By Adewale Adetoyese
While struggling to get monies to feel fly and entertain guests coming for my forthcoming wedding ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday; March 26, 2022, I was asked to submit documents as a part of the team of the Arole Oduduwa; Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s team to a country in the American continent, so I did gladly to at least have my first ever international traveling experience.
However, my joy was paused when I heard that the much anticipated trip would be preceded by another international trip to France. So I said, let me face front and sustain my wedding preparations.
“Hello Toyese, we are visiting France and you are coming with us”, That was the striking voice of my boss; Ooni’s Director of Media & Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, speaking with all confidence like that of a consular with stamp in his right hand to issue me the required visa.
“Iyawo mi, Oga said I’ll be visiting Paris next week.” I shared the news with my lady who smiled like a doubting Thomas, mocking me as she said “So your American trip has suddenly changed to France”.
So on the first day of the 3rd month in the unforgettable year 2022, I bounced like Burna Boy into the International wing of the Muritala Airport (MM1), to soar in the booked Air France aircraft after changing my few Naira to Euro from our brothers from the North, if you like call them Abokis 🤣.
It was at the airport I knew much about the stories I have been writing about the poor state of our supposed-valuable Naira notes. In short, I changed at the rate of N650 to one Euro. My pregnant pocket was midwived and had to leave Nigeria with only three pieces of Euro 💶 notes. Don’t ask me how much 😜
Because I have seen Paris, I say with all fairness to my beloved country that my view about the much screamed-about Muritala International Airport is that of an underdeveloped edifice, a supposed neat corridor riddled with corruption and other menace. So heartbreaking, our International Airport has always been under construction.
It was at Nigeria’s airport that you need to off your shoes 👟, raised your hands up like that of a suspected armed robber and turn 360% in order to be checked in for your flight ✈️. I nearly wept when I was honourably checked into another man’s country with the world ‘Merci’ after a seamless technological process which took only few minutes.
Upon entry into Europe through France, I was made to see a world of ease, human development and capacity building. A world devoid of stress, abuse and what we call the Nigerian factor.
Aside from the chilled weather 🌡️, I dare say that I have seen half of gadgets that I came in contact with in Paris in Nigeria. As a journalist, I have had chances of visiting homes of notable personalities furnished with facilities similar to that of Paris and the heartbreaking question is why do they refuse to import the development seen abroad to Nigeria?
Should I start mentioning their names? Top on my list is President Muhammadu Buhari who won’t stop visiting his UK doctors despite the privilege he has to improve our health care sector as the President and Commander-in-Chief.
Fellow Nigerians, it is a mere waste of time to think that Nigeria can attain the height of European countries in a day, because these nations have been modern and civilized over hundred of years before coming to Africa.
You may not agree with me but I can show you that there are skyscrapers of over 200-year-old in Paris. So, I challenge you to show me the skyscraper in your hometown during such moment of yore. Let’s leave argument and face front abeg 🥳
Dear Africans, the only thing that can freak these Europeans and other parts of the world is our culture and tradition because they don’t have such. Any other thing, they have it in abundance.
So I urge Nigerians and Africans to be serious with their future and take their culture seriously as it is the only thing that can bring international exchange to Africa.
I saw a lot about the European ways of life, resources and other amenities but it’ll definitely be an indictment on myself to talk down the Federal Republic of Nigeria, so I wish to stop here and challenge major stakeholders on proper nation building.
I am so sorry that this material took longer time that my promise, I’m sure you all know about my wedding prep 😘…… See you all on Saturday, March 26. Love you all 😘💟😘
