Understanding Nigeria Complexity Through Gridlock

By Dr jarlat Uche opara

Recently I attended a book presentation of Prof. Ugwudioha Matthias Ofili on Financial Accounting Theory and Practice
The presentation was at Nile University Abuja where he lectures. A nice gentleman, cerebral, scholarly deep, very unassuming with a touch of human kindness.

A well attended book presentation and the thick and calibar of those that graced the event eloquently validated Prof’ power of networking and good nature.

Driving out of the University’ environment it started raining, which caused a terrible gridlock along airport road from medical centre close to EFCC junction down to Dandata junction stretching to Coca-Cola junction to Major fuel station.

It was a maze with a slim chance of finding ones way out of it within minutes. From Dandata junction to Idu railway junction that would take 2mins drive , took me 2 hours. What caused the gridlock? Rain? Nah. Impatience, inappropriate and reckless driving out of ones lane? Yes. Sitting down in my car I watched with frustration how drivers in their bid to shunt blocked the road the more, creating a rather difficult maze situation, which only those with a good driving skill was able to rigggle their way out.

In that frustration, with a lot of discouragment from passers-by to turn and follow an alternative routes I saw clearly what Nigeria is. A place of honey with viable opportunities but dimmed and diminished by inappropriate display of impatience, greed, corruption, me and me only mentality.

Nigeria is blessed and favored with both human and natural resources but just like the gridlock, is blocked by avoidable circumstances.

Nigeria is large enough to accommodate everyone, the gridlocks we experience both in the economy, politics and religion are not natural but man made, made both advertently or inadvertently, creating chaotic situations that would suggest being in an animal kingdom where survival of the fittest is key and operational.

Did I come out of the gridlock? Yes. It burnt my fuel anyway, took a toll on me , delayed me and caused unexpected fatigue. Many cars were bashed, nerves frayed etc but with the help of Road Safety and VIO personnels sanity was restored and within minutes the gridlock was cleared.

Nigeria needs the semblance of VIO and Road Safety personnels as leaders on this high way of confusion and chaotic situations to bring sanity. We have been on this gridlock for years because of the rascality of our political class and the compromise and greed of the masses. We need to get out of this mess. The future of Nigeria is free and smooth just like the front of the gridlocked road is usually free once one gets off the complex and labyrinth zones. But the challenge is who would bring sanity? Who would enforce compliance? Who would beat into alignment the erring and shunting poliltical and masses class?

Once we get out of this junction of no movement, a junction of stand still, with over heat engine, off and on of ignition, bashing and scratching, we would discover the unimaginable opportunities uncharted ahead of us.

Once again congratulations Prof. Ugwudioha Ofili on your book presentation.

Financial Accounting Theory and Practice is reader’ friendly. Meant for all regardless of whatever background one has. Once you earn and spend money, this book should be a must read. Get a copy and thank me later.

Jarlathuche@gmail.com