The “No Be My Own Bad Pass” Syndrome

DISCLAIMER: This is me venting. If you’re touchy, do not read any further. ’tis at your peril.

Yes, perhaps, you’re one of the very few that have access to me. This might feel like a subliminal message. ’tis your decision to either take offence or ….

The words in quote in the title of this post, are words I’ve heard to the point of depression. ’tis outright sickening.

In the urban Nigerian centres (possibly, scratch that, DEFINITELY, the rural too), we have those of varying economic means. This diversity is part of what makes up society. The youth population especially are heavily discontent with the lifestyle within their means. So life becomes the superficial thing filled with possessions of little or no real value cos “I must represent”. Human wants we were taught in Basic economics are insatiable. A scale of preference has to be utilised for obtaining optimal utility (Mr. Onita would be proud of me).

An entire philosophy/lifestyle has been built around this human dissatisfaction, Consumerism. We do not even see how much we lose in pursuits of our wants. Name it, the fashion industry, entertainment industry, technology industry, banking industry, and even the food & beverage industry have tapped into the markets created by consumerism (again with the economics). Worse is the fleeting nature of the utility derived.

The desire to represent has us buying clothes in season (because we should represent), gadgets in multiplicity (because we can’t have enough). We get bored easily and hate our fully functional possessions because there is more. Our main restraint is that we do not yet have a viable credit system in the country. Else, I reckon we would be drowning with loads of debt.

Financial literacy isn’t taught in our primary and secondary schools. I believe it should be. I would guess that it is taught at least at home, but for the evident signs. I personally believe if we should show austerity it should begin in our individual lives.

Here’s a story that I believe shows how our scales of preference affects us. In school, I have a colleague who was a patron of the bar in front of my hostel, he normally frequented it in the company of friends. Days to an exam he met me, asking for a textbook worth 1,700naira. Of course, I declined the loan request. He never got the textbook and performed poorly on the course. Social inebriation was where he placed his value.

A lot of what baffles me, is how many of the youth market (being dependent), over-indulge in trivial expenses. “Fowl no know wetin corn dey cost for market, abi”? You’re in school for learning. Before getting caught up in the fashion and gadget chase remember that. If you’re not earning but are dependent on others, you ought to check your spending much more closely. Quoting the Kanye West I know, “I pray that my earns would be more than my spends”. That’s some words of wisdom there.

Borrowing from several people to live a lie is wrong. Perception versus Reality leaves you in debt. I’m not a frequent visitor of any social hangouts, it is not because I do not desire to, but I know things of more value to me for now. Our different financial realities would always exist, we can choose to be on the higher levels with time by applying principles whilst in the lower levels.

Yes, there are material things that move me, I love gadgets to bits. But I won’t make unnecessary purchases just because I can or it’s in vogue. Then go on to ask a friend for money for tuition or worse, food. Before you say, “eff it! No be my own bad pass” and go spend, think, “wetin I dey gain” first. If you can add how long it would be of value too, you’d be good to go.

That’s it, make the best of your reality. Tow your path and stop emulating that of others.

P.S.: If you owe money, no matter how small, but are spending beyond your essentials, I believe you need to be psychologically evaluated. There I said it, no hard feelings.