According to Longman dictionary of contemporary learners, imitation can be defined as an attempt to imitate someone or something, or the act of doing this.
It can also be said to be the act of copying someone or something.
In the context of our society, it can be seen as an act of trying to be as rich as somebody else or trying to acquire or achieve what some one else has achieved because you want to be like that person.
Nigerians are full of imitation.
In this country, everyone is striving to be like others or is questing to achieve what others have already achieved.
It is in this struggle for conformity, that many have fallen into many snares and their souls have been afflicted with so much sorrows and pangs that have left them helpless.
The implications of imitation cannot be overemphasized, it is simply unfathomable.
It has led to the frustration, perplexity and debasement of those who literally would have been exalted.
It has prevented those who wanted to change from changing and has translated our country into a cesspit cum vineyard where all kinds of evils are perpetrated.
To the student in school, it is that, he wants to be exactly like his or her other colleagues, whether good or bad, damning the consequences.
The average Nigerian also wants to be like his or her business counterpart or like others whose lives and achievements are pleasing to him, still without weighing the implication.
It is due to imitation that those who aspire to be in key positions in this country do so for self aggrandizement.
Besides, you will agree with me that most vices, minor and major offences committed in our country ranging from juvenile delinquencies, exam malpractices, armed robbery, blood letting - carnages, fraud and others are traceable to imitation.
But all these aforementioned implications of imitation are only a herald of what is to be in future.
There needs to be a swift departure from imitation if we do not want more of those vicious crimes that are hiding under the murky waters of imitation to wax stronger.
For us to get rid of imitation and the implications thereof in this country, we must learn to accept ourselves the way we are and then we can seek to be what God desires us to be by using clean measures.
We should adhere to the admonition of the famous author Leo Buscaglia, when he said that, "The easiest thing to be in the world is you.
The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be.
Do not let them put you in that position".
If more damage would not be done in this country, then every one of us must come to the knowledge of who God wants us to be and move in the way he wants us to follow.
Everyone must discover his unique identity and how he or she can change for the best.
Until this is done by everyone including students, teachers, businessmen, politicians, men and women in all sectors of the economy of this country, the implications or consequence of all our imitations would be inexplicable and its effects may be perpetual if the aforementioned points are not taken into consideration.