There has been so much talk about the fuel souvenir paradox. Even as I write this, there are fresh comments on the issue, calling for the arrest of the celebrant and attendees. However, the more I think about the kind gesture of some Nigerians I have met or heard about, the more I am persuaded that the recent action by the newly installed Erelu Okin, Chidinma Pearl Ogbulu, who distributed gallons of premium motor spirit as souvenir at Havilah Event Centre in Lagos is a gesture beyond a gift. To a large extent, it is a sheer reflection of being your sister’s or brother’s helper in times of want.
That being said, it is important to note that, one reason so much fuss was made about the fuel souvenir is that, traditionally, Nigerians behave strangely rowdy when gift items are shared at occasions and many are prone to being careless. More so, there is no template for predicting a disaster in which people should take precaution. Hence, it has been reported that some of the attendees pointed out the danger and ordered the stop of distribution. However, from her unreserved apology, one could denote that the souvenir was merely assumed as an appreciation for those who graced the occasion and perhaps in her own little way to salvage the agony Nigerians are passing through since the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) created the recent fuel scarcity when it allowed adulterated fuel into the market. Indeed, the horrible tales and endless queue in petrol stations particularly in Lagos and Abuja made the product become so precious like gold overnight and a likely cherished gift when packaged in gallons customised with inscriptions and pictures of the giver.
Of course, it baffled Nigerians that the ruling government, for the first time, could not blame the fuel scarcity on the past administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Just as nobody in NNPC has been questioned or punished by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for such an unpatriotic act. Though, the government tried to explain away the NNPC’s misdeed and the misery it has caused the people with levity. As always, Nigerians are known to shrug off obstacles from their way and move on without minding who did what wrong or rightly.
The talk about the dangerous show of love and kindness brings one to reality that the most significant aspect of human nature is to show love to one another. Hence, it is in the character and attitude of Nigerians to always display love and seen to be loved. No matter the circumstance or the long suffering condition they found themselves in, Nigerians do go out of their ways to show love to one another. However, to show love when a situation arises need not endanger yourself and the beneficiaries. It is a sad measure for the celebrant who showed love dangerously by distributing gallons of fuel as a souvenir. Clearly, in the eye of the public court, the sincere and heartfelt appreciation exposed the newly installed Erelu Okin, to a bashing criticism.
The controversy that engulfed the event made it a two-legged horse, as two different pictures emanated from the occasion. The first depicts a party full of life and energy with music blaring into the air and the people merry. An event where you beckon at the waiter, and food and drinks would be competing for space on your table. And secondly, it painted a picture where caution was thrown to the wind. Of course, the law and principles of safety were outrightly ignored despite the trigger of an elaborate ecstasy over the souvenir.
Again, one must hope and pray that the Lagos state government’s hammer on poor Havilah Event Centre, under whose roof the unfortunate incident took place, should be lifted in no time. Had the NNPC not created the scarcity for which the federal government is yet to bring anyone to book, such a dangerous motive of using fuel as souvenir would not arise. One fussy thing about the fuel scarcity is that the federal government remedies to curb the scarcity are yet to produce any practical result as the lingering scarcity persists. Worst still, the discomfiture that the scarcity caused Nigerians was nothing compared to the arbitrarily price increase of the product around the country. Having in mind the suffering Nigerians are undergoing in these trying times, the Lagos state government should see itself as the father of all Lagosians. Therefore, as the African proverb goes, if you spank a child with one hand you take the other to curdle and give warnings. Understandably, the event centre is a business outfit where several customers must have paid in advance to use the space in the near future. Also, the centre in its little way, offers employment to some Lagosians who of course are breadwinners in the family.
No doubt, the Lagos state government action would set the right precedence for event centres in the state. And as was to be expected, it would radically change the poor perception in showing love or appreciation in the society. Much of the criticism is welcomed but what cannot be denied is the fact that the celebrant is a woman of substance and has a heart of gold. If for any reason the fuel souvenir should be repeated, fuel vouchers should be issued in the name of a reliable petrol filling station to the attendees. Surely, God will continue to bless a cheerful giver.
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