Basil Odilim
In a small, reflective corner of the world, I found profound joy in nurturing my mind. Early on, I realized that following a path leading to nowhere would always end in darkness. Embracing this understanding, I chose the road to enlightenment, fully aware that this path, though challenging, was the only way to true progress and fulfillment.
As I journeyed through life, I have observed a stark contrast in the collective mindsets of different communities. Despite some following darker paths, white people still valued those on the road to enlightenment. They recognized that the light and knowledge pursued by the enlightened could eventually benefit everyone, including those who had initially chosen a different route.
However, what I’ve observed within my own Black community brought me immense pain. I’ve seen an inherent tendency towards self-destruction, where many on the road to nowhere seemed determined to obliterate whatever aided those on the path to light. This selfish and narrow-minded approach prevented the collective benefit that could have come from the advancements of enlightened individuals within the community.
My experiences revealed a harsh truth: the Black community often undermined its own progress. While other cultures recognized the value of supporting their forward-thinkers, many within my own actively hindered those striving for betterment. It was a bitter realization, but I knew that acknowledging and addressing this truth was crucial for change.
I believe that the potential for enlightenment exists in everyone, regardless of their background. However, the destructive mindset needs to be replaced with one of mutual support and understanding. The light held by those on the path to enlightenment could indeed benefit all, but only if the community as a whole embraced and nurtured it.
My journey has been one of constant learning and growth, finding joy in the freedom to pursue intellectual endeavors, knowing that my work could pave the way for a brighter future for all. Despite the challenges and the painful truths I’ve faced, I’ve remained committed to this pathway to a better humanity. I hope that sharing my story will inspire many to recognize the importance of supporting those on the road to enlightenment, understanding that their progress could uplift the entire community.
Reflecting on the life of Martin Luther King Jr., who envisioned that freeing Black people would bring justice for all, I’ve recognized King’s mistake of not foreseeing that within the freed Black communities in America, the elite often cared less about the less privileged. This troubling reality mirrors my observations and deepens my resolve to speak out about what is happening in Nigeria, where we think that once we’re free from Nigerian politicians, our ethnic communities too will be free from our ethnic community politicians.
I know that my journey in pursuit of the truth isn’t just for myself but for the greater good, a testament to the power of knowledge, the importance of recognizing destructive patterns, and the potential for collective growth. We must aim to change our collectively selfish thoughts, encouraging a shift toward a more supportive and enlightened society.
Many will call me and say, “Prof, don’t go, we need you here in Nigeria.” The question is, what are they doing to help the situation become better? Of course, I know that I’m not all-knowing, but the little I know tells me that we’re driven by primitive selfish mindsets leading to a road to nowhere. Someone highly respected by me, who I believe holds great promise for our collective future, is making me wonder if it’s not all just a facade.
