When a former president of Nigeria decided to reward athletes with handshake, termed “Presidential handshake” I thought what has come over our president. Why the loss of due appreciation and compensation for years of hard work. Recently a different perspective came to fore, and appreciation of this new insight was not overwhelming but close to such description.

For over 3 weeks to a month we have been bombarded online with pictures of Nigerians graduating from various universities abroad. Even our first family was part of it. What I did not miss in the pictures was the presence of family members and the exuding joy of the occasion. You may be wondering what handshake has got to do with this, well it is the centre of this auspicious occasion. When the graduand walks across the podium to receive a handshake from the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor of the Institution, for excelling in his or her course, despite the social and of course academic hurdles, not forgetting the economic hurdle for some.

At the point of reception, the cheers from Family and friends is thunderous for some, well it has to be, considering the fortune some had spent over the years for fees and recently on excruciating flight tickets going by our dynamic Naira. All for this experience of handshake that acknowledges hard work. For some additional awards with or without prize money was thrown in based on outstanding performance, but it was not the case for majority.

This accentuates the thought that success lies mainly in the journey not the outcome, what prize money will duly compensate for the sleepless nights? adding side jobs to meet some bills with studies to list just a few. Alternatively, the confusion and depression that sometimes accompanies rigorous studies (please those that invented school were real good bullies). Thus it can be said that working hard for what you hate is stress while hard work for what you love is called passion.
To all graduates, that made Nigeria proud in different institutions worldwide, I salute and say a big congratulations, also do impact Nigeria with your knowledge for it to resound worldwide.

Author
Chukwunwezie Yalokwu

Some months ago I wrote on the CBN employment headline, headline I say because that is what some pertinent issues are made to be these days. I was of the opinion that their being qualified is more important than the ethical issues involved or the ensuing smear campaign. But a repeat has happened in the FIRS employment, and as expected we Nigerians acted in our known way. We have gotten used to it, so as usual the 'God Dey' mentality has taken hold. No doubt there is God always, He is timeless and unchanging. But we as a nation has lost the essence of being collective. It has to do with the "self-mentality", not the" we mentality".

There is a track record, though, of we Nigerians forgetting too soon. I do remember growing up listening to the songs of Fela notably ITT, well, Nigerians forgot the people mentioned in that song. Today we have enshrined some as symbols of democracy. Some will say people change, yes they do. But when they do, making restitution for their wrong is important. The new catch phrase being brandish is those who ate our yam, not a bad one I dare say. But yams in our farm are almost entirely depleted by a recurring few. But still, as a Nation we survive because true to self we leave it all to God in our 'God Dey' philosophy.

Just like the BBOG campaign that was based on the tenets of Government failing in their social contract of security. So it is expected that we Nigerian youths set up a corrective campaign on the FIRS or CBN issues which defaulted on the social contract of presumed equal opportunity. Sorry, I forgot they have given us, masses our own, in new sets of employment we see.
Government is a continuum, it never ceases or halts, what changes is it shade or constituents. What has changed so far is what was mentioned earlier. Well, I am Nigerian "I know say God dey" and "e go better". It always does. Please, let's embrace the YES programme, it will lead to more employers of labour, thus creating wealth.

To these great Nigerians, Captain Elechi Amadi , Justice Nikki Tobi and Ojo Maduekwe may their souls rest in peace.

Author
Chukwunwezie Yalokwu