The little bird that chooses to perch on a rope should be ready to dance, because when a deity becomes irresponsible, it will be reminded of the tree from which it was carved.
It is only an Nza bird that challenges its chi simply because it has had enough to eat, forgetting that what an elder sees while sitting down, even if a child climbs the highest mountain, he may still remain lost in obscurity.
Ndi beanyi, ochie akirika ekwesighi itu ujo agwo (the dry old weed should not be afraid of a snake) because it has lived long enough to know that snakes do not feed on grass.
How have we forgotten what we are capable of achieving and instead turned inward to fight ourselves? Surely, the easiest way to destroy a people is to channel their strength against themselves, because a house divided against itself cannot stand. We tear our brothers and sisters down simply because we want to get ahead of them.
We are so focused on what we want and need that we have forgotten the value of what we already have. Being alive and healthy is a blessing. Having a family, siblings, parents, neighbours, and an entire community is fundamental to our existence.
I recall years ago in my village, okpogho ukwuagba, when one of the elders said that wherever there are big hands and big feet, the joy is only complete when tiny hands and tiny feet are found among them, referring to the joy of having children and raising them.
Many of us are quick to think we will be better parents than our own parents, forgetting that it is the principles and training they gave us, or even failed to give us, that have helped shape who we are today. Therefore, we should not be like the nwa nza bird. Instead, we should be appreciative of what we have while striving to improve. Appreciate your parents and guardians while they are still alive, because one day they will become memories.
This is important because life is best understood through perspective, and perspectives are often shaped by a person’s needs and interests.
Take, for instance, if animals had religion. Human beings would likely be their devil because we are the ones who raise, feed, slaughter, cook, and use them for various celebrations.
Again, consider a fingerling whose father was caught by a fisherman trying to provide food for his own family. The fisherman’s child is happy because his father caught a big fish, but what about the fingerling that has become fatherless and may one day end up in the pot just like its father?
You see, the grass that thinks the lion is a hero and the goat is a villain lacks the understanding that lions do not eat grass. Hence, the misconception.
This is to remind us that we are all, in one way or another, indebted to someone or something. Therefore, we must build communities where everyone is valued and respected.
Furthermore, we should not discard our culture, morals, traditions, and medicine simply because people who do not understand us, or who do not even want to understand us, tell us that our way of doing things is primitive. The question is: primitive compared to what?
Secondly, community living, onye aghana nwanne ya (Brother’s keeper), is what we are known for. How did we learn to exist in isolation? Brothers now fight simply because they do not belong to the same religion. Brotherhood should rise above any religious ideology because nwanne bu ike (Brotherhood is power).
Additionally, value what you have: your children, family, good health, and skills. Learn to live in the moment and help those who are less fortunate than you today. Be good to people on your way up because you may meet them again on your way down.
Finally, the poverty many people experience is often the greatest advantage politicians have over them. A hungry person has little else to think about beyond survival. Therefore, before you cast your vote, remember that what you hold in your hands is power. Entrust it to someone who will create a favourable environment for economic growth and prosperity.
In the end, if we all do the right thing, we will all be OK.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi
Pen it down. 