begin right with yourself, before you can pass it on to others. You need a lot of self-care and self-love at this time. Show yourself some compassion, be gentle on yourself, use kind words on yourself, and appreciate yourself.

Social Capital

At seasons like this, isolation is never a strategy. This is a time you need people for support. Psychologically, socially, emotionally, financially, didactically. Drawing on your social capital or investing and expanding your social capital at this time is necessary as much as you ensure you are bringing value to the table.

Gratitude

Find something everyday to be grateful for. The act of gratitude is the cheapest medicine anyone can have access to. Its remedies are quick and wide that if you invest in being intentional about being grateful for the blessings you have amid the hardship – because indeed you do have – it gives you a renewed zeal, spirit and fervour to take on anything and stay happy and peaceful.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4.

Meanwhile, I am delighted to inform you that come October, 1, 2024, we at NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary.

To this end is our campaign to spread the education of peace leadership to both the old as young, women and children in various places from corporate organisations, to political organizations, worship centers, educational institutions, markets and communities.

It is in our belief that the more educated the people are in respect to peace leadership, the more peaceful our country will become.

So this is a call-to-action, to hop on our Peace campaign train, to arm yourself, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your congregation with contemporary peace leadership knowledge that makes for a happier and more fulfilled life, personally and collectively.

Kindly call or send a message on Whatsapp to +2347065828892, to be a beneficiary of this.

Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Leadership, Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution Coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.

He has served and interacted at the top level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.

A professor of Peace Advocacy and Conflict Resolution, Ofonime is a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.

With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa. Currently, he is the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute famous for Peace Leadership.

Presently, he is spearheading a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders”, a campaign that is billed to run from 2022-2030 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.

For leadership, conflict, peace and security consultations and trainings, reach him via:

Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey

LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey

Twitter: Dr. O.E Bassey

WhatsApp: +2347065828892

Mail: emmanuelbassey@gmail.com