I recently wrote a minor
examination and I could not help but notice the whispers of malpractice that
filled the room. I had no choice but to conceal my work, become deaf and dumb
just to maintain a level of integrity. This event, among many others
leaves me with a sense of loneliness in a crowd. With the increasing
number of comments on social media geared towards a desire for change in Nigeria,
I would choose to believe that there are many others with whom I share the
vision of a poverty free Nigeria, a business friendly, innovative and peaceful
nation. Corruption is a norm and with no apologies has indeed become a cliché. It has become our daily bread, drink and undeniably the only way to an average Nigerian man’s heart. Even the common man who points fingers at the government at every chance to blame , floats in this polluted atmosphere.
The purifier sects have
not escaped as they have been forced to inhale the stench and look upon the
remains of the filth. Once, while refusing a gift from a client for doing my
job I felt dizzy and awkward from pressure as I stood my ground with everyone
chorusing “Take it!! Take it!!”. The man rummaging the waste bin for supplies
would curse me if he heard I refused the ‘bread’. Wealth and fame in these
times seem to be the only motivation to work and live life. We no longer look
up to the ‘faith of our fathers’ but we bask in wishful thinking and are so
busy doing nothing. Actually, and in the real sense of it we get busy talking
and talking but not ‘doing the talk’.
We dwell in the shadows
of cruel men all in the name of connections, sharing the ‘bread of destruction’
or at least relishing the comfort of the feel of a sense of belonging. I am not
against interactions but in order to hit the nail on the head this would be a
subject for another day.
Our country is in need
of individuals who have the strength of a good character and a fit
dose of compassion amongst other leadership qualities. Leaders who can
differentiate good governance from their religious beliefs as well as
their meal times and portions.
We are not in need of
leaders who wine and dine in excess, have loud mouths, dance and exercise to
the music of their spoils and still are not physically,mentally nor
spiritually fit.
I look
forward to leaders who are focused to balance on all sides no matter
how thin the rope.
King David did not just
defeat Goliath because he was physically fit nor did he tear the lion and bear
apart because he had the best negotiating power nor could he talk the beasts
out of devouring his sheep . He only had a few words to convince King Saul and
did not bother about the bliss of a cheap conversation with the giant that
threatened the lives of his people. All he had was his faith, compassion for
his people, strength and character that was cultivated and had grown in his
heart. His plan was smooth, calculated and sent the giant tripping.
A 7year old told me he
wants to become a mechanic and I almost told him to shut his mouth as I feared
for his chances of success in the future. But then, I pinched myself
as I encouraged him to get good grades at school if he wanted a big
workshop. I prayed for him because I knew the majority would never think nor
pride themselves in engaging in such a noble profession in these times. I
look forward to a Nigeria in which we would have equal access to opportunities.
Little can be done to
save the sheep if the shepherd is clueless.
I feel pity for those
who have tried, who had a good plan but were misunderstood. The many others who
have sincere motives and great plans, and have decided to occupy, I cannot ask
you to wait till it is better.
You
may be faced with the choice of Starvation or eating of the 'bread'
If the former you choose then,
You would learn to walk alone, and move with your head
because the world remains upside down,
it
would hurt sometimes as even your loved ones may alienate you
but
you must keep at it, you must occupy and help many across the valley
of deceit to our future of peace, progress, love and light.
