MY ODYSSEY

                Just like yesterday, it all seemed just like yesterday. Oh! My memories were like that of a new born, like the flash of a lightening so it was when I stepped foot onto the soil from which I emanated…indeed, it was like yesterday. Like a missionary in a strange land, so was it to me. Everything seemed ashamed of me for I did not recognize them, yet they did. Everyone that came in contact with me did, for they had missed me; they had my childhood image embedded in their hearts and minds. It’s been yonks and all they had of me was that image which they complemented with the imagination of my look and so, they welcomed me.

                The trees; the local breeze; the thatched houses; the old and the young; the environment and even the aura; all welcomed me. It was kingly, so they made it. Was there a feast? Or a dance? Was there a slaughter of a goat? S o you may think, or ask why it was kingly. But no, there was not any of the superfluous activities to score it kingly. There were only their smiles, ah! Such gaiety expressed; their greetings and the joy of beholding me in their little village that etched strongly on their faces made it all kingly. The ringworms on the heads of the little ones became a reminiscent of how I used to play in the sand, hm! Memories.

                Language is instantaneous, or is supposed to be. It is spontaneous in action and done on spec, but I guess it was not so in my case. When people said “aploka”, “awongke?”, “wo’olidoyan?” I thought a moment for their responses before they came. Oh! How awful it was for me—an indigenous stranger in own land? Yes, an indigenous stranger I was in my land. Though it was as if I had betrayed them, I still was the reason some people cooked, they made sure I ate during my stay in their midst. Whoever approached me gave thanks to God, coupled with the news that I am a Lion, they were full of expectations. What expectations? You’d ask—making them proud by becoming successful academically and round….

                Dear friends, being there opened, or rather, widened my eyes to the realization that your relations are in anticipation of your future, whether or not it’ll turn out bright. They expect you to make them proud, especially contributing or have contributed to your academic pursuit—they want nothing but SUCCESS.

                The aim of this homily is to urge and pep us all up to be adept in our various endeavors. We should negotiate with frivolities; we should not compromise our VISIONS for trivialities. People are looking up to YOU. Will you fail them? Will you allow their efforts to prop you become futile or vain? Think about it.

                My friends, there are ways to achieve these expectations, ways to fulfilling your visions, they are ideas you are au fait with. The list is endless, but I’ll mention a few:

• To the students and teenagers, my friend would say “swot”. Yes, swot, swot and swot. In a simple parlance, READ and be CREATIVE.
• To the workers and non-workers, be INNOVATIVE and GUMPTIOUS. Always be hungry for success. Be diligent, for it is benevolent to work hard. Don’t forget, the road to success is narrow and painful, but it pays.
• To the married and single, be faithful to each other (your spouse). TRUST, TRUTH and TOLERANCE (the 3Ts) are the virtues of a good relationship. Ah! Lest I forget, your children should not be isolated from their language and culture. Your culture is your heritage and your heritage is you. It forms a part of who you are or will become…so, don’t DOWNCAST IT!
• To everyone, the God factor is not and cannot be excoriated. Our God is not malevolent. He is the PIVOT, PIONEER, PROPRIETOR and PROTECTOR (the 4Ps) of our lives. Hold on to Him. Praise Him, trust Him and He’ll establish you and bring you to FULFILLMENT.