Connectnigeria Articles

By Ada Arinze.

As the popular quote from the Hollywood movie Hitch goes, “life is not about the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.” With the year now coming to an end, one cannot help but look back and reminisce nostalgically on the breathtaking moments that they have had. I went around asking people to share, and here are some of the responses I got: Stephanie, Student: “This year, I attended the Christ Embassy International Pastors and Partners Conference for the first time. Only people who have attained a certain level of partnership in the ministry are invited to the Love world Convocation Arena in Ikeja. It was a really awesome and rewarding experience because the things of God really matter to me…and to crown it we were all decorated with blue badges. It was the best part of this year.” Peter, Technical Architect: “The best part of this year had to be the Skype video conference call I had with my whole first family. I hadn’t seen my brother and sister in years, and it was really helpful to my dad. He was seriously ill, hence the call. We blasted each other and my dad burst into laughter. Later, my mum told me it was the first time she had seen him laugh in months.” Ayorinde, Music Lover: “Oh my, 2012 was more than I could hope for. A number of new acts came out this year and made good records, especially on the folk rock scene. Acts like the Lumineers, Frank Ocean, Philip Philips and Fun put out great albums. The old hands like Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen reminded us why we fell in love the first time. The Nigerian scene were not left out, as we got a number of beat-up beat hits from Iyanya, Wizkid, Wande, Olamide and Yemi Alade… I’ve had a blissful musically-filled 2012” Lanre, Youth Corper: “It has to be when I was told congratulations for attaining a first class in Accounting. I got an all-expense-paid trip to Saudi Arabia as a gift from my dad, which I really enjoyed. Not only did it boost my confidence, it exposed me to an international world and culture. I really appreciated the gift. I was made an Alhaji!” Chinonso, Student: “The best part of this year had to be living in an apartment right beside my brothers-from-another-mother, Moyo and Kpops. Kay lived opposite, and every day was a party. It affected my work academically though. I did terribly, but I loved my life.” Asabe, Law Student: “Va va voom! Its over! I got called to bar this year. That was my best part” Mrs Duru, Mother: “The day my son matriculated from the university- February 24^th, 2012. You know the joy of every mother is to see her child progress in life. I don’t think I can describe to you the happiness I felt when his name was called…” Nneoma, Primary School Student: “My birthday! I celebrated it in school, and my mother made a big cake for me. I got a lot of presents, even one from my sister who was in America. I felt like a queen.” Amaka, Principal: “That would be October 2nd, the Cultural Day event at my school. It was the first big event my school was hosting and I was very scared that it would flop. I fasted, had sleepless nights, worried my husband immensely…but the day came and the event turned out to be a complete success! Children left happy, parents called to congratulate me. I thank God.” Tola, Intern: “Wow, that’s hard. Well, that would be the time my school basketball team won a silver medal at the Lagos State Inter-Tertiary games. I was the point guard, and it was so much fun. Never have I seen such team work, such go-getter spirit being put to action in such a manner. It taught me a life-long lesson. I would say that that was the best part of my year.” Nugwa, Engineer: “I thank God for this year. It started with pain, lots of pain. However, now I thank God that now I have a son. I love him so much. He makes me look forward to every day; I leave work happy and eager to come home to his giggles. I never knew that, in this life, I could laugh while someone decorated my face with toothpaste. Technically, the baby is my nephew, but I am financially responsible for my sister…my father threw her out of the house when he heard of her pregnancy. I didn’t think the year was going to end this way, but I thank God for unforeseen blessings.” Nonso, Trader (Alaba): “Ha this year! Well, it would be my trip to China. It was my best trip because I learnt many things! Also, I got exposed to new technology. I sell musical instruments. Do you know how to play the guitar?” Well, there you have it; lots of personal treasures from this year. My best moments were the three weeks I spent at the National Youth Service Corps camp at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. It felt like secondary School again, and between Mammy Market and 32 roommates, there was not one dull moment. We even had a concert with Dammy Krane, Olamide, Chidinma and many others. It was my first concert ever, and I loved it. What was your best moment of 2012?