May 2018

The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve www.thesparkng.com www.thesparkng.com The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve
Freestyle
Our Society
Through Art
Social issues are talked about and expressed in different
ways. The artists behind these artworks have succeeded
in speaking on social issues the best way they can;
through art.
VITAL SIGNS
Entrepreneurship in a Silent Nigeria
The fact that mental health issue is dominant among entrepreneurs is not surprising, what,
with all they have to deal with. But considering that it’s only a healthy person that can make
impact, taking care is therefore, imperative.
- By Dr. Emmanuel Owobu
- By Ayandola Ayanleke
Some people find expression through speech, some do through the written word and
others express themselves through art. One thing though is constant; it is all done
to explain how we see the world. Sometimes, we need the eyes of another to give us
perspective or call our attention to what we would have otherwise missed.
Beyond the brushstroke and the drawing of the pencil, ball pen or charcoal is an artist
trying to pass a message on how he sees the world. With social entrepreneurship as the
theme for this month’s edition, and the awareness of the plethora of problems plaguing
our dear nation, there is always a solution.
Embarking on a long hard journey of entrepreneurship is one
of the most difficult decisions one can make in life. Even
with the best laid out plans in the world, the road to success
is extremely uncertain. Every day, as entrepreneurs, we battle
the usual ‘elements’ like decision making, financials, staff, etc.
However, in Nigeria these aren’t the only challenges waiting for
you when you “throw your future away” chasing an imaginary
dream, as cynics would say. Problems of security, power, internet,
legal issues, lack of talent (let’s not deceive ourselves we lack
appropriate talent in so many fields), and of course lack of access
to finances are giving many business owners sleepless nights.
“
According to a 2013 research
in Canada, it was observed
that entrepreneurs had a 72%
more risk of mental illness
compared to the general
public.
“
The public speaker speaks about it, the writer writes about it and the artist expresses it
through his art. The artworks featured here are some that resonate with us, showing us
not only what the Nigerian environment is, but also what it could become.
Submit your works to be selected for FreestyleX. For submissions, see page 33. To
see more art works, you can visit the Freestyle category on our website.
Digital Illustration by Shutabug Instagram: @sutabug.me
Graphic Design by Somtochukwu Instagram:
@somto_ace
Photography by Holashots Instagram: @Holashots_
Photography
Visual Design by Korty Instagram: @korty_eo
Realistic Painting by Nnadi Arts Instagram: @nnadiarts
Poetry by Bright Instagram: @Imperialmonte
According to a 2013 research in Canada, it was observed that
entrepreneurs had a 72% more risk of mental illness compared
to the general public. Although I couldn’t find an explicit
research work on mental health and entrepreneurs in Nigeria,
it is safe to say that these figures are comparable, if not worse.
In fact, being an entrepreneur in Nigeria where almost nothing
works is like playing keep away with psychosis. Still, we are
braving the wilderness and building solutions that are solving
some of the biggest problems in our society. So, in the midst of
all these struggles, how does an average Nigerian entrepreneur
stay sane?
Similarly, we all know that mental health issues, if not promptly
recognised and adequately managed, can have devastating
complications. These complications can even affect the beautiful
business we have worked so hard to build. Because we are
constantly thinking about how to pay employees their fair wage,
how to keep the lights on in the company, continuously trying to
raise funds and turn profitable, secure deals, etc., we forget that
we are actually human beings with flesh and blood who need to
just sit down for a moment and BREATHE.
*PLEASE PAUSE AND BREATHE NOW*.
We ignore subtle signs of a failing mental state and dive harder
into work. According to Mental Health of America some of these
signs include:
• Confused thinking
• Prolonged depression or irritability,
• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties,
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits,
• Strong feelings of anger,
• Delusions,
• Hallucinations and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts,
• Substance abuse,
• Unexplained physical ailments.
In Nigeria, the social stigma that follows persons with poor
mental state cripples sufferers to the point that they become
mute. This further worsens the problem to the point that it
affects our businesses, family and friends; essentially everything
that we are fighting to protect.
As entrepreneurs, we must understand that being anxious or
afraid of failure is natural and it doesn’t mean we are not strong
enough mentally to deal with the hurdles of entrepreneurship.
On the contrary, it means that we are ready to fight for success.
However, we should know when to “retreat and regroup”. This
means taking a few steps back to:
• Rest,
• Sleep,
• Eat healthy meals,
• Cook for your family,
• Take a walk,
• Run,
• Read a book,
• Visit friends,
• Attend weddings or social functions, etc.
Basically, take a break from work. Just a few hours can be
enough to reboot and recharge that beautiful device called,
“The Brain”. Also, we must learn to speak up. When we feel
down, we should be strong enough to seek help from family
and friends. Seeking non-judgemental help from professionals
is also highly recommended.
As social entrepreneurs we are always speaking up and fighting
social injustice through the services and solutions we provide.
We must take this same voice into managing our mental state
as we continue to build a better society for ourselves, family
and friends.
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