INERADICABLE MEMORY

By:
Ajukura, Fidelis O.
ajukurafidelisobi@gmail.com
16th October, 2023.

Memory is what drives life. No matter how much or less of a thing a man has, one day, like vapour, it shall vanish or fade away and; the only thing that will be left behind will be 'memory' - memory of how life was lived here on earth. This, regrettably has been of little or no significance to a lot of people. What has remained an issue of utmost concern to them is living a life of affluence and pleasure. But this, apparently is at the lowest rung of the ladder because it is trapped in the mire of temporality and vanity. Also, it does not reflect higher ideals like; honour, integrity, truth, love etc.

In the course of achieving fame and wealth, many have soiled their hands; an act that will come back to hunt them and their children. Truly, what goes around comes around! Those who inflict pain on others in order to achieve their selfish agenda will, in same manner suffer immeasurable pain in the hands of the inscrutable and inexorable law of natural justice. By the time, the blind arbiter is done with its job, what will be left is a message that only the wise can decipher. Similarly, those who pursued virtuous goals in time past are today looked upon with reverence - their names have become sources of strength and inspiration to their various communities. Expectedly, the arbiter of natural justice rewards such excellent souls by making their descendants like 'a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers'. Where do you want to be?

In our various communities, there are good and bad memories. There are names that can evoke disappointment as well as resentment while others illuminate the spirit of their community with exceptional effulgence. If you are a leader today, remember that a time is coming when you will lose interest in all the fame and wealth you have acquired - they shall no longer make meaning to you. By the time you eventually pass away, everything will gradually slip into nothingness. The only thing that will be there to speak for you is your memory - how you lived your life. If you're the type that loved and supported your community or the type that assaulted or raped it, mouth will tell the tale.

For those who are currently threading on the path of honour and affection for their communities and humanity, I implore you to keep it up.

For you in particular, who is using your lean resources to give hope and succour to your impoverished people - an act that the high and mighty dread, you have automatically been inducted into the Hall of Fame. In time to come, your name shall stand shoulder to shoulder with great names such as; Ogranya Dixon Ewor, Claude Ake, Victor Masi etc. And your offsprings shall flourish like trees planted by the side of a river - they shall never lack.