“Nigerian can make it
ehhhh” the church sang, after the sermon, in such a slow, beautiful and melancholic
tone. Hollup Hollup- except me. 😒😒 I am sorry, I just couldn’t
do it. Singing sacred songs and solos or even the National Anthem was not going
to cut it for me this time. What were we singing for na? Is it for the same
Nigeria? The man preached that we rise to action as Nigerians, as
Christians; that we be pace setters, radical thinkers, problem solvers. 😂😂😂 I laughed to myself. This man is funny oo. Radical thinker ni problem solver ko. Who is
going to do that one na? When the truth is that if you give everyone
here, including uncle spit spit, a one-way ticket out of this country, that’s
it! church agbasa!
As the church kept singing so soberly, my mind drifted to a conversation I had some days back. Some days ago,
a friend (Mr. X) gave me a ride home. Alike in a lot of ways, we started talking about
our plans and the future. I like Mr. X. He is a profound fellow who wants more
from life than just a good job and money. He wants his life to have meaning,
value. But like me, he was torn. Was that
a reality in Nigeria? So he was thinking what almost all the young Nigerians were thinking: joining the mass exodus of young professionals out of this country in search of "greener pasture." Guy even weed sef would be fine 😂😂. There was already a plan in motion to leave
with the love of his life. Chai! It was actually very beautiful.💗 But I could smell
his hesitancy. A part of him always dreamt
of settling down here with his beautiful wife and kids. He called it the sweet
Nigerian dream. Tor, Nigerian dream ? Is
this one okay? Is that one a dream or a nightmare? I looked at him shocked as
he ranted on about how he thought he could do some good in Nigeria. But was it worth the risk? He asked, “The question is if I stayed back in this
country wouldn’t I regret it in the next 10 years? Would my kid hate me for
choosing to stay back.” I paused. It was a question I had never brought
myself to answer. I could see, like most of us, he was torn between what he really wanted to do and
surviving. So sincere and concerned, I almost couldn’t crack my dry jokes. So I feigned seriousness.
But, after minutes of an awkward silence pervading the car and Mr. X looking at me expecting some profound and insightful answer to all his questions, I realized I cannot come and kill myself mbok. Only Jesus or president Bubu can answer his question. So, I just replied in falz voice…
But, after minutes of an awkward silence pervading the car and Mr. X looking at me expecting some profound and insightful answer to all his questions, I realized I cannot come and kill myself mbok. Only Jesus or president Bubu can answer his question. So, I just replied in falz voice…
“THIS IS N-I-G-E-R-I-A!”
and we both burst into laughter…😂😂😂
"Excuse me, can you pass the basket, Its time for offering", the fine male Usher said as he tapped my shoulders gently.
Kai I've slept in church again oo 😂😂😂😂😂
"Excuse me, can you pass the basket, Its time for offering", the fine male Usher said as he tapped my shoulders gently.
Kai I've slept in church again oo 😂😂😂😂😂
To be continued…
I love the country too, but given the opportunity, I'd be on the first no return flight outta here.
ReplyDeleteI just like your perspective of life...and that's your ability to be "You" always.
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest undoing one can do to himself or herself is the refusal to face the reality squarely. A Man of God comes and preaches and you are spirit lifted for that moment and when you get home, you are confronted with reality. Where is the Man of God at that time. What happens? You re alone at that point.
You see, I have hated one thing about the current churches and that's the exploitation of feeble minds. You get a message that resonates with the people and "Harmer" on it and then you collect the tithes and offerings of those people. When those people request for help, you chant and rant that you have bills and workers to pay. Why don't we meet the "NEED" first? However, you were the expensive clothes...in short, you don't repeat clothes. Who are we deceiving ehhhh(Sad)?
Most annoying for me is when you see churches when offering help to people; will do a video coverage about it. Biko for who? Its all geared towards one thing and that's popularity. And with popularity you get more members and with more members you get "BIG TITHE AND OFFERING"
My dear I.J. the hypocrisy is much. Baba Bubu cant do all and naija can't help you. Who then will help if not yourself. And if that self says go out of this country. My prayer is "God should see you through"
However, you have always been captivating with your write ups and I won't stop reading as I await for the continuation.
Lastly, so sorry for the late reply, it wasn't intentionally done but work related.
Cheers dear