NIGERIA, THEN... AND NOW

Then....
Mum would say...'Lara switch off the refridgerator, I want it to defrost just a bit, the ice-block is a rock.'


Now

... in the middle of the night she comes into my room and says...'Lara, I just thought to ask again; did you switch on the fridge? I would do anything for chilled water'








Then...

A new couple would say...'We're visiting Jos, Yankari games Reserve Bauchi,and the whole of the North for our honeymoon.


Now...
'North ke? Abeg let us do our honeymoon in our house jare! It is better to see trouble and die in our home than to die in plane crash while travelling or be blown apart by Boko Haram in the North or Abducted on the way while travelling.








Then...

It was 'Children are leaders of tomorrow.'


Now...

'Children, abeg, chop wetin you fit chop today o! Nobody knows tomorrow!'








Then...
Mum would say... 'Read your books, so you will become either a Doctor, Lawyer or Engineer.



Now

'Education is not everything my dear, whatever your hands find to do, please do it. Have you considered music, dancing or football? Ebi o ni pa e, omo mi.'







Then...
Teachers were the most respected people. They were heroes.



Now...

They have been reduced to the level of begging to be paid their salaries





Then...
A man of seventy was too 'young' to die.



Now...

obituary would say...'He lived a full life, died at 57.'







Then...

Children would come out in crime- free streets and play 'Suwe'


Now...

Children are locked up in homes to play video games that does nothing to improve their intellect






Then...

Mum would call me around ten at night and say 'Lara, please get me a bottle of drink now, I really feel like having one now.'




Now...

'Please, lock the gates by eight p.m; I hope you have bought everything you need, nobody is going outside this house again.'







... WHICH WAY NIGERIA?