Ilorin, Nigeria: The beauty of legal profession, culture and dwarfism

 

Last year, I attended the 22nd annual national conference of Christian law students fellowship of Nigeria, hosted in university of Ilorin, Kwara state. It was an extensive event that lasted for 4days. I learnt a lot in every section of the programme and was much obliged to everyone who had an impact in my life.

Day 1- Law students arrived from different universities in Nigeria. We were warmly welcomed by the Yoruba people according to the traditions of the land. “Enle fa”, they greeted. It means “hello”. It was an exciting moment meeting new faces and a new horizon of a land I have never seen. I exchanged pleasantries with my new friends and chatted all through the night.

Day 2- Career talks were given by invited guests who are legal icons and successful men in their own fields. As an undergraduate, I had nursed the fear of “what next after school”. The fear of getting admission into the university to study a professional course is Incomparable to that of life after graduation. Due to my ignorance, I thought legal profession is limited to litigation and there are enough lawyers out there already. But during the talk, I understood that there are diverse aspects aside litigation and with determination, I can break through my limitations. I was inspired by one of the speakers when he said “You have no need to worry because your dream has no expiry date. Just one more step, you will get there”. I took a deep breath and felt peace within my soul.

Day 3- We had seminars, quiz and a cultural night where diverse Nigerian cultures were celebrated. All were dressed in their traditional attires representing their different ethnic groups. Where I stood, I saw almost everybody smiling at each other, dancing and singing in one accord regardless of their tribes. It was indeed a familial transcultural confluence that portrays Nigeria to be a place of harmony. I realised that culture is complex as life itself because it expresses a universal concept and idea. We may not speak the same language, wear the same cloth, our culture and dialect may seem different, but there was a genuine emotion that reminded me that we are the same.

Day 4- We went on a sightseeing tour and were all dressed in the same short sleeved round-neck shirt and Jean. After some hours drive, we hopped off to the Kwara State cultural centre where we had a view of a gallery with artistic objects, antiques and souvenirs of historical values. Later on, we took a walk to the theatre where we watched a drama titled “Origin”. It was centered on colonialism and freedom in Nigeria. As the drama started, I was shocked with wonders when I saw dwarves among the performing troupe. Initially, I see them as mere stout creatures that are quite different from every other human being but their performance beat my imaginations.

I never knew they are normal human being with unique qualities until that day. I realised that the fact that they are diminutive being doesn’t make them less human. Surprisingly, I didn’t sense any traces of inferiority complex in them throughout the drama. They were proud of who they are. Factually, they played the major role. Without them, some messages that were communicated to the audience wouldn’t be delivered. At a point, an acrobatic dance started. I was astounded at their poise. All I could do was to gaze at them in amazement. I saw a good balance, agility and co-ordination of an acrobat in them. It got to an extent that they started multitasking (Jumping and landing on their seats consecutively) which depicts suffering and agony of the people during the colonial era. It appeared so real. I was overwhelmed with emotion as I burst to tears. For me, it was a moment of sober reflection.

I asked myself, had it been I was born during that period, would I have survived? Well, one thing I know is that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I was not only thankful to the dwarves for the well delivered message but also to the brave men who led Nigeria to freedom. The experience remained in all our hearts. We went back to school rejoicing in freedom, singing and hitting on our thigh pads.

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5 responses to “Ilorin, Nigeria: The beauty of legal profession, culture and dwarfism

  1. awesome experience, really wish to have such experience in my own field as well. thumbs up dear.

  2. wow!!!!!.Dat’s cool,nice adventure,nice culture.,….i know nigeria ro be a placed known for their xultural diversity.it’s a good one….this is a well captured moment and its understandable for even a layman….

  3. Wow. This article is breathe taking. I just felt like I was in the program all along. Wonderful experience. Wonderful literature. I celebrate you dear.

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