There is a pattern I call the fowl response pattern.
Whenever a kite snatches a chick from its mother, the hen cries, jumps around, and screams for help. After all the noise, she simply returns to the remaining chicks, almost as if she is waiting for the next attack.
The kite does not treat the duck the same way because the duck will pursue it. She does not wait or merely cry for help; she takes responsibility and fights to protect what she believes is right. The duck believes that no child is more important than another, and that her children should not become a meal for any kite.
Can you see this fowl response pattern in the way many Nigerians respond to unfavourable events? We lament, complain, and express our anger, but too often we stop there.
Recently, the First Lady, accompanied by other women, advised citizens to use government grants to start an akara business in the 21st century. What did many people do? They shouted, lamented, and exchanged insults. By the following month, many had moved on as though nothing had happened.
What struck me even more was that while the announcement was being made, many of the women present nodded in agreement. Ndi eri eri.
A community also recently experienced an attack from a thug well known in Osun State, resulting in the tragic death of a child. The people cried, mourned, and comforted the victim’s family, while the perpetrators continued to roam freely, like the kite waiting for its next chick.
Now, let’s bring this closer to home.
How do you respond to injustice? Do you remain silent, or do you address it wisely? Out of fear of losing relationships or opportunities, do you accept everything, even when it goes against your principles?
When people hurt you, do you spend all your energy crying for help, or do you develop a plan to ensure it does not happen again?
Sometimes, we view every form of force as wrong, even when it is used in lawful self-defence. I believe much of this confusion comes from understanding words in isolation instead of within their proper context.
If someone enters your home with the intention of harming you, should your response be to surrender in the name of being a good citizen or appearing non-violent?
Self-defence is not a crime. You should be able to protect your peace, your family, and your life.
On the other hand, there are times when walking away, creating distance, or improving your circumstances is the wiser solution. After all, not every problem is solved with force said a man when a mosquito perched on his balls.
My point is simple: instead of endless lamentation without meaningful action, we should focus on solutions. As citizens, that means holding leaders accountable through lawful civic participation—voting responsibly, protecting the integrity of our votes through legal means, and supporting those who are committed to positive change.
Likewise, in your personal life, strive to be someone who solves problems instead of merely complaining about them.
If it means taking the bull by the horns, do it—but always ensure that your actions are just, wise, and do not unnecessarily harm others.
Remember, insanity is repeating the same approach over and over while expecting different results.
In the game of chess, your primary responsibility is to protect your king—your life. If you play only defence, you will eventually lose. You must learn when to defend, when to adapt, and how to respond strategically to challenges.
At the end of the day, it is up to you how you choose to live your life: as a victim or a victor, as a complainer or a doer. Whatever you choose, always remember that no life is more important than another.
No one should remain in their own home feeling like a stranger, living in fear and abject poverty while others continue to exploit them.
Everything is about perspective. True strength and power come from being capable of confronting problems but choosing to act with wisdom, restraint, and purpose when necessary. A lion does not wait for permission to protect its territory; it observes, plans, and acts when the time is right.
Above all, be safe, be wise, and protect yourself and those entrusted to your care.
Do not give up on yourself because, if death does not befall the sacrificial yam, it will surely germinate.
(O buru na onwu egbughi ji eji choo aja, emesie o ga epu ome).
I sincerely believe that through a communal approach, mutual responsibility, and collective action, we will triumph over those who seek to keep us divided, fearful, and oppressed.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi.
Pen it down. 