EMBER MONTHS AND QUEST FOR MATERIALISM
The
last time I checked, the
ember months were here again. The months that mark the end of Gregorian
calendar, that invariably start from September and end with December, are
generally referred to as ‘Ember months.’ The term ‘Ember’ might not be unconnected
with the suffix that accompanies virtually all the months in question.
On its part, quest is a long search for what one desires; it can also be
described as an extreme passion attached to what someone wants or whatever
he/she wishes to possess. In the same vein, materialism is an act in which one thinks
that money and other material possessions are the most important things on
earth.
The three
basic needs of man remain food, clothing and textile. It’s equally worth noting
that the three major desires of any sane being are wealth, fame and power. It’s
pathetic that currently mankind has derailed profoundly as regards the avenue
being embraced towards obtaining any of these three desires.
Unequivocally, the manner in which
most Nigerians parade themselves during the ember months has become so worrisome
to all concerned, that, if proper and drastic measure isn’t taken by the apt
authorities, it might degenerate into an unimaginable state of doom in the
nearest future.
The uncalled and irrational quest for
materialism among mankind, particularly the youth, especially during the ember months,
remains one of the rudimentary causes of the various lingering social-vices
taking place in all nooks and crannies. Arguably, the current astonishing
increase of death rate is attributable to some of these vices, to include
cultism, armed robbery, thuggery, prostitution, kidnapping, drug trafficking, assassination,
and what have you.
The astronomical prevalence of the listed
vices during ember months has made the former to seem synonymous with the
latter, thereby making people to perceive the season as forbidden. Aside the
aforementioned vices, there are other countless anomalies associated with the
period, such as over-speeding and cheating among sellers in various markets.
This is the reason road carnage is invariably on the rampage at such a time.
The truth is that, no one seems to be safe
during the ember months, not just in Nigeria but across the globe. It is a period
when an apprentice appears smarter than his master; a period when various law
enforcement agents, whom are meant to control the menace, indulge themselves in
all kinds of sabotage or unpatriotic acts; a period when an average seller
sales food stuffs with a cup’s bottom; a time when a commercial driver wants to
cover a 7-hour journey within three hours; and of course, a season when a
secondary school student feels like dropping from school towards participating
in any available ‘moneymaking’ activity.
Research indicates that the
ongoing alarming quest for materialism or youth restiveness is mainly
occasioned by inconsequential rivalry, greed and/or lack of contentment among
the populace. This implies that the anomaly is a product of man’s inability to
face reality at a given circumstance, even when the answer to the situation is
very glaring.
Inconsequential rivalries are those
competitions that are not called for, or that seem unreasonable and barbaric.
On the average, politicians or established business men often indulge in this
practice. It’s usually observed among the aforementioned set of people during
electioneering era or when battling over supremacy, as the case may be. Some
youths also indulge in this act toward showcasing that they belong to the
ruling or most powerful class, with a view to proving that they are ahead of
their contemporaries. Some individuals often do all sorts of things to find
themselves in such class.
Greed or lack of contentment
has also contributed immensely to man’s intolerable quest for materialism,
thereby setting the period that leads to any festive season, such as the ember
months, ablaze. Greed has arguably brought humanity to a state of mockery, and
has succeeded in tearing several unions or societies apart. Against this
backdrop, it’s needless to state that lack of contentment has remained a
colossal nightmare to mankind.
So, as we undergo another era of ember
months, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the commemoration of
the forthcoming festive seasons, Christmas and New Year precisely, takes place
in a peaceful atmosphere. Hence, I call on governments at all levels, schools, the
civil society, religious institutions, the mass media, as well as all
well-meaning individuals, to do everything humanly possible towards ensuring
that the ongoing ember months would bring nothing but a blessing to the
Nigerian society in its totality. This can be actualized by embarking on
massive sensitization programme across the country via town-hall meetings,
street awareness, and issuance of bulk SMSs, among others.
More so, the various relevant law
enforcement agencies shouldn’t hesitate to arrest any individual or group
caught in any of the above listed acts, and must ensure that the suspect is
brought to book at all cost. In view of this, the judicial custodians ought to
endeavour to maintain speedy hearing of any case relating to youth restiveness
among others; such step would definitely serve as a deterrent to all
prospective criminals. The parents and guardians, on their part, should at all
times equally be mindful of what their children/wards do, where they go to, as
well as who they mingle with.
Those who are already party to any of these
uncivilized and blasphemous acts, or intend joining the chorus, ought to
acknowledge that it is only by the grace of God one can acquire laudable and
everlasting wealth, power, or fame come rain come shine. To before warned is to
before armed. Think about it!
Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Executive
Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter:
@mediambassador
