The ganja aside, He’ll compete favorably for the award of the greatest Nigerian that ever lived. From one government to the other, He spoke the truth that many so-called leaders (even religious) couldn’t speak. He dared anyone; He never compromised his stand even in the face of death. The only Abami Eda of Africa… I wish His sons just kept his legacy! I hope they haven’t been trapped in this craze for meaningless music opposed to the deeply philosophical lyrics of their father.
Fela’s music still lives. This piece is however not meant to pay tribute to him, not a piece conjured in Monday morning traffic. No! He deserves better. This piece just brings to mind one of his prophecies perfectly translated into unique lyrics that defy “classical” musical structure, a slinky smooth masterpiece with great vocal performance. Did He prophesy? If you’re not aware, I won’t blame you, you’ve probably grown up listening to other “great” songs. After all putting up just a single in this tense atmosphere isn’t easy!
Well, I decided to have some time with my family this weekend (in Ipaja area of Lagos) and so had the “privilege” of traveling back in the Monday morning traffic. I had moved to Ikoyi when I couldn’t stand the amount of time I lost in traffic. Productivity was reducing. That was the only way forward, at least at the time of taking this decision. I almost rebuked myself for making this trip this morning. Three (3) hours traveling within Lagos? Lord have mercy!
Let me take you down memory lane. Just 2 months ago, I had to wake up as early as 4:00 am (I still do that anyways just that for more profitable reasons), Pray (if I can), get ready for work and literally jog to the bus-stop. When I started this crazy life, my Dad would drive me to the bus stop. Well, as time went by, I had to move myself. At least He tried. At 5:40 am, the bus would take-off from my bus for a never-ending journey. Three (3) hours within Lagos for a 45 minute journey, bad roads, unruly drivers, too many personal cars all contributing to this. I offer my unreserved and sincere apologies to those who suffer this daily.
Thanks to the Lagos-based Wazobia 95.1 fm. Prophesy is been over-fulfilled if there’s any word like that. We aren’t just “Suffering and smiling”, we are Suffering and laughing loud! We remain the happiest people on planet earth. Wow! Thanks to Femi and the young man “wey get sense pass Federal government”. What a comparison! My younger brother would definitely feel insulted.
As a reminder, here’s an excerpt from the lyrics:
Every day my people dey inside bus
Every day my people dey inside bus
Forty-nine sitting, ninety-nine standing
Them go pack themselves in like sardine
Them dey faint, them dey wake like cock
Them go reach house, water no dey
Them go reach bed, power no dey
Them go reach road, go-slow go come
Them go reach road, police go slap
Them go reach road, army go whip
Them go look pocket, money no dey
Them go reach work, query ready
Every day na the same thing
Every day na the same thing
Every day na the same thing
Every day na the same thing
So you see the prophecy now? Over-accurate!
But every coin has got two sides. I prefer the head, always a winner. So instead of complaining, I choose to see this as an opportunity to think and an opportunity to act.
Take for instance the about 2metre by 7metre pothole just around the Cement bus-stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway. Why can’t we, the several professionals who know what is right take two hours out of our Saturday or even Sunday to fix this road even if temporarily? Let’s find out how much concrete we need and estimate the cost. Let’s put hands together to save our cars and our lives. Just 50 cooperating people would make the difference. We can even fill the other ones ahead on this same road instead of spending one hour on one spot complaining every morning. Or do we wait for a repeat of the very controversial signpost “This is a federal government road, Please bear with us – by Lagos state government”? Well, I know this administration won’t do that.
Okay. I can hear the usual talk: Did I cause this? I have my family to spend my money on. But I have paid my taxes and so an and so forth. Well, how much do you think we’ll require solving this problem? Imagine that one morning at 5:30am this spot is under the siege of robbers. Imagine an accident and lives that can be lost– God forbid! Imagine missing a multimillion naira business appointment because a trailer fell at that spot! If we wait for the taxes to work, we might just be waiting forever. Na we dey suffer am. Cooperating on this small project may just be the seed to cooperation required to build our nation. Little drops make an ocean; small seeds make a forest, time is the difference.
If you ply this road daily (you’re welcome even if you don’t) and you’re in this with me, kindly reply this mail. If you’re reading this on one of the national dailies, send a text to 07089996623 to inform me of your interest or mail me at kunlejinadu@gmail.com. If you got this in your facebook mail, make your comment here: Don’t forget to state your email or phone number (or both if you don’t mind). I propose Saturday the 29th of August or 5th September. Keep the ties at home. Use the jeans a little more! I’ll start my research on materials and cost. If you’re a civil engineer or have some civil engineering (or bricklaying) experience, your comments would be highly appreciated. Just 50 people can make the difference. More detailed plans would be communicated on receipt of your comments and as research produces results.
Please, don’t assume someone else would be there, its better we have more than enough people than not enough. Let’s live the change we talk about. If change must come, someone must bring it! Less talk, more action! Change is here! Yes to the Nigerian dream.
By the way
There’s really no place like home. Had some good rest, was highly productive, ate good food as opposed to junk, watched TV (I need to get one soon and a wife too … lol), watched ma boys shock Everton 6 – 1 (Arsenal 4rever) and what a perfect way to wrap up the weekend listening to my mentor in Church! Maybe going out few times during the year won’t be a bad idea afterall. You can call me if you have good info… lol
I hope your weekend was great too. This next would definitely be better. This is wishing you your best week ever!
Cheers
‘Kunle Jinadu
30 IS HERE!!!
7 years ago
