So I grew up hearing that the best way to learn is through hard concepts and tactics aka The Hard Way. I have also heard that through “hardship”, you grow up to become a “Man” and you are often better off in life. Now that I am more matured, and having developed the ability to evaluate opinions and other people’s views, I have noticed that the western world does not fully share in this ideology. They have spent their years trying to make life simpler and better, trying to make learning process more practical and engaging, simplifying their mode of training, and knowledge acquisition. The products of their initiative and world view are countless.

And from Ancestral age to now, I and the people of my habitation have spent the better part of our productive lifetime, importing the products of the innovativeness and creativity of those who believe life can be easy, and knowledge acquisition, simplified.

And then I look back in the years, and Africa is still backwards and the Western world is moving ahead.
We keep doing things the hard way with so much sweat and struggle.

I remember how many attempts are made at succeeding at the ICAN exams while people attempt the ACCA with less fear and sometimes find it easier to excel in. That’s less painful than the realization of the fact that the ICAN is only accepted within the shores of a Third World Developing Economy while the ACCA is globally recognized. Okay Okay, I hear ICAN is introducing itself and affiliating with some foreign institutions. I dey laugh.

I remember how the so called laggards in school go to Universities abroad and excel while the bright minds struggle to pass JAMB only to gain admission to a university that cannot rank with others in the developed world.

That’s even less painful than the reality we face after we graduate and discover that majority of what our lecturers thought us were information obtained in 5-10 year old text books. Okay Okay I remember we used some revised editions.

I remember how members of the Armed Forces are taken through rigorous trainings only to be commissioned to molesting the ‘bloody civilians’ they swore to protect, while their pears in other parts of the world get better psychological trainings and are commissioned to treat their civilians better- to the extent of earning their respect. (Please do not remind me of China and Iran, as I am aware). ….but come to think of it, when will the Nigerian Armed Forces review their training curriculum, ‘cos since I was born, and to date, they have been acting and behaving in this same manner.

A greater number of employers in this my place of habitation drive their employees like slaves, you sign for an 8.00am to 4.00pm job but you do 8.00 am to 7.00pm (that’s even fair) with a high level of possibility of being dragged to work on Saturday and paid pea-nut at month end, only to be told to be grateful to be given the opportunity to work. Going for a 1hour lunch is per management magnanimity (that’s if you ever get it).

And then I realize that not one of these employers ranks first One Thousand in the World. They should have just allowed us to work in a peaceful and conducive environment and still remain relegated.

Even the richest man in the Nation and in the continent is alleged to have attained this level of principality by allying with every government in power, and being favored above his competitors. This is left to those who know the real truth to determine.

I can go on and on and on, but what is the use, My Thoughts are just my Thoughts, and thank God I only live in my habitation. I operate in a global village, a village larger than any community, any Country and any Continent. A Village more resourceful than the cartel of several communities, more engaging and conducive to live in. A village overwhelmed by its own power and ability. A village powered by Networking.

But should my community not contribute its quota to this village? Should this place of my habitation be known for only receiving and not giving?

When will I be told of the good deeds of my community, when will I be told of the present contributions of my community to this global village, and not its ancient contributions of the 70s and 80s

My thoughts of the Community I grew up with, and questions also directed at my humble self.

Oluwaseun Oyekoya