AFRICAN TIME

Tony stepped through the doors of the eatery pausing briefly to locate a convenient seat.

There it was!

Rubbing his palm vigourously, he aimed for his target.

Comfortable corner, close to the air conditioning system, and opposite the flat screen television too... perfect!

He sauntered to the seat taking a quick look at his watch. 10am on the dot.

10 minutes later, he was beginning to wander if he was in the right eatery. Picking his phone, he dialled her number.

Ring....Ring....

“Hello, Omo where are you?”

“Oh sorry, I’m on my way.” Click!

5 minutes later....he resigned to watching Larry King Live on CNN.

It was now 20 minutes past ten when he fortuitously glanced at the door and coincidentally caught his guest stepping through the door.

“Finally”...... He sighed.

“I’m very sorry I’m late”

“Oh, no problem” he replied.

This was not the first time he would have to wait for a guest for at least 20 minutes and it sure didn’t look like it was going to be the last.

African Time!

I think it is more like Nigerian time.

The cliché “African time” refers to the psychological societal acceptance of a black man’s inability to discipline his self and stick to scheduled time.

It is an abnormality of the highest order. One of the self-imposed negative brand characters of the black man.

At least, we cannot blame our imperialist colonial masters for this one.

This behavioural manifestation is no doubt also at the root of the poverty of most of the African continent.

Any progressive and honestly distinguished African person or Country you know must have overcome the problem of indiscipline with regards to time management.

The problem of keeping  to them defies societal strata...irrespective of wealth and position, lateness is a habit that pervades the entire spectrum of our society.

Infact, it seems that the higher up you are on the social ladder in Nigeria, the more you are expected to show up late at meetings or events.

Our proverbs do not help matters in any case.

The average Nigerian, justifying why a great or wealthy man should come late, would be quick to tell you that the biggest masquerade appears and dances last in the village square.

It is not unusual to see  invitations with caveats stating “No African time please”...even though those caveats almost never serve any purpose.

Even the closest friends of celebrants, when questioned why they come late to their friends’ ceremony, would quickly ask you if they are expected to set up the location and be the first to seat, as the first set of people to arrive at any ceremony in our clime are seen to be the hungriest among the guests.

Lateness seem to have become a life pervading issue in Nigeria.

We increasingly get educated late? Gain admission late? Graduate late? Secure jobs late? Get settled late? You almost wish we, at least, die late too!

We often hear that Nigeria has resources but don’t know how to manage them. It is difficult to see how we can manage our resources if we can’t manage our time, the crucial resource.

Why would a country with the array of mineral, natural, and human resources at our disposal still struggle to find its place among the comity of nations even after over 52 years of independence from colonial rule?

The answer surely lies in what we have done within those years to move us from where we were to where we presently are!

It is ironic that time that we take so much for granted cannot be regained once used up.

Were it possible, many of the world’s wealthiest men would gladly buy back the time they have already used up, in order to live longer, and really enjoy the fruit of their sweat.

Just like negative health habits such as smoking, drinking and drug abuse can be overcome, a change of habit regarding how we use time is no exception.

However, there is a need for an unswerving determination and committment.

A committment that begins from the No. 1 citizen and his kitchen cabinet, running through the elected office holders, and embraced by the man on the street.

African time is a product of an undisciplined mindset.

If we are willing to change our mindset, then African time can truly be dumped in our negative character bin for good!