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I watched a world debate on the importance of the BBC to the developing economy. The participants included some eminent professionals:
- A Colombian university professor
- An Afgan former Finance Minister,
- The chairman of a natural resources company
- A representative of the world bank
- A Nigerian
I can't remember what he does because I spent more time looking at the designs on his Agbada (and trying to figure out how cool I would look on it). Everyone refered to him as "my Nigerian friend" (I think his agbada had something to do with that) .
He was articulate and was a force in the debate. But thats not the issue.
Besides, the chairman of the resource company, no other participant was from the West; yet they were all in suits.
My issue is what are our dignitaries trying to prove? There is an image that the Agbada portrays; it fails to exhibit professionalism, humility and self control. It depict a superfluous culture with no self imposed limits.The word is dress as you would like to be addressed! I have seen, on TV, a senator been interviewed and praise singers were doing their thing in the location!
I think stronger national statements can be made by designing policies that work!
In traffic yesterday around TBS, I came across two ladies both should be about my age(one blind and the other just her assistance). Out of boredom, I tried to think up the wider of meaning of this.
To imagine that her friend would think it more economically viable to beg speaks a lot about the state of the Nigeria youth & the economy. The rational society would have imagined that the able would go in search of a job towards catering for self and the disable. But it appears that her economic significance would not be complete without her blind boss. This statement is not to falter her for that action; I would make that economic decision if I were in her shoes. But that doesn't mean I condole it. I don't give them money because I believe that it helps stimulate their economy and create more "job" for future prospecting "beggar".
Beggars in today's Nigeria signify a failure of the state. It expresses the collective inabilities we have in protecting the weak.
The question now is, if you don't give money to the poor who will? I think the system will in time when it realizes how much of a threat to the survival of life as we know it having beggars on how everyday streets. When we realize the threat their kids (who will see opportunities but cannot figure out how to access it) are to the economic fabric of our society, we would be left with no other choice but to figure out a way of making them work!
I fear the coming anarchy!
It worries me when I see the boys engaging in street trading. Not only do they provide an eyesore to the already worries some look of the Nigeria street,I think they may provide more damage than reward to the our overall life experience.
I would not deny the value they add can be tremendous. Along Falomo Bridge, I always get myself some plaintain chips that has the label "pepper" on it. Those are best and are not available anywhere else even at Shoprite. One thing I know is that the survival of these dude depends on the level of fitness they maintain. The chase moving vehicles day in day out trying to collect change or seal a deal in which return could be as little as N10 per unit item sold.
From their energy, performance and accent, common sense tells me the bulk of them are originally NOT Lagosians. They move in searching for greener pastures.
Take two things into account. Potential daily return N5000, and energy expended to seal a deal. Without some spritual guidiance or directional leaders, they are human ammunitions to execute some high level robbery operations and ensure the crime culture continues for a while. As they graduate to become criminals, the may replace their former spot with boys from the village (providing another round of potential Anini.
Maybe I am thinking too much.
