FIFTY-ONE

This poem was written a few years ago, precisely when Nigeria turned 51. When I wrote this poem, a lot of emotions were surging through my mind and I just had to let let them out. It's amazing how a few years down the line and the words are still reflective of our state. This is why I decided to share it again on this platform. Here goes...

The Awakening!

Gradually the airplane touches down, and speedily comes to a grinding halt. The Pilot announces that we have gotten to our final destination, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos. As is usual, passengers are in a hurry to get down from the plane and so the rude awakening begins. We are first welcomed by grumpy looking FAAN officials, then we make our way through the dilapidated airport and get to some rude Customs officials. How else can we tell we are back home? The all too familiar looks on faces as money exchanges hands so some 'special' individuals can get on the 'Fast track'. In the midst of all this, it's the 'oohs and aahs' of the people around at the heavy thud of boxes as they hit the baggage carousel that reminds us the most that we really are in Nigeria. There are no looks of surprise on people's faces only disappointment, after all this na Naija!

Like bees buzzing in a beehive, thoughts begin to fill my mind. What is being done about the poor infrastructure at the airport? Why are the FAAN and Custom officials so rude to passengers? Is there no way to report bribes? Why are the toilets so dirty? Why are there only 3 Customs officials on duty? Why does the baggage carousel seem to be malfunctioning, throwing people's luggage with careless abandon? No answer was coming to mind. Only a certain growing discontent with the way things were done. There and then, I decided to not only ask questions in my mind,but also look for the answers to them. That day, the question that stuck like a leech on my mind for weeks afterwards was this; What can I do to contribute to Nigeria's development?

The journey to development is clearly marked with difficulties, we might have to stop and ask ourselves where are we really headed? and are we on the right track? Indeed it is hard to tell. Sometimes, I wonder if Nigeria is on an upward trajectory or  just declining ? One thing is sure; We are definitely not static. This blog will explore development, one action at a time. What it means to the Nigerian and the progress or regress being made in Nigeria.