The burden of conscience 1

The time was somewhere around 10:00 pm. As I approached the gate to my compound, the little children scrambled to towards the gate. Each one tried to outrun the other. Their mission is, ‘To be the first to get to the gate and open it.’ The little, sinewy one was the first to get there and started to open the gate. She was soon joined by about three to four others; some grab one wing of the get, the others grab the second. I drive through and park. As I gathered my belongings, they continue fumbling with the gate, even when the gate is now securely closed. As they fumbled, they glanced over their shoulder, furtively; they are reading my body language. Is he going to drop something today or will today’s wage be a mere ‘thank you friends?’

They were the children of indigent parents, living in the neighbourhood. My heart always goes out to them; they arouse critical questions in my conscience.

But they are not alone. As I traverse the various regions of the country, I have noticed a common thread of message running throughout the land. There is palpable fear and despondency, often attributed to the pervading socio-economic situation in country. Skyrocketing prices coupled with diminishing incomes are placing severe burdens on families and children are often severely affected.

Everywhere, I see children and teenagers hawking in the streets when schools are in session; I see malnourished children begging alms all over, not to mention adults. East, West, North and south, the story is the same though the prevalence may differ. I think of these classes of people, and I ask myself, ‘what is their hope? What is their future?’

Conversely, I have looked at toddlers and children, though from average families, and I asked myself, ‘What is the plan of society for these ones? What conditions would they grow up to meet?’ With the rapidly deteriorating economic situation in the land, I feel for them.

What about the rich? Well, it may be fairly well with them today. But it will not always be well with them unless there is a change. Even today, some are unable to go to their home town. With time, no where will be safe for anybody.

The aforementioned issues constitute a moral burden on my conscience. Who will bell the cat? What would be my role? Do I wait for someone else, who may be waiting for someone else, who may equally be waiting for someone else to make the change so that no one takes steps to change the situation? No!

Therefore, I start doing my bit. It is a moral burden for me. Come along, let’s build! It is our collective responsibility to transform Nigeria, and Africa for Africans.

It is possible!