After over 20 years of being away from Nigeria, I was looking forward to my return back home. Like the prodical son, i was apprehensive, but knew that this visit will be an eye opener for me. It had to be my make or break visit.
You see, my last major event in Nigeria happened when I was returning back to my NYSC location in Kano, our taxi was attacked and all my belongings disappeared with what was a lot of money for a youth corper in the 1980's. From that day, it was only a matter of time before I checked out of the country and I did within the year.
My fear on returning home was therefore not without foundation. Stepping out into the sun was refreshing and the sight of my mother's smile gave me the welcome I so much craved outside of the airport.
In my years of being away, my country has changed, the driving from the airport was frightening, but worse was to come. The infrastructures are almost collapsing. There were very few working telephone lines, no thanks to NITEL, the roads are death traps and forget electricity. NEPA has now changed its name to something no one can remember, which is good, as Nigerians have a way of making up names to fit the inefficient parastatals.
One positive thing about Nigeria, the people have the strength to struggle. Everywhere I went, there were people selling things, oranges, fruits and anything else you can imagine. The spirits of the people are undeniable, but we need more than that to help to develop the country. I received gifts from people who had very little, so their generousity touched me to the point of being ashamed. I made friends instantly and lost acquitances were rekindled. So different from some of the souless places we live in Europe
The road for our country is a tough one. The job ahead is huge and sometimes I wonder whether we will see the fruit of any development in our life time.
I hope somebody will tell me I am so wrong.