NIGERIA: Feed now or Hunger

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.