Spreading the ‘Ubuntu’ culture and spirit, by Ebunoluwa Ibibo

One notable thing aging does, is its ability to make one prioritise what truly matters. However, it is pertinent for us not to wait until old age. Otherwise, regrets would abound! Culture simply put, is a way of life. This is imbibed and culture is a web of sort. It brings people together and influences their outlook on life.

Ubuntu on the other hand is a philosophy. ‘Ubuntu’ is a Zulu word, in Africa. It simply means, ‘I am because you are’.

Ubuntu celebrates humanity, kindness and strong connections among humans.

Ubuntu, became a model, when a group of tourists organised a contest, among young black folks. The prizes were candies. The children came together and held hands and shouted Ubuntu. Then, the contest began, the children ensured everyone of them got a candy. They allowed even the weakest win.
Everyone went home smiling with a candy.

When asked why so? A clever one amongst them said, ‘what’s the point to have four of five candies, when my friend has none?

The world has fast become a global village. This didn’t happen overnight. It happened overtime as a result of hard work, innovations and partnership.

Let’s develop and spread Ubuntu in our workplace.

An office assistant may earn less but may have something huge to offer. The culture of wait for your own time or turn, negates the Ubuntu spirit.

Let’s build bridges and stop erecting walls. Walls divide us, while bridges connect us.

As a boss, how often do you use your might to supress, repress or oppress?

Ubuntu enhances growth. Number is an advantage. Ever heard about the phrase, the more the merrier? My late dad taught me a huge lesson as a child. He was obsessed about bringing to Lagos, his extended family members children from our country home.

He would accommodate them and put them in schools. I once wondered why he did that. It kind of affected us from having our space. I thought it was an intrusion on our family and private life.

He called me aside and told me that, a rich person among six paupers, soon becomes the seventh pauper.

Grow your community by empowering them, in every little way possible.
Ponder on this!

People weaponise poverty, they make fellow humans literally slaves, just to control them. Have you ever wondered why, second generation slaves are rare to find? The children of slaves don’t remain so, they liberate themselves through knowledge, education or protest. Embrace Ubuntu!

The overwhelming success of Alexander the Great, was that of kindness to his surbodinates and even his conquered enemies. He often demonstrated compassion and kindness.

From history, he was undefeated and conquered territories. There was no case of mutiny or insurrection at all. He took over the empire from his father and he turned that little empire to a mighty one.

How do I spread Ubuntu?

Do so by breaking stereotypes. Treat individuals on their own merits. Debias your mind from race, religion, gender or ethnicity. Human beings are human beings. There is no lesser man. The colour of your blood is ever red. Science is yet to discover a black, white or brown blood.

Let’s build communities, no tree makes a forest. We have a forest, when there are plethora of trees.

Ubuntu should be vigorously pursued if the world would be safe place. Everyone counts! Our diverse voices should be heard. No one should be gagged. Our minds must connect and our spirit must agree. Let’s spread the Ubuntu. Remember, no one should be left without a candy. Major on the useful things in life and trivialise the less important ones.

Kindness is a virtue, be kind to yourself and others around you. The worthy things in life are free. Laughter, sunshine, hugs, love and empathy. Don’t withhold these virtues. Ubuntu brings bliss! Stay blissful, folks. Keep spreading!

Ebunoluwa Ibibo
@ Golden muse