Nigerians are suffering and smiling

SIR: Living in Nigeria is like a bitter and sweet symphony.  Nature endowed the nation with abundant beauties.  The landscape across the country is like a bed of green grass.  Flourishing vegetation in various regions makes an awesome basket of exquisite delights.  The sun glows soothingly like a lover’s gentle eyes.  Its beaming in dry season can cause a stranger to run under the shade, trees big as giant umbrellas comfortingly cover the open spaces.  Natives sweating under colourful clothing stir wonders to the imagination.  They excitedly go about their business with soaking handkerchief in their hands mopping their brows.  The sound of the exotic languages in the market places is like an orchestra.
Nigerians must have been made of a special breed.  Farmers, traders, civil servants, students; the society wakes every morning to start the crucial exercise to make a living.  There is no steady power supply, no running water, no good roads; all the modern amenities that make life livable are a luxury to the masses.  Yet like soldiers in a war front, they carry on.  They gather in their houses, churches, bars, and other rendezvous at the end of the day and let off steam like a boiling pot.  They infuse their lives with joy.
A village clown once observed that you do not need money to live in Nigeria.  He explained that there are many social events going on every day of the week.  He looks for posters for news about where there is a wedding, wine carrying, funerals, chieftaincy celebrations, thanksgiving and numerous other occasions.  He dresses up in his best clothe and goes to these events.  There is no invitation required to get reception.  Some days he is so drunk and ate so much that he is tired to meet up to all his engagements.  He is dumbfounded that people want to leave Nigeria to travel anywhere in the world to live.
Here profoundly may lie the secret of the smiling faces one sees all over the country.  An average Nigerian toils day and night under excruciating circumstances to become successful.  The first thing he does once he has money is to have a lavish occasion to demonstrate to his community that he has achieved social status.  The size of one’s event is the measure of his acceptance.  The recognition accords him honor and respect.  In some unfortunate situations, folks are confronted with social pressure.  They sell their land, personal properties or borrow money to have a flamboyant funeral for example.
Nigerians at their best have a culture of celebration.  They dance at festivals, churches, funerals, weddings and every other occasion.  There is no situation that they do not as a custom to turn into a celebration.  This tradition may appear infantile.  However, it seems to help the society overcome like it does with the perpetual onslaught of injustice peppered by a corrupt political system.  They sing always thanking God for everything.
The melody is sweet.  Under the moonlight, the sky is blue.  The land provides fresh harvest all season.  The people march jubilantly to welcome each dawn.  There will be rainfall.  There will be sunshine.  Nature made the weather kind.  Nigerians close their eyes at night and live the fantasy.  They have the magic to create happiness.

• Pius Okaneme
Umuoji, Anambra State.