We grow by dreams. All big individuals are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day, or in the red fire on a long winter's evening. Some of us let those great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nourish them through bad days until they bring them into the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dream will come true.
Woodrow Wilson.
Ask any kindred who has been in Jacobu for almost the entire life and I am sure s/he will not hesitate to tell you the story you need to hear, especially if you've stayed out of town for a long time.
One thing is for sure: it's not pretty inhaling this dust and hoping the crystal dream shall one day come true.
I am a dreamer. There are certain things I'm enjoying now which remained only a dream some years back. I remember telling my father some things I saw when, according to him, I was barely three years old the time it happened. But I do remember. To his surprise!
My friends, my schooling, my relationships and many other privileges that come my way nowadays are only dreams becoming realities. I am the only child of my mother but I've always dreamt of having friends who stick closer than brothers, and thank God!, I have a very good network of friends whose heartbeat I hear even as I am in the crowd. I have the shared the same bed with some for over a decade; I have been helped by them many times than I give in return; and we virtually live on the same wavelength when it comes to values, perspectives and visions.
I told myself in high school that I'd come out of the university by the age of thirty. In a few months from now, I shall walk humbly in front of the crowd to receive my scroll. I know some friends will miss that day for nothing!
Right from infancy reading is been my most cherish pastime activity. I've read more history and philosophy than that for science and mathematics. For as I look back, I see how big individuals as ordinary as kings and queens, prophets and priests, sorcerers and witches, judges and warriors, lawyers and statesmen, artisans and servers, as well as sages and philosophers have lived their lives and impacted society and the world with their simplicity. So everyday I dream of how best I can be to the society I am born in and the state where I am from. This childlike dream has effected positive results in my relationships and my contract with society as a whole. I think I have become more useful than I dreamt I will. And I have the potential to be better than what I am now!
I also dreamt I will have a sophisticated young woman as couple with the blood of our fathers running through her veins, too. Believe me, this is not far fetched as some assume.
As I write, many are the dreams surfing through my crazy mind. I see the day coming, very soon, when the dust shall be a thing of the past. I see our roads tarred black instead of red. I see our people wanting to unite and be one. I see the rise of a new breed of youngsters whose ambition is simply to be all that God created them to be. In this new breed, Jacobu shall see her sons and daughters all over the nation making headline contributions to the state and society. I see marriages becoming sweeter than they are today. I see children emancipated and parents freed from fear knowing all shall be well in the end. I see churches preaching unison and oneness. I see politicians desiring to tell the truth, first to themselves and to the people who accorded them that honourable status. I see empty hospital beds for the health practitioners shall turn to help us uproot the causes of diseases rather than spending quantum treating the symptoms/effects.
I shall bask in the red evening sun and bath in the afternoon rain like my childhood days. On the way to the riverside, I shall be greeted with honour and respect and I shall respond with joy, like I always do! I shall drink that fresh water fetched from the pond under the palm tree on our way to my mother's farm. Even on that narrow path to the farm, I shall let the wet foliage wash my arms free of diseases.
I dream of big tall merchandise buildings spread along the principal streets of the city on the hill. I shall walk that tarred road to the chief's palace holding the hands of my daughter and son; and I shall be welcome with a pint of spirit just as my father's fathers taught us to live when they first cleared a little space and mounted that mud house atop this hill. I shall not forget to raise my glass to the sky giving thanks to the Odomankoma for the earth we live on and the gift of life he makes possible for all of us. In the evening, my other half and I shall walk to the queen's house to greet her and ask her guidance how our daughter should be taught our way of life.
When the faithfuls meet in the chapel I shall be there to tell my story to those who will hear. I know they shall be inspired to be strong just as the Lord strengthened me to live mine.
And I shall witness all this and many more happening right here in Jacobu!
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