Abu's Story
- Posted on:
- February 11, 2005 at midnight
- Trackback:
- http://es-africa.com/articles/trackback/abus-story/
- Posted in:
- MBCstories
The decision to move back to Nigeria was made with some trepidation. I had been out of a job for six months and was determined to get back into the workforce ASAP. There was no doubt in my mind I would find a job even though the economy was in a terrible state. America was fighting its war on terror and the Bushman had no clue. Little did we know there would be more “blood on the streets”! Having just gotten married there was also the question of responsibility to my family. My wife was living in the UK and I was chomping away in the US. She, I knew was not ready preferring the west with its conveniences, its ease and lack of cultural restrictions. I, on the other hand, knew the day would come when I would of my own volition return to my homeland of Nigeria, would no longer feel comfortable in a foreign land. It would come sooner or later, it was inevitable! With applications being deposited on the daily by the dozen, constant rejection letters streaming in, supportive overtures and the belief my place was no longer in the U S of A, I broke the news to my wife – the jig is up! Whilst planning the trip back I had been assured with conviction (as is always the case here) by several individuals that “Aahh, telecoms? No problem”. Meaning all I had to do was show up for the windfall of opportunities, the job was mine for the choosing (and taking). Reality though is not so pleasant. I had my first interview with the biggest fish, at present, in the Nigerian telecoms market. Have to say I was impressed by the pedigree of people who met me – heads of this and that department. Time to wax American savvy! The interview went well and subsequently reciprocated with the usual thank you letter. “Wow, that was kinda quick” you’d say, a month arriving and already back in the saddle! Wait for it… To have a wider employment berth, I took the liberty to register for the national military service, commonly known as the NYSC. This I had learnt was a proviso for any “federal” or “government” job. Hey, what did I care, this telecoms firm was a private organization, right? So I went to camp and did all that stuff, blah, blah. Coming out of camp I had strategically asked to be posted to this firm, just to keep the tracks covered (you never know). A couple of weeks later the dude from the firm calls saying the offer is ready but would like to know if I had served the freaking country? Ha! Incredulous! Whatttdddfflliipp? Ok take a deep breath! Went backwards and forwards on the issue for another couple of months and finally decided it was easier to serve with my family business. Whilst that was going on had a couple of interested parties, some bright ideas here and there but as you know ideas are a dime a dozen in these parts. As months got on had a not so inspiring job with a company that would shame Ebenezer Scrooge if he spoke any Chinese (but heard Ebenezer doing pretty well these days, thank you very much). Hunted down other offers scared silly, literally! Hey, have to wax cynical lest I lose my sense of humor and simply resign myself to patience knowing providence moves with some effort. The telecoms firm still calls now and again to see what’s up? Hey … There used to be times when I would cuss out and try and get out of this freaking place. Anywhere was fine… Dubai jeepers even India! What about Hyberdadi? Wherever that is! Swore given any slight of hand to leave and never come back. They could have it all! The national cake no be we own? Crazy country! Would I have done things differently? Heck, could I? Strategy “Niger return”, game plan “Tele-all”, operation “Strike Joberia” could toss in me ‘ead till in a tizzy. I leapt and the net did not appear! Still looking down though, smile. Honestly, what where my choices? As far as I could tell - do the NYSC, get dug in on finding a well-connected “uncle” to front for or become one of many “chasing contracts”. Meaning know somebody who knows somebody and I didn’t! What would I change? Everything! Economic, political, social but more so individual! We in Nigeria proffer to be a God fearing or whatever you may call it type nation but fail to understand our relationship with the Life spirit. I will say it pointedly - our relationship with the Creator is our relationship with ourselves and each other. It is dreadful how we treat each other. The “me, me, me”, the “I am Oga” syndrome, the braggadocio… I am people too! We should recognize this divinity in everyone. To quote Brenda Ueland, “Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable”. Saying “Hello”, a smile may just give the guy next to you the courage to do the right thing. We, the children of the Diaspora, have a duty to ourselves to bring change within us and our societies. No, it is not ok if everyone else is doing it too and it is ok to say, “I am sorry” for Pete’s sake. That’s my 2 cents. Right, going back to the story, my wife in the mean time has been to the UK and back with dizzying frequency. We still remain apart mostly. We also have a baby on the way, which would be more joyous news pending stability. I do not know if this move is permanent. This beloved homeland seems as well foreign to me. Maybe it’s my cerebral business belief or the way my wife says fluffy rather than soft. I guess we ended up citizens of the world with no homeland. Ironic! My philosophy of life has always been simple dreams, simple life… Contentment has never been far behind. I burn with ambition and desire but always recognize the hand of the Creator in my plans. I smile in the knowledge “I am never alone, I am a child of destiny. I am comforted, led, guided by loving guides and guiding love…” (by Abu, IT, 2003)
Comments are closed for this Post.