A song that is one of the most revealing masterpieces recorded by a Nigerian artiste about people, who travel abroad as it clearly recounts the struggle and hardship the sojourners encounter in their search for a greener pasture. Sound Sultan enthralls his listeners to a brilliant narrative on various things experienced by some of the people. He did not leave out different measures they adopted to survive in their new clime. What is worrisome about this act is not the sudden decision to leave the country, but it is always saddening that some people sell their personal belongings, while others borrow money from friends and family members once they are in this sudden craving for a greener pasture.
The emotion-laden song recounts the insensitiveness usually displayed by the travellers, who often don’t return as they get easily carried away with the high-standards of living in their new-found country of hope, while those left behind at home continue to suffer.
I often wonder, whether to blame the desperate travellers or those who induce them to taking the drastic step and a crucial decision. As much as I am yet to have the most convincing answers on why many take up such decisions, especially at the early stage of their lives, be it for good or bad. I have, however, concluded on two major things: Social-Cultural factors that are based on discussions with some of the victims.
The first factor is unemployment, which has spread among most Nigerian graduates. The vivtims become helpless, handicapped. It is an unpleasant experience for those who have passed through the four walls of the university for 4 years to stay idle after graduation and the NYSC scheme. That is if lecturers’ strike that could last for two years increasing the time frame to 6 years to acquire education.
What is most amusing is when some graduates return to campus for Master’s or a Postgraduate Programme with claims of wanting to add more to their CVs for better job opportunities. It is sad to know that today even people with master’s degree don’t have a chance of getting a job, but are rather subjected to menial jobs just to make ends meet.
The second factor is Lack of Basic Amenities. Why this has become a problem is because absence of basic amenities has a negative effect on professionals of different trainings and experiences. We all know that in the Nigerian system, we are more interested in theories than the practical. It is no longer new that our hospitals have become a mortuary as many departments are not manned by professionals in sensitive fields such as (Neurosurgery, Cardio surgery, etc) not to mention lack of drugs, medical equipment and other infrastructure for medical test.
The point Sound Sultan a.k.a Naija Ninja is insisting on for all those who have left the shores of Nigeria their” Motherland” is for them not to lose hope wherever they may, but to always remember the beautiful Yoruba saying: “Ajo O Le Dabi Ile” (No Place Like Home).
