How Chickens Poisoned Our Jollof

 

I was thinking this morning..... these past few weeks have been hellish for most Nigerians as a result of near zero electricity and high cost of fuel for car or generator. The situation is so bad that a Nigerian, in our usual comic escape, shared the attached photo with the caption 'Even generators in Nigeria are on drip, fighting for their lives.

Last week our transportation system came under attack. First, there was an attack on Kaduna Airport leaving two dead, followed by back to back bombing of the Abuja-Kaduna Train service that left eight dead, several wounded and many kidnapped. Among the dead were a young medical doctor, Chinelo Nwando and top officials of Trade Union Congress (TUC). The TUC president, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, in a statement had lamented 'As it stands, nowhere is safe now – we cannot travel by air, road is not safe and neither is the rail. Is Nigeria a failed state?' My response is 'Not yet. The Country is just on life support.'

Then there was a silver lining in the dark clouds of Nigeria. A narrow window of opportunity for Nigerians to celebrate. The occasion was the Jollof derby. Everyone was hopeful that the 'jollof war' with Ghana will be decided once and for all. Our caterers (The Super Eagles) were bland in Kumasi having forgotten to spice our jollof. A replay in Abuja will be the decider and Nigerians were convinced it will be a 'sure banker'. Offices in Abuja closed at 1pm and over 100 buses mobilised to move people to the stadium.

Well over 71,000 Nigerians filled the MKO Abiola stadium and millions more around their TV sets with knives and forks in both hands ready to enjoy the jollof derby. When the meal was served, it didn't take long for us to realise that our jollof has been poisoned. Chickens rather than eagles showed up on the day and poo'ed on our jollof. Simply shambolic performance. They broke the hearts of Nigerians.

Combined with the challenges of the nation, many have lost their appetite for jollof while others are depressed. I encourage you all to rejoice (1st Thes 5:16) in spite of disappointment all around us. If we cannot enjoy jollof we will enjoy banga-rice or Native rice. Suffice to say, do not allow the happenings around you steal your joy, rather look up to God and rejoice.

Stay hopeful. God's got your back.

Happy Sunday.

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey