Today, I had the privilege of attending the much-anticipated launch of “It is imPossible”, the profound and deeply stirring work by Udo Jude Ilo. This book, with its title crossing out the “im” to reveal the words “It is Possible,” captures the essence of resilience and unyielding hope in the face of adversity—a perfect metaphor for the journey of change, not just in Nigeria but across the world.
The room buzzed with an energy that reflected the urgency and importance of the message Jude Ilo so eloquently conveys in his book. It was a message that resonated deeply, especially for those who, despite countless setbacks, remain resolute in their commitment to making a difference. As Ilo pointed out during his address, “Those who are dedicated to destroying Nigeria have not given up… why should we give up trying to make it a better place?”
These words pierced through the audience, hitting a nerve that too often goes unnoticed in our struggle for progress. The truth is, there are forces working tirelessly to dismantle what is good and right in this world. Yet, we must ask ourselves: if they are relentless in their destruction, how much more relentless should we be in building something better? Giving up is simply not an option.
Ilo reminds us of the complexity of the problems we face. He humbly admitted, “The closer I get to the problem, the more I become ignorant.” It’s a striking realization—that the more we learn, the more we understand just how vast and deeply rooted our challenges are. But ignorance, in this sense, is not a weakness; it’s an invitation to stay curious, to keep asking the hard questions, and to never settle for incomplete answers. It is a call to engage, to immerse ourselves in the work of transformation, knowing that clarity only comes through action and effort.
One of the most powerful messages from Ilo is the connection between personal growth and collective responsibility. “The only way you can do anything for yourself is to do something for somebody else.” At the heart of true change lies the simple but profound act of caring for others.
