THE RETURN OF IDOLATRY?

By Tony Okafor

I recently presided over a meeting during the Christmas season, where many young men complained of hardship and attributed it to an alleged ancestral curse, caused by maltreatment of Nwa Ada by our forefathers.

They requested that I set up a fact-finding committee to consult with native doctors and investigate the matter further.

Despite my efforts to dispel their misconceptions, the committee was eventually set up. I plan to join them on their fact-finding mission to further my research on this topic. I’m a seeker of knowledge.

One of the committee members, a graduate, approached me and said, “To some extent, it’s not as you understand it. Some people work very hard, but they don’t seem to make progress. How do you explain that?”

I replied, “Do you think it’s because of ancestral curses that people don’t progress? I don’t think so. From my limited knowledge, there are many complex and nuanced reasons why people may not progress or achieve their goals.

These include lack of access to resources, limited opportunities or support, systemic injustices or inequalities, lack of risk-taking, poor family background, fear of crime, and lack of skills.

The concept of ancestral curses is largely an African philosophy. Moreover, I don’t believe everyone is destined to be a billionaire. Some people are meant to be thinkers, priests, writers, politicians, shrewd businessmen, or healthcare providers, such as doctors, herbalists, native doctors, or pharmacists. As the Igbo say, “Ekelu olu eke” – everyone has their own unique destiny.

I don’t want to hinder anybody’s progress. Anyi ga-eje na dibia, but I’m sure of the end product: nothing will change! You can add: RESEARCH