I came across this phrase today while reading. It had me thinking for more than 10 minutes, and the only question that came to my mind was: Why do we Africans have such short memories? On one hand, I wanted to blame the colonisers, but I realised that it is the loss of this conceptContinue reading “Ubuntu (I Am Because We Are)”
Author Archives: Jamiwrites: pen it down.
Breaking Away from Ourselves: The African Identity Crisis and the Price of Distraction
It is deeply disturbing when a people embrace other people’s cultures, belief systems, and ideas while despising their own. It is equally concerning when the only role models young people have to look up to are individuals involved in political thuggery or musicians whose lyrics focus on the commercialisation of women, nudity, and the pursuitContinue reading “Breaking Away from Ourselves: The African Identity Crisis and the Price of Distraction”
When We Forget Who We Are: A Reflection on Heritage, Identity and the Wisdom of Our Ancestors
There was a time when men were judged by their ability to reason, and by their capacity to sit with and counsel the elders who had gone before them. Morals and values were handed down from one generation to another. Every generation understood its responsibility to preserve its moral code, values, principles and spirituality, andContinue reading “When We Forget Who We Are: A Reflection on Heritage, Identity and the Wisdom of Our Ancestors”
Painted Shackles Are Not Jewellery
I have always made reference to a wounded eagle that was domesticated by a farmer but refused to fly beyond its previous confinement, even when that confinement was no longer there physically. This highlights the fact that the greatest obstacle to a person’s success or progression in life is not necessarily what they have facedContinue reading “Painted Shackles Are Not Jewellery”
Independence: Freedom from What?
It is indeed 66 years of independence. However, one would be tempted to ask: independent from what, exactly? The country has not shown many signs of true independence since 1960, particularly since it returned to democracy in 1999. I therefore want to implore every Nigerian citizen to reflect on what freedom and independence mean toContinue reading “Independence: Freedom from What?”
The Power of Words, Boundaries, and Defining Your Own Success
It is very common today to hear people say, “Don’t judge me by my past.” Most people find it difficult to look back, let alone reflect on who they used to be. However, there are others who deliberately look back, not to remain stuck in the past, but to draw strength from the little progressContinue reading “The Power of Words, Boundaries, and Defining Your Own Success”
Ignorance is the number one enemy of man.
It is very important that you do not allow someone who is going nowhere to take you along with them. In a game of chess, the queen appears to be the most powerful piece. She moves across the chessboard, defending, destroying, and, at some point, even giving up her life when it is established orContinue reading “Ignorance is the number one enemy of man.”
Poverty, Illiteracy, and the Struggle for African Liberation
When I reflect on the vast mineral resources that we have in Africa, sometimes I don’t know whether I should blame God for giving us such vast resources and then cursing us with greedy and self-centred leaders, or whether I should blame the people who refuse to study the patterns of our history and fightContinue reading “Poverty, Illiteracy, and the Struggle for African Liberation”
Knowing Who We Are: A Reflection on Igbo Identity, Culture and Education
Oja dufuo dike, dike banye n’ala, oja abanye na akpa. It is sad how low we have descended as a people. We show our strength when it comes to our own brothers and sisters. We claim to be educated and aware, yet with each passing day, we question our identity and depend on others toContinue reading “Knowing Who We Are: A Reflection on Igbo Identity, Culture and Education”
Be Kind, But Guide Your Kindness With Wisdom
There is little value in repeatedly being kind to an entitled person—someone who only takes from others and never feels the need to give back. It is important to watch out for such people. They may not have much themselves, yet they can make you feel guilty for not having enough to give them. SomeContinue reading “Be Kind, But Guide Your Kindness With Wisdom”
