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Atoke’s Monday Morning Banter: America Will Know

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This is my happy place. This is where I find a minute of quiet… irrespective of what is going on in my world. But it’s so difficult these days. I’m immersed in the misery that comes from thinking about Nigeria. I’m filled with lethargic helplessness and hopelessness.

I’m a staunch believer in the trickle down effect for change. But, I find that when I talk to young Nigerians who rail against all the things wrong with our country, I still hear strains of tribalism and religious bigotry. So, this banter is NOT going to be about anything of the ongoing events in Nigeria. Everything is already depressing enough as it is… so we need something to keep us sane. Something fun, easy, light. Something to take our minds away from the bleakness.

Two hours later…
This is really hard. I’ve been sitting in front of my computer for the past two hours trying to find something happy and something good to write about. Nothing is coming. Dark thoughts whirl through my head

The promises made during the subsidy removal in 2012
The missing money from NNPC
The dysfunctional carousel at MMIA
The stampede at the NIS recruitment.
The Nyanya morning explosions.
The missing Chibok girls.
The second Nyanya explosions.

Every time I think it can’t possibly get worse… it does. The Presidential media chat from last night left me wondering what was left to hope for.

I wish I could cheer you guys up this morning, but I’m all washed out right now.

I’m going to try to find positivity in the few people who I know truly seek change.  Maybe there’s a bigger lesson we need to learn from all the horrors we’re facing. Maybe we deserve the leaders we have because they’re a reflection of who we are – since we voted them into power. Maybe everything that is happening to us now is the storm before the clear blue skies.

On the other hand, maybe we all don’t think corruption is truly corruption, but just a few people stealing. Maybe we actually do think that the South of Nigeria is insulated from the terror attacks. Maybe we really believe that the militants in the Niger Delta were not terrorists but agents for a good cause.

I don’t know what else to say or think or even do.

Maybe, America will know.

Peace, love & cupcakes!
Toodles.

Photo Credit: madamenoire.com

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Atoke – Writer | Lover | Noisemaker. Twitter – @atoke_

You probably wanna read a fancy bio? But first things first! Atoke published a book titled, +234 - An Awkward Guide to Being Nigerian. It's available on Amazon. ;)  Also available at Roving Heights bookstore. Okay, let's go on to the bio: With a Masters degree in Creative Writing from Swansea University, Atoke hopes to be known as more than just a retired foodie and a FitFam adherent. She can be reached for speechwriting, copywriting, letter writing, script writing, ghost writing  and book reviews by email – [email protected]. She tweets with the handle @atoke_ | Check out her Instagram page @atoke_ and visit her website atoke.com for more information.

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