I live in a country called Nigeria
A country rich in human and natural resources;
Comprising over 250 ethnic groups;
And blessed by mother nature with intellectuals,
artisans and every good thing you can ever imagine.
Let me take you around my country.
Diverse in language, culture and ancestors.
But first I must ask,
Would you want a road trip around this
Beautiful country of mine,
Or one in a private jet?
Nigeria, my Nigeria, a country where
Even in the midst of prevalent suffering, we find
A good reason to laugh.
If you aren't from here,
Or you haven't been here, you are definately missing!
How dare you globe-trott without paying
A visit to the country with the happiest people on earth.
Insubordination!
This is Nigeria:
A 'no dulling' country where if you as much
Make the mistake of turning to greet a friend in a crowded street
Without clutching your back pocket,
You could loose your wallet!
A country where ministers of God fly to
Heaven to have a their annual council meeting with
The Almighty in their private jets!
A country where the proverbial "deck"
Has long been broken by too much weight as on almost
Every occassion, all hands are on the deck
"To bring the culprits to book!"
Thus, nothing is achieved.
Have I failed to inform you that in Nigeria,
My beloved country, we sleep soundly?
But with one eye closed.
You sleep with the two closed,
Then you are either robbed, bombed, raped or burnt alive.
You doubt it?
Please go to Aluu community to find out.
My beautiful country where to get a job,
All you need, regardless of your certificate,
Is to know somebody that knows somebody
That knows somebody in the firm you have in mind.
It's that simple!
Or you could likewise
Use what you have, to get what you want.
Do I see the ladies shaking their headsin confirmation?
My beautiful country where
The basic neccessities of life are still elusive.
My beautiful country where the provision
Of drinkable water is celebrated with so much festivity
By the "men in power."
Isn't that naturally what they are expected to do?
So we can face more serious issues like
Cancer, globalization and the likes?
If the president of the USA pays for his feeding
In the White House, well mine doesn't pay for his!
Thus, he can decide to eat like a glutton and spend
Billions of naira on his food- taxpayers hardearned money
Who can hardly afford three square meals.
Brothers and sisters,
Fathers and mothers,
Siblings, relatives and friends,
Let me not bore you with my litany of what makes my country tick.
Welcome to Nigeria and bon voyage!
(The Poet can be found on twitter @olubayo1)
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