Who ever knew how indispensable the mask would be? That it would be a criterion to get into the bank. That rather than refrain the wearing of mask into the banking hall, it would become the norm, a most desirable piece to go into the banking hall. Who knew, that one who does not wear a mask, could be castigated? Who knew that wearing masks in class would suddenly become the right thing to do? That the shop down the road where masks is sold would suddenly be the choice shop to go. 2020!, the year of the mask.
That year, a year in history when mask sellers made massive profits. Who ever thought, that the mask which cost a couple of hundred naira notes for a pack of 500pieces, in quarter one of the previous year, will return to cost a thousand and five hundred naira per piece!. It became a life saver. It found its relevance amidst the chaos and distress the world experienced at the time. The mask which previously was only found in laboratories and clinics became a household name. It became a commodity so essential each member of an household had one to own. Not only did the mask become critical for socialization at the time, it also evolved. It became a critical piece of dressing. Masks were being matched with work and occasion outfits. Evolving from the very basic clinical masks, to the nicely beaded or stoned elegant masks.
The story of the mask is indeed one to learn from. Especially, at this time where everyone seem to be chasing after nothingness. Focusing on my dear country Nigeria, a great nation, land filled with abundant opportunities. A nation, the envy of many. Nation so blessed with tangible and intangible wealth. Sadly her own children hurriedly leave her like a teenager seeking freedom.. freedom to the unknown, where it easily gets so cold and lonely. The “Japa geng” who thinks mother Nigeria has been cruel and unkind to them. Yet, this same nation has nurtured and groomed many of her children into great men and women, making massive strides across global space.
Interestingly, despite the rejection and criticism of mother Nigeria by many of her own, still, there has been quite an influx of visionary children of other nations who see the love and care mother Nigeria holds. They see the opportunities waiting to be harvested. They see the kindness of this land to humanity. Where a little effort, is all that is required to make great gains out of this mother called Nigeria when compared to many others. Like the mask, they position themselves for relevance. Making lemonades out of lemons. Finding the boom amidst the seeming chaos. They make themselves indispensable pillars to reckon with across the globe, but from within this nation.
Who would have thought, that when the world halted, was when the mask will find its relevance; hitting heights of unprecedented global demands, churning out profits like a money machine, for those who chose to believe in its efficacy and invest in it. So there lies, in the story of the mask, a great lesson. Despite the many humbling and troubling circumstances around us, we can choose to be fragile, yet strong; staying relevant, heads up , shoulders high, improving and positioning ourselves, focusing on the opportunities that abounds, like the mask.
