Nigeria And The Porridge Of Constraints

Poet's note: The poem "Nigeria and The Porridge of Constraints" by Gilbert Sordebabari is a thought-provoking literary piece that delves into the challenges and constraints facing Nigeria as a nation. The poem is rich in metaphors, rhetorical questions, and imagery that captures the essence of the Nigerian experience. The first stanza sets the tone of the poem, with the speaker questioning the state of Nigeria's voiceless spoken words. The use of the metaphor of "mouth" and "voice" suggests that despite having the capacity to express themselves, Nigerians are unable to do so due to the constraints imposed on them. The second stanza introduces the metaphor of the "porridge of constraints," which is described as feeding Nigeria's children but keeping them hungry. This metaphor is a powerful representation of the systemic challenges and poverty that plague the country. The third stanza highlights Nigeria's educational system, which is seen as providing education but not enlightenment. This line suggests that although Nigerians may have received formal education, they lack the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and be self-reliant. The fourth stanza uses the metaphor of "sight" to illustrate Nigeria's inability to see and conceive ideas that bear fruit. The fifth stanza raises questions about Nigeria's truth, fatherhood, and youth. The lines "Who fathered your millions of children? That you remain barren" are a poignant critique of Nigeria's leadership and governance, which has failed to translate into real progress for the country. The sixth stanza points out that Nigeria's 60 years of existence have been marked by imprisoning millions of hopes, suggesting that Nigeria has not fulfilled its potential as a nation. The seventh stanza is a personal reflection by the speaker, who identifies as a son of Nigeria. The lines "I am your son, but I pray not to tread your paths/ That you preach change for slave chain/ You advocate democracy to disenfranchised" express the speaker's hope for a better Nigeria and a desire to break free from the constraints that have held the country back. The final two lines of the poem are a powerful statement that every human being has the potential to make a difference, and that evil and greed must not continue to shape Nigeria's history. Overall, the poem is a poignant commentary on Nigeria's past, present, and future, using metaphors, rhetorical questions, and imagery to convey a sense of urgency for change.