The second BRICC poetry event at Oceans 11 happened on Saturday, full of energy and rhythm and with more than twice as many attending as last time. The style is somewhat different from the poems I usually lean towards but there's no doubting the passion behind this performance poetry. It's alive and kicking.
As well as the performances we split into four discussion groups to muse on such words as peace, faith, hope. Discussion is a big part of Nigerian life. In BRICC it's good to see some of the words turned into actions.
We were also reviewed by a local website. Go to www.josfinest.com to see photos of the event.
I didn't hear all the poetry as local jewellery-maker Hussain and I were quietly discussing the state of Nigeria. The corruption among the leaders here is deplorable. So many projects are started (after being given to those who bribe most) but then abandoned as the money is siphoned off. Major roads are left to fall prey to the most appalling potholes whilst insignificant villages have perfect new ones, barely used but leading to the tribal home of a local bigwig. How can ordinary people be expected to live honestly when set such an example by their leaders?
We always have a choice. Perhaps people get the leaders they deserve. If there was a grassroots movement towards honesty in small things maybe that attitude would spread up the ladder and affect those in power. Is there any real difference between the stallholder hiding rotten fruit at the bottom of the pile he gives you and the politician creaming off as much as he can for himself? It's merely a matter of scale. However the stallholder, if caught cheating his customers, will most likely pay a heavier price than the politician whose friends make sure he gets an easy ride.
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