A GENERATION OF CELEBRATION

Is this a myth? A curse? Or just our fate?

Does our world not seem to be confusing itself? Amidst several conflicts, pains, hurts and diverse unsatisfying situations; we seem to live our lives more carelessly and with less concern or rather, without considerations of what our future can make of us or what we can make of it.

All around the world, the human race is plagued with chaos, anarchy, wars and unending conflicts that saturates the media. The clamor for division of race, tribes and culture; tears our nation apart and our religious ethics is become a thing to question. Yet, in all of these, the voice of reason speaks louder than that of wisdom and our eyes remain blinded to the call of truth to our conscience.

It’s no surprise that our society has become volatile to poor leadership, mismanagement of both human and natural resources, corruption, insecurity etc., especially since the ‘culprits’ have become aware that irrespective of their deeds, we as a people - citizens, are only such generation credible for “noise-making’ with no actions. Our complaints of whatever wrongs, oftentimes is soon forgotten by our distractions of partying, clubbing and socializing to various degrees.We are in a country where people celebrate everything; marriages, births, religious holidays, academic and career achievements, even deaths; which some people consider tragedy.

Too many people spend their earnings, not considering how much or little, to live flamboyant lifestyle with their acquisition of luxuries, such as, phones, cars, and clothing.You suppose it’s your money and as such, you have the liberty to spend however you want. Only to realize that the possessions you acquire are soon not in vogue and never guarantee the satisfaction you desire from them. More importantly, you soon realize that these things do not add value to you, but rather are such that takes from the little you already had.

In a little survey conducted recently in Lagos, it was observed that partying is a form of relief many people use to get over the trauma of the present world. When asked if that helps them conquer the problems totally; most said NO; while a larger percentage said it’s not their call to solve these problems. But I wonder who will help end these sufferings, pains and agonies? Who will help restore sanity into our minds? It is indeed true the saying that, “it is not the size of a country, but the character of its people, that gives it value. We find men constantly calling for liberty, but who do nothing to deserve it, they remain inert, lazy and selfish”.

However, until we come to realize that no matter how much we tend to pretend or act like these problems don’t exist; no amount of celebration can fill our hearts with peace and our homes with the security it deserves. Arthur F. Lenehan said,“It’s not where you are today that counts; it’s where you are headed”.  We need to deal with ourselves as individuals and a nation; we need to train our minds to understand that the future is more important than the moment.