As I walk along the dirty streets of my neighbourhood, I realise that what gives “abroad” its feel is not necessarily the weather. I’ve visited countries that are as hot and humid as Nigeria. It’s cleanliness, order, quality and standards.

Abroad, the streets are clean, well-built and well maintained. Neighbours don’t have different styles of public sidewalks by their homes. There are clearly designated pedestrian areas. Houses are less expensively built, yet radiate beauty, quality and craftsmanship. Public facilities are functional yet pleasing to the eyes. There’s no need to sacrifice form for function. The public spaces communicate that a premium has been placed on human beings and human lives.

I’m beginning to understand some of the prayers we say in Nigeria. We are not sure of justice and so, we pray for favour before we approach civil servants. We also pray for deliverance when we fall into the hands of civil servants.

We are not sure about the accuracy of diagnosis or quality of treatment in hospitals, so we pray for wisdom for our doctors and healing from our sicknesses.

People living in Nigeria seem under siege. There is a deep poverty that runs through our interactions and existence; a near complete embrace of mediocrity and the substandard. Everything we accomplish or strive to do is automatically reduced by the image of our country. We struggle to find excellent minded collaborators or the appreciation of our target market. We are forced to dumb down and be realistic or be consumed.

We are living beneath our potential in Nigeria. There is no glory here. Everyone that shines is an exception. One who escaped. One who serendipity blessed. One who survived.

The saving grace in Nigeria; what keeps people sane are family, faith and power & money to fight the crushing waves of mediocrity. Even then, you pay in multiples of what those in other climes spend for the same conveniences.

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