I have been touring the western part of Canada, and today, a good friend, AG, took me out to dinner. Over a meal of lobster, sirloin steak, mixed vegetables, rice, mushrooms, and red wine at a high-end restaurant, we exchanged banter while discussing serious Nigerian issues, particularly the need to improve mental health care in the country, an area we are both passionate about.
As the evening went on, another friend, JA, who was meant to join us but could not due to reasons beyond his control, called to check on us. He asked me about the meal, and I confessed that it was simply excellent.
After JA dropped the phone, AG said he wanted to tell me a story about an outing he had with JA and two others in their younger days in Nigeria. They had attended a local restaurant they usually frequented for a meal of isi-ewu, a delicacy made popular by the Easterners in the country. It is made of goat head, palm oil, onions, and other ingredients.
The meal of isi-ewu is credited with resolving conflicts between lovers and friends. It is also known for impressing new lovers. In my opinion, communities and nations experiencing conflicts should try to resolve their issues over a meal of isi-ewu, acknowledging that those who don’t eat meat can try the vegetarian alternatives. Please don’t ask me what the vegetarian alternatives are.
“On this particular day, the four of us went into this isi-ewu place and ordered one serving, which was meant to include a whole goat head cut into pieces and garnished with the usual culprits like onions, pepper, oil, uka leaves, and others. After waiting for a while, the serving arrived, piping hot. We dug into it, and I became curious to confirm if all parts of the head were present in the meal. I found the tongue, the nose, and other parts, except some were missing. I could only locate one eye and one ear of the goat, prompting me to ask my friends if the goat only had one eye and one ear. When we asked the restaurateur, she had no reasonable response. More than two decades later, we still joke about the dishonesty of the restaurateur,” AG explained.
What a story! We discussed the deeper issue beneath the story: a culture of cheating. Gradually, the culture of dishonesty erodes trust.
This story is not just about a missing part of a meal; it’s a reflection of a broader problem that affects our society. When businesspeople, contractors, professionals, students, civil servants, politicians, leaders, colleagues, and family members engage in dishonest practices, it damages relationships and hampers progress.
In Nigeria, while many are honest, the actions of a few dishonest individuals tarnish the country’s image and hinder its growth. It deters potential investors and stalls economic development. Trust, honesty, and integrity are foundational to business growth and national development. Without these values, true progress remains elusive.
Let us remember that trust is built on honesty and integrity. When we shortchange our clients, relatives, and fellow citizens, we are not just undermining them but also our own potential and the future of our nation. By committing to these values, we can foster a culture that promotes growth, prosperity, and a positive global image for Nigeria.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst.
