Passport of Mediocrity

 

II was thinking this morning...... In July, I had cause to renew the International passport of a family member. After paying for premium service, a date for data capture was confirmed for mid July. We showed up on the said day, only for us to be told that the date on the computer was end August as against the 15th July on our slip. How can this be? I protested. 'Oga, there is nothing we can do. This error is from Abuja.' My contact replied in frustration.

For 4 weeks, I followed up with Lagos, called Abuja and pushed every button I knew but the error could not be corrected until my lad departed Nigeria without renewing the passport. Time wasted and money lost. Speaking with others with similar experience revealed that renewing your International passport has become a prayer point for many.

As I reflected, I wondered why we have to fight, lobby and pray for something as simple as renewing a passport. More so, this is meant to be a paid service and not free. Why should producing a passport I have paid for be synonymous with solving world hunger? In the words of an Immigration officer I complained to 'Oga, even me I tire for my people.'

If you rely on public service in Nigeria, truly, the poor service will weary you out. For weeks, public power in my estate has been 'half current.' Even my 5th wife (sorry WiFi) which is privately provided is so epileptic that I am considering a 6th. The downside of these poor services is not so much the failure but the air of arrogance with which the operators wear the badge of mediocrity. Chai!

I know a lot of efforts are on to improve on public infrastructure particularly with privatisation and the introduction of technology. The challenge is, systems hardwares are being upgraded without commensurate attention being paid to human hardware. You can't deploy analogue workers to run digital assets. It won't work. Some of the analogue workers are bent on sabotaging the system to maintain their racket.

The difference we seek is in us. Until you improve on your mindset and be the change you desire, what you have is a passport of mediocrity. Colossians 3:23 says 'And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.'

Stay hopeful. God's got your back.

Happy Sunday.

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