Driving into the city in the early hours of the morning. Amidst the oohs and ahhs of the magnificence before us, one of the ladies told of an uncle who says he didn't like to visit Dubai. I was of course prompted to ask why? Who wouldn't want to visit this loveliness? I was puzzled until she went on to explain. According to her uncle, Dubai and Nigeria were on the same scale developmentally 25yrs ago. But now in comparism with Nigeria, it saddens him coming to Dubai to be faced with how well they have done and how far they have come. A sadness that resonates with me.
And as I soaked in the wonder of their serene and beatific environment, my mind unavoidably channels homewards to Nigeria. Churning in comparism at the beauty of how a system and its people can be developed to work. Why can't this be same back home I wondered. What is it about the people and countries that have been able to achieve these outstanding results that daily elude us in Nigeria. What is it about their mindset that they are able to achieve and deliver successful developments?
In my short stay in the 'city that never sleeps' everyday was a wonder, a reason to wake up and go. I couldn't get enough of the beautiful scenery, the seemingly out of this world architecture, the orderliness, the commitment to service, clean air, everything worked, people seemed to know what was right and did it.
I remember walking out to the 'taxi pool' at one of the malls. The amazing line up of taxis streaming in and out. The passengers not needing to be directed queued and boarded orderly. I observed the 'control wardens' each carrying out their duties with courtesy and dignity of labour. The one who had to blow the whistle did so timely, the one who had to flag out the taxis did so precisely, and the taxis filed in, filled out and drove away almost like clockwork. There were no shouts, curses or chaos. The system worked seamlessly. I went to the mall to shop and got sold on proof that it is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.
The road network was amazing not to mention peaceful. With my reluctance towards driving, those roads would have wooed me. No blaring horns or congested pile ups. Wide, open and welcoming. Stretched expanse of smooth tar unblemished with unnecessary speed bumps not to imagine potholes. Clean, well lit at night streets and no trash littering anywhere. You could walk the streets day or night without fear or intimidation. I doubt I spotted any 'police man', traffic wardens or the equivalent of our numerous 'security/road traffic enforcement brigade' yet there were no congestion or disregard for traffic rules and regulations. It is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.
I saw good service, delivered professionally with a human touch. At our hotel, the staff exemplified hospitality. It didn't matter if it was the cleaner, the doorman or the manager. Everyone was courteous. There was evident willingness to assist. Your coffee was brought with a smile. Your bags were taken and stowed politely without any expectations of a tip. It is their job or duty and they did it. You were met at the elevators by chance and your day was pleasantly inquired after. They understood you were the guest and the reason for their business or employment. All around I saw a people who took pride in labour whatever the capacity. Neat and smartly attired. It is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.
On the desert safari adventure, I was irrevocably affirmed on my 'it is possible' mindset and campaign. An exhilarating ride through the desert, roaring up, cresting and plummeting down the impressive sand dunes. A waste land creatively transformed into a revenue generating structure. You paid to get your adrenaline junkie rush or be scared out of your mind. Entertained and treated to a night of culture etc. I think to myself, if the desert famed for its unfriendly and harsh conditions can be put to such good use, how much more the many abounding human friendly resources in Nigeria. It is possible. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.
Dubai was fun, a fantastic getaway. A marvel, a place of affirmation. A tangible example that an effective working system can emerge from a 'can do' mindset translated in action.
So impressed was I with the city called Dubai that I began following His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and constitutional monarch of Dubai. Described as an embodiment of energetic and successful leadership. A man who has made promises and kept them, insisted on excellence and achieved nothing less. A description that tells a great deal on how and why Dubai is the city we see today and their milestones for the future.
On April 7 he tweeted on his twitter page.
'I believe happiness comes from within. The govt's job is to facilitate people's lives & create opportunities for its citizens to be happier'
'I disagree with many who say “people's satisfaction cannot be realized”. I think people's satisfaction, welfare & happiness are achievable.'
A mindset of possibilities. If it is possible in Dubai, it is possible in Nigeria.
SPICY Chrysalis - Speak. Positively. to Inspire. and Cause. to Yield!
April 2012
