The Moses Phenomenon - by Oluseyi Vandy

Reflecting on this remarkable nation can provoke various emotions from anyone, such as love, frustration, anger, and the need to take action. I've come to realize something significant. The responsibility of leadership or the path of a savior is never an easy one. I use the term "responsibility" because that's exactly what it is. While others lead carefree lives, you constantly remain aware of not just yourself, but also of your surroundings. You are conscious of how you and those around you are impacted by harsh conditions. Moreover, you hold yourself to a higher standard because, unlike others, you can't help but feel the need to address these issues. This can be as simple as acknowledging that something is wrong. Throughout history, there have been numerous great men and women who have been called saviors, standing up and standing out when their people needed them. They brought their people together, instilling belief and trust. We often hear the inspiring stories that propelled these individuals into the spotlight, like Moses, but there is a darker side to their journeys. Moses, for instance, never made it to the promised land. Many Nigerians have mentioned that "Nigeria(ns) are not worth fighting for." However, I'm sure you can think of a list of individuals who have not only risked their own lives and health, but also those of their friends and family. They did so not for personal gain, but because they could not bear the suffering any longer. They wanted those around them to believe that life held more than mere survival. Sadly, the reward they receive is often unjust. The very people they fought for may turn against them and tarnish their efforts, or when these helpers face adversity or are attacked, instead of receiving support from the people they fought for, they are met with silence. In some instances, after these individuals are no longer around, their people return to the old ways they had fought to change. Alternatively, if they are forcibly removed, they might become topics of discussion online for a mere 2-3 days. Their entire effort is reduced to a hashtag that fails to honor their legacy or their cause, with messages such as "may Nigeria not happen to you and your family," before swiftly moving on to the latest in a string of distracting and senseless topics. If you ever wonder why, I can relate, and though I do not claim to have a definitive answer, I do believe that we do not value life, nor do we value ourselves. I do not mean this in monetary terms, as we already place excessive emphasis on that aspect, to the point of overvaluation (if we are being honest). Rather, I refer to dignity and pride, recognizing that no individual should have to beg for food or be brought low for others to feel important or needed. Every person is precious, and if they act foolishly or make mistakes, they should be corrected, yet still embraced and shown love when they repent or learn from their errors. The reality of fighting for people's development has caused genuine concerned individuals to step back, while opportunists and "cashtivists," individuals who pretend to fight for the people but are actually motivated by personal gain, have rushed in. These opportunists are swift to switch sides when presented with the opportunity to join the very people they claim to be fighting against. They always have a price and are willing to sacrifice others to attain it. So, have you lost your fire to not only do what is right but to speak up, or have you been numbed by society?

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