THE AFTERMATH (COVID 19)

Sitting in my room, my thoughts begin to roam, I think about this COVID lockdown and post COVID and I know there will be a mind shift in the way we do things even as Nigerians. Working remotely might be a consideration in some workplaces, business appointments too might be virtual, we spend so much time in traffic, especially in metropolitan areas like Lagos, just to get to an appointment and in some cases only to find out that the person to see is not around,  and having to leave hours before an appointment. We have wasted so many man-hours. Even interviews at least the first part could be Virtual.

Before the COVID pandemic, applicants in some companies could go through two or three stages of interviews, all in person. In the area of parties and celebrations, I am thinking there will be a fine-tuning of our owambe parties which is famous for dressing with our aso Ebi and gele of different colours, shapes and sizes,  topped with high heels, with a flat slippers in a  carrier bag somewhere, waiting to be worn at a  point during the party ( don't ask me why )  with the party Jollof that somehow always taste differently from the homemade Jollof, the crowd, the band,  dancing and banter is what defines us as Nigerians and Africans.  I have seen really interesting and creative videos of Virtual parties in the lockdown with celebrants dancing alone all dressed up, people zooming from all over rejoicing with the celebrant.

Truth is, it may not be what we are definitely used to as Nigerians, but  I see creativity at play, and people finding ways around a bad situation. For all you know, another new way of celebration has evolved. I  saw a funny picture of a lady gaily dressed with her gele and aso Ebi and of course, a matching face mask😃😃 which seemed to be on sale alongside the aso Ebi😃😃.if nothing else the fear of COVID will act as crowd control and people will probably think twice before having a get together than before and if you ask me its money saved O.

Even funerals which is supposed to be a sober home call, no matter the person's age , which n   sometime be  overridden by a lot of funfair, will be affected. I can never understand the part, where the pallbearer sometimes does acrobatics with the casket, I don't think I can ever get that. It’s now a minimal number of people in these times.

Regarding the church, I  think this pandemic has emphasized more than anything else, a personal relationship with God. It makes clear that the church is not about the building or structure.  when we gather together in church, it could act as ginger and motivation to pray or praise. However, this pandemic has emphasized the fact that praising, praying and worship should come from a place of love for God, for who he is, and from a place of relationship. The lockdown has shown the sovereignty of God, and the importance of nurturing a personal relationship.

Church is beautiful no doubt, but it's key to love God than love church. When u love someone u want to express it and build a relationship with that person. I believe post-COVID, there should be more emphasis on  growing relationship with God , than church attendance which should come naturally not just as routine or habit, but as an expression of love.  families are truly getting to know one  another and bonding, and for some, it is not fun. Mixed grill.....

  Visiting friends and family will be done with caution. We are used to paying casual visits to friends and family, sometimes unscheduled. The only reason I might tell a  friend I am coming over is to make sure she is home, that's not to say I could not drop by without notice if I was in the neighbourhood.But  now there will be a bit of caution with that because, you do not know where or who that person has been or is in contact with, and vice versa. I  hope this doesn't bring about any kind of paranoia and erode that beautiful thing we have as a people, about being able to visit friends and family freely, and of course eat that correct plate of Banga soup and starch all hail Delta friends, edikan ikong, and  Oha soup with eba or pounded yam, hot rice whether Jollof or with stew is delicious as long as it is in another house o.'  like we say You meet me well.😃 I really hope not, that's what makes us unique.

  I am hoping our leaders learn from this leveller called COVID 19, and it will make them deep thinkers, about what is important like true leadership, real and true development in the sectors of our economy..or will it be business as usual? I hop not. This  pandemic has brought pain and grief to some, and a lot of inconveniences too, but I also think people will become more creative and ingenious. There is a new normal and  some  people  may want to embrace this and some may not..... whichever way stay safe, and keep up the spirit