One of the most astounding and interesting things about life
is the phenomenon of change, the slow or fast transformation of a phenomenon
from one form to another or into an entirely different thing by the means of
one cause or another. With change also comes
a variety of properties and characteristics that need to be adjusted to, learnt
and or accommodated. Change, closely linked to variety, brings to the table, a
relief from monotony and boredom, and as well opens up a new vista of
opportunities, and makes the particular enterprise or concern a delight to be
associated with. One of the most beautiful things about change is the fact that
as long as it is sought conscientiously and persistently, it is sure to break,
regardless of how long a particular force has hitherto held sway.
I am particularly
grateful for whatever has occasioned this brand new whiff of change our way, in
the same way I am delighted to be associated with the apostles of this brand of
change. The kind of change that will grace our billboards and TV screens with
intellectuals at the expense of vanity vixens. The kind of change that will see
actual contributors to society become brand ambassadors instead of the
craziness and baseness that has become the woeful lot of our eyes and ears. The
kind of change that will inspire brainwork instead of bodywork. The kind of
change that enthrones decency and intelligence, ditching occultism with all of
its miragic freebies. Thank you, Smilecomms, thank you Wema Bank.
Chidera Nneoma Okolie, the 24-year old lawyer and author of
the thriller “When Silence becomes too Loud’ and the expected blockbuster, Not
Forgiven, was recently named the new face of Smilecomms, the telecoms giant, and
was followed immediately as the Brand Influencer of Alat, the new digital
banking platform under Wema Bank. It is not as if intellectuals have not been
recognized in time past, but this is coming at a time when all it takes to
become popular is sexism and mediocrity. This is particularly gladdening
because it is an attestation to the fact that all hope is not lost for those
who have dared to not toe the bandwagon and serpentine path of mundane
entertainment, in the quest to be seen and heard. This is a testimony to the
existence of sane heads and hearts around, no matter how few they may be.
The fact that entertainment has its placing in a sane
society has never, and cannot be compared to the fact that its borders do not
go beyond leisure and relaxation. It is expedient that this development will
serve as the needed paradigm shift to prioritize and properly place things in
perspective, and give each proponent its rightful positioning. Writers shape
society; they inject fresh ideas and dust out hackneyed ones. Intellectuals of
whichever genre, are the hub of any serious society, and should be accorded
that pride of place. The power of imagination as a tool of development should
be celebrated and recognized. Enough of tattered jeans and Western
acculturation. Enough of sixpacks, painted and pouted lips, and enhanced
buttocks as selling points: it begins and ends there. Enough of untamed nudity
and licentiousness: hell is its ultimate.
While I congratulate
Chidera and urge intellectuals to dust their pens and thinking caps, I also
want to extend my appreciations to Smilecomms and other intending brands. We
are here: give us the recognition we deserve. Thank you. It’s a salvation and a
deliverance.
