Passing interest and passion

In the advanced countries people celebrated the Millennium under the Gregorian calendar with pomp and ceremony, fireworks glittering in the sky and champaign sparkling over the floor. For them, what was more frustrating than anything else was ‘systems compliance’. When all software systems proved compliant with the year 2000, the millennium’s problem was more or less over.
Ours is different. It is not a problem of systems compliance any more, nor is it a matter of passing interest. The mode of approach to our millennium’s celebration is far reaching. At state level, it is underlined, in terms of the nation’s strategic plan that the country should be transformed into a medium level of economic power in a matter of less than two decades. This is a serious commitment which requires seriousness of mind and purpose on the part of every individual.
One gathers, under the clear circumstances that pulling up the level of economic development of this country within the period of the perceived plan are possible. However, what needs attention is the manner by which every move towards this noble cause is to be marshaled. It knocks also at the door of every viable citizen to fasten one’s belt and commence the build up of this potentially high but impoverished country.
If this noble task that has started afresh already from top to bottom at the foot of the celebration of the millennium continues with the same fervent with a renewed political, social and economic outlook on both sides of the coin and carried out in a spirit of total unity of purpose, with a total change of attitude befitting the causes of nation building, sure, the achievements will be paramount. This move will certainly require clear moral disposition and total mobilization of resources.
Of course, the general objectives are known as far as the need of speedy development is at stake. What is required, however, is how to understand as early as possible recurring problems at the different stages of development, and how to address and monitor them. These are crucial points of attention. What is more, this requires transparent leadership at all levels of activity.
In brief, the noble objectives of nation building are as clear as crystal. Hence, the idea of development, particularly the pressing move towards the planned elevation, needs steady and conscious awareness and self preparation to commit and involve oneself in the ideals of advancement.
While such a plan is apparent at higher level, it seems to me, what remains to be answered is whether or not it is as well apparent at peoples’ level? I think this is an important point to bear in mind. Some random assessments of interventions made by the commoners show their interests tilting towards the ceremonial part of it, rather than the focus given on the contents of development. Should this be an interest in welcoming the new millennium with the usual Ethiopian tradition of jubilation, none is mistaken in such correct outlook. Nonetheless, should it be a matter of taking the millennium’s objectives through passing passion, then, one has to search one’s stand from own failure in grasping it correctly.
This will serve, I believe, as a stepping stone towards the correct understanding of the planned achievement packages from the different perspectives through the mirror of the millennium’s celebrations. Apparently, some individuals are hurried up in my own neighborhood to make money in connection with the millennium’s celebration. It is not a bad idea at all. They are preparing their homes as guest houses and indulging in other tourist attraction businesses. I paid attention to another neighboring corner which changed the house and designated it as the “...millennium’s traditional restaurant.” Others are also using the millennium as a proper prefix to their companies’ names, too. I said, “What a novelty and impressive sign indicating the continuity of the program.”
Had this name been given only for the duration of the culmination of the ceremonial part of it, one would say, naturally, “What a stupid idea?” But, it is a brilliant idea because it has the bearing of the lasting ideal of the millennium’s program on it. So, let us all be careful in taking the millennium’s ideal to heart and remain committed in the advancement of our county’s economy to some height beyond passing passion and interest in a spirit of cohesion, brotherhood and sisterhood, doing away with the specters of confusion, hate and illusion.