When you hear the word 'Africa' what comes to mind? when you hear the word 'Black', what judgment do you give?
Truth or Dare?
It would be easy to say "Success" if the mind were human and verbalizes nothing of realities. However, we are humans and realities is what makes us.
The continual uproar of corruption and the dead-end promises of a better tomorrow justifies the 'hopelessness' you think for Africa, the inexplicable anger you vent, and the unconcern shrug you make.
"It is what it is, my sister" comes the rushing blurt from the lips of a tired activist.
A concerned black once said 'Even our unborn ones are sold out already'
Black is making history an effigy of tales. In June 2020, Kahiga Governor of Nyeri, Kenya did not surprise his residence and people of Kenya when he made a big statement of his picture on a gigantic billboard to speak volume of a "pit latrine project" for a primary school located at the ECDE centre in Konyu, Mathira constituency.
"The billboard must have cost more than the pit latrine," some Kenyans said on Twitter. Another concerned Kenya resident estimated the billboard to be 60000 Kenya currency and the pit latrine 30000 Kenya currency making the 'achievement' of the governor well pronounced.
It was not pleasing to Kenyans as they utterly showed strong disapproval to such act. This led to the removal of the billboard according to NTVNews. One could outrightly say it was a misuse of a public fund or a pure waste of money.
Also, the fainting of the acting managing director NDDC, Prof Kemebradikumo Daniel Pondei shook Nigeria to her bones. It could have been heartache, or a sudden blurriness, or the heat(maybe) however, he fainted during a probing on the venue of illegal spending and mismanagement of fund. What could have happened?
The probing got suspended, the minister of Nigeria Delta affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio stayed behind for the probe, 48hours was given to name the lawmakers who got NDDC contracts, Saga dies down, well, not until July 23rd( mandate: July 21) of the completed names compilations.
We could continue with Hushpuppi, or we could talk about Magu. Still, the act of Ikenna Nweke a doctorate student at the University of Tsukuba, Japan advocates hope not only to Nigerians but black as a whole.
Mr. Ikenne Nweke received a commendation letter by the president of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari the 3rd of July 2020 due to his act of integrity he portrayed in Japan by returning a missing wallet with a huge sum and credit cards to the police in Japan, going as far also to turn down offers by the authorities.
What a shock? Unbelievable? Could that be possible? Are you sure he is hustling?
'Still, the act of such honesty is True'.
The openness of Caroline Waiguru Deputy to the governor of Nyeri Kenya also tells displeasure to his buoyant landing of his billboard
"I want to dissociate myself from this persistent cheap publicity stunt, that I consider extremely unfortunate and ill-advised…" She said during an audience granted to NTVNews.
The general belief when 'black' is mentioned is 'survival'. The life of blacks too portray the fact that you have to ' survive anyhow' and by any means available.
We probably have a wrong focus or it is the case where the 'treasures' we have speaks where the heart is. Or maybe we are all getting it wrong.
It can not be changed? Someone just said
Yet, it is good to draw near to God: putting your trust in the Lord
Maybe it isn't about black, or human, maybe it is about where our focus is…'
Being a faithful wannabe authoritarian? Or a survivor in the full picture? Or better still a contender to world leaders?
What do we say to these? History is still making.
There is no hope. However, in spite of the hopeless, frustrated, and disheartening situation, you still get up at the dawn of every morning. Why is that? "Survival".
Nine years and counting, we have heard the loud cry of 'Keeping It Real' by the renowned journalist; Adeola Fayehun who is speaking boldly on the ill-treatment made by African leaders. Fisayo Soyombo is another journalist who has taken upon himself to bring out his 'little hope' for a better Nigeria; then and now.
Mock news with Pararan is another platform, speaking possibilities for justice. For twenty-three years and counting, Dr. Stella Nyanzi still goes at length in making a change in Uganda despite the unruly reign of the President who has ruled for thirty-four years and counting with no visual achievement.
She speaks through activist walks and talks, through books and actions. She has been jailed eight times for speaking her 'little faith' for a better tomorrow.
I could talk about Ama Ata Aidoo, Wole Soyinka, Late Chinua Achebe, Late Wangari Maathai but to mention a few.
The eye-opener of what state we can be in as a country or continent as the case may be; the fact that you are not alone in the watch;
the thoughts provoking questions to be answered; the raising of intellectual generations; the foundation already laid.
These are achievements we cannot overlook.
Are they there yet? Of course not! Was there a change? Yes. They all had that 'little faith' to watch, act, and speak. They took up their cross of little faith believing consistently that it would add up someday.
Do you think their passion would pay off?
Then I would ask if your waking up each day would pay off?
Ubani Irene, an International Journalist is another young mind for a hope.
The act for anti-corrupt practice was not just for the old. It is happening and would not end with now. An environment is created, a possibility is built and no matter how little the faith may seem, the watchmen (as I would call them), that sees beyond this world will readily leap on it.
A popular saying: "A drop of water makes a mighty Ocean". This makes me affirmatively say; ' the little faith can create a bigger faith for a better world, how much more the contribution of the consistent and diligent true believer'?
We have not just watched, we are watching. We are not just dreaming, we are making. Although we are little, a man was all the creator needed; although bruised, we aspire for difference. Africa indeed is a 'mess', however, in all truth, it can be better. I believe.