In Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s Provision Of Desks To School Children, Where Have Reasoning And Gratitude Fled To?
Monday (Eke) 09-02-2026.
Akidi in Igbo is African Black Beans. It is very nutritional, rich in both protein and fibre. But it takes a lot of time and patience to prepare. That is why there is a common saying in Igbo, ’emema onye akidi, y’agwota ozo. If translated to English language, it means ‘if the person that prepares akidi is appreciated, she would prepare more.
Except for strange behavioural changes, the Igbo are known for their peculiar cultural identities and idiosyncrasies.
Culturally-speaking, the Igbo are an independent-minded people, and that translates to their characteristic industrious nature. They work hard to, not only, earn their living but to also acquire prosperity. Unlike what happens in many other tribes, it is a taboo to see an Igbo man or woman line up any street begging. It is not, at all, part of the steeze of the Igbo Man.
It also follows that because the Igbo man works hard for his sustenance, he appreciates any well-intended assistance by any individual or group of individuals towards community development.
In the very recent past, a video in which someone whose mental stability does not appear to be known trended. In the said video, pictures of school desks said to have been donated to a School in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia-North Senatorial District by the Ranking Senator representing Abia-North in the 10th Senate, and former Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, were portrayed, with a voice note that appeared to have been intended to ridicule the Distinguished Senator for donating desks to a School for the needed ambience and comfort of pupils in the School.
Not minding uncertainty of the poster’s mental health, Equity Global Reporters Ltd thinks that certain questions may have to be asked;
(1) Is it bad for a Senator to provide desks for pupils that had none before?
(2) Has it become out of fashion for School desks to be constructed with woods?
(3) If the desks were constructed by a carpenter at Akara or anywhere in Abia-North, does that not help to encourage indigenous skill and promote the economy of the Senatorial District?
(4) Should a Senator’s provision of desks for pupils, almost sitting on bare floor to learn, ignite sarcasm?, and
(5) By making the video, what does the poster intend to achieve?
The Igbo should be circumspect in the manner they project their Leaders. Abia-North, particularly, should be thankful for having a Senator who would think of providing for pupils in the district. The poster should ask himself, how many other Senators are doing what Senator Orji Uzor Kalu does for his people, in the State?
In conclusion, the parable of ’emema onye akidi y’agwota ozo’ should not be lost in the electorate’s relationship with their representatives. Let the elements of constructive reasoning and gratitude not flee away from the led.
Sir Don Ubani is a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Abia State, and Publisher of Equity Global Reporters Ltd.
