State of Reality and Nostalgia

I have been shuttling from Osmanbey to Aksaray for business engagements with the Metro Bus since I came to this town (Istanbul). I have observed many things that have got me thinking from the Driver, the system, the Conductor and the Passengers.

Metro Bus in Istanbul

The Metro Bus has two doors. One at the right hand-side of the driver where the conductor normally sit and one at the middle of the long Bus. Each of these entries serves different purposes. While the former is meant for ENTRY, the later is meant for EXIT. Inside the BUS, there is a Pay-Machine which you can either pay with your credit card or Fare-key. In case you don't have any of the payment type, you pay cash to the well dressed Conductor in his mini-Office inside the Bus.  Today, there were more Passengers waiting for Bus 71KY than usual. I was going to Aksaray to meet a guy at Art Hotel, so I came to the Metro-station to board a Bus.  When the Bus arrived, there was a huge rush to the Bus. Some passengers entered through the EXIT door which was not normal but had to pass through it, due to the urge to get into the Bus quickly. As an average less corrupt Nigerian, I was thinking maybe they will "die-up" paying for their fares since both the Conductor and Driver was not aware that some entered through the EXIT door. To my surprise, once the disembarking passengers left, all the Just-boarded passengers moved towards the Conductor and the Pay-machine and paid their fares. One unusual thing I found out was that the Conductor and Driver did not bother to ask anyone to pay because they assume everyone knows the system which is just like a Culture (a life style).  I did not hear "Ndi ihu wetewanu ego unu" or "Oya back seat funmi owo" or “Bani kudi na”.  An average Nigerian would not have paid his fare if it was to be in Nigeria. The Bus was calm as if nothing was going on. I immediately gulped my saliva because I was almost salivating 'n' longing for something like this in my dear country. Not just the amenities but the ability to cheat-less. I also did not hear "Ka O puo na Junction". Instead, the Bus’ programmed system, mentioned all the Bus-stops and if any applies to you, then you must stand, move to the exit door and press the “RED” button there, which will send a signal to the driver's dash board to inform him to stop at the next Bustop.
Immediately, I left the Bus, I could not concentrate because I am a very patriotic Nigerian. I have a great love for my country which pushes me to always argue to blood that my Nation is still the best amidst the problems we have been passing through.

Nigeria Metro Bus

I decided to chill-out at a Turkish Bar and requested for "Aryan" (skimmed milk). I needed time to appraise my country Nigeria and see if I can solve her conundrum by telekinesis. Turkey does not have the population of Intellects Nigeria has (they still stop their women from going to school while only lesser population of their men are educated), nor the Labor force, nor the human resources that are dissipated on street of Park  road by York in Aba, or Salawu street in Ajegunle. They have not produced renowned personalities compared to Nigeria or done extra ordinary things to the likes of Philip Emeagwali, yet they are millions of miles ahead of us.

City Gate Abuja Nigeria

Did I hear someone say “it is a European country “?  Yes, but what about South Africa? Yes, they have got whites but Nigeria have got the brains. What is our problem? The Turkish waiter looked at me and asked "NASILSIN?" (How are you), I scratched my head, easing out of my thought “IYIYIM, PROBLEM YOK" (I am fine, no problem) I answered. I entertained my already dried throat with some of the chilled Aryan to lubricate it and keep it alive while I sojourn in my thought.
I was lucky to be amongst the few of my generation that once saw steady water in our PUBLIC YARD at 131 Cameroon road Aba in then Imo State. There was a tap in the general kitchen, in the toilet, and at the backyard.  Also we had steady water supply in my school ,Ehi Road Primary school. I witnessed steady water supply, swift waste management, effective Nitel, reliable Nepa. I drank a coke at #1.50k written on the crown but I did not witness one thing; “GUNSHOTS”
I remember as a kid, I watched "FILMS" (as we used to call them) with moral lessons. I remember foreign films like little Mermaid, Super ted, Ninja mouse, SWAT, Never too young to die (which I was not allowed to see). Oh, I remember our own  "PAPA D PAPA, NEW MASQUERADE, NWANNE DI N'MBA, WILLY WILLY, ABRAHAM NWACHINEKE, and KOKO CLUB". NTA Aba, then was superb and the Network service was reliable. Who wanted to own a  DSTV? Who cared for satellite or Cable? Now homes are littered with all sorts of cables, Dishes, Poles and yet nothing seems to be working.
I did not witness Fuel/Kerosene scarcity, Teacher's strike, Gunshots, broad day robbery, Rape, Nudity/Indecent dressing, Cultism and Kidnapping in Aba to be precised.
I saw competitive indigenous companies like Dubic Larger, RC soft drinks, 33 larger beer, Intersoft, Kan biscuits, John Holt, Bata shoes, Tear-rubber car depot, PZ, International Equitable, Champion, to mention but few.  If you were not in Aba in the late 70s and early 80s, you may think I saw all these in my dreams. Gush!
I was hoping that by the time I will have my kids, things would have gone far better. Maybe, there would be tall buildings, bridges, more companies, more universities, more roads, improved electricity, low cost of living , etc. Unfortunately, my kids may see less of what I saw as a child, (sighs) just like my mother of the blessed memory, once said that things were better in their time (old) than our time. How can one be longing for the Past instead of the future?  People in the past were lucky? Damn!
1980s were better than 1990s which are better than 2000s. What will happen in 2010s? Worst? I won't be surprise. Instead of going forward, Nigeria is still the shadow of herself. Instead of  being at the stage of maintenance, we keep starting all over again in every tenure/transition.
Looking at the generations of 1990s and 2000s, you will agree with me that we are declining with a great momentum, shamelessly and proudly. The only good names our kids can talk about nowadays are our footballers. Others popular names on their lips are Ateke Tom, Osisi ka Ngwu, John Togo, Dem go dey  pose,etc. They can even tell the name of a Gun by just the sound. Kids now keep  sexual relationships from 10 years old because Parents are busier with their corrupt schedules than having time for the Kids. They can mention the names of Porn movie actors and actresses, unlike our own time when SUPER TED AND NINJA MOUSE were our favorites.  Is immorality development? I cannot blame the Kids because the people that are meant to take care of them are the  same people who are giving them up to death for pleasure and wealth (tears drops).
Everyone’s heart is corrupt even if you don't want to, you must be forced to practice it directly or indirectly because it is in the system. You can even hear a Policeman say " here na Naija o" which could be believed to mean "Nigeria is corrupt oh, follow practice am oh"...The same man that is meant to protect the law is redefining the Nation negatively.
Nothing, I mean nothing in Nigeria is working except corruption. Our women are not left out in the game. Prostitution is a big-girl business in the higher institutions and outside the institutions. Cultism is the game of big boys, while kidnapping and militancy are the most lucrative business of all time. At least, there is an amnesty programme ready for them and their cliques from the Federal Government. Nonsense!

My phone rang, it was Ifeanyi. A guy that I was supposed to meet at the Art hotel to collect some money sent to his account from a Customer. Ifeanyi is a very popular Ibo guy here in Istanbul. He has been here for a very long time and has made good legit money through sweat and hard work. His greatest fear is the day he would be asked to go back to Nigeria. According to him, he doesn't want to die yet. What about Davo? The first time he traveled to Nigeria after more than twelve years in Europe, he was robbed and was lucky to make it alive with his Turkish passport.
Many of them prefer to die trying here to going back to Nigeria, their motherland.

Kizilay Square Ankara Turkey

I stood up, paid my bills and left to meet Ifeanyi. I watched as people move to their respective destinations, no wahalas, no gunshots, no intimidation, with police moving around, cameras everywhere and most importantly, with smiles on their faces.  I could not control the tears because I was dying in jealousy.
I have not renewed my Permit, so I still need to be careful with my movement to avoid little problems with Police and Immigration officers. You can bet I was the only one on that busy street without the  weakest of smiles on his face but hatred and envy filled my heart. “If here is Nigeria, with all these amenities and securities, why will a capable, hardworking, innovative and agile Nigerian like me be sad or afraid? Sure, I would have been a stake holder in a diaphanous economy like this” I said loudly, nodding my head in agreement.
One thing is; I cannot regret being a Nigerian. Nigeria has done a lot for me. Nigeria showed me the extreme of the good, the bad, the ugly, which is one of the reasons I can survive anywhere.  Nigeria’s problem is not just the government but you and I. When we say the Government, it sounds as if there is a particular place called the Government. The Government starts from yourself, the way you manage your personal activities, to the relationship with your friends and family. If we can sanitize our mentality individually and say NO to corruption and bloodshed, then that’s it! Nigeria will be exorcised! A kind of independent that will be celebrated forever and everyone will be seen as a Hero. Believe me, Nigeria is not cursed but blessed with people like you. It’s up to you and I to make it conducive for ourselves and Children (the future). While you ponder on this, also remember, that your child will need his friend in future, not necessarily YOU. That Friend is not someone you will introduce him to but someone he will choose by himself. His orientation and that of his friend is where Nigeria’s future will lie. Make Nigeria a great place starting from your house, so that there will be a Tomorrow.
Mr. Collins Kalu Ejim
Note:  The content was not well edited, so I apologize for any grammatical or typographical error(s). It was just an experience that really pushed me and I decided to share. God bless Ndigbo, God bless Nigeria.