In the bustling streets of Kogi State, the phrase “Something will kill a man” is more than just casual banter—it is a philosophy, a reckless surrender to fate. It is often used to justify indulgence in excesses, from heavy drinking and smoking to reckless driving and corruption. This fatalistic mindset suggests that since death is inevitable, caution is unnecessary. But is this wisdom or a slow dance with destruction? The Holy Bible warns in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” When a society embraces recklessness as a badge of courage, it trades wisdom for ruin.
Nigeria’s adoption of this slogan is not mere wordplay; it shapes behaviors and decisions in alarming ways. Young men down bottles of alcohol like warriors preparing for battle, while civil servants embezzle public funds under the illusion of invincibility. It is the same logic that fuels overloaded commercial buses on bad roads—if something must kill a man, why not risk it? But scripture warns against such folly. Proverbs 22:3 states, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” A culture that glorifies recklessness will always pay the price in lives lost and destinies wasted.
Yet, this mindset is deeply rooted in the harsh realities of Nigerian life. In a nation where pensioners collapse in endless queues, where justice often bows to the highest bidder, and where hard work rarely guarantees prosperity, many find solace in living for the moment. But this is a dangerous deception. Ecclesiastes 8:11 observes, “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.” Just because reckless living does not bring immediate consequences does not mean it will not end in destruction. What use is stolen wealth if a heart attack claims the thief before he can enjoy it?
This resignation to fate also mirrors Nigeria’s larger governance crisis. Leaders, too, behave as if something must kill the nation—looting public funds, mismanaging resources, and neglecting critical infrastructure. If a nation’s rulers live by this slogan, roads remain death traps, hospitals decay, and schools collapse. But Holy biblical wisdom warns against such self-inflicted destruction. Isaiah 3:12 laments, “O my people, your leaders mislead you; they send you down the wrong road.” A people who embrace recklessness will raise leaders who govern recklessly, creating a cycle of suffering that no amount of prayers can interrupt unless the mindset changes.
But no man is beyond redemption. If you have lived by this slogan, using it to justify wrong choices, today is the day of salvation. Jesus Christ offers a better path, a life beyond fear, beyond fatalism, beyond empty pleasure. He says in John 11:25, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” This is the true assurance—not a reckless gamble with death but the promise of eternal life. You can surrender your life to Jesus today by confessing your sins and accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. Simply say, “Lord Jesus, I come to You as a sinner. Forgive me, cleanse me, and give me a new life in You. I believe You died for me and rose again. From today, I am Yours.” If you have prayed this prayer sincerely, you have stepped into the light of salvation.
Now, find a living church where God’s word is taught in truth. Surround yourself with people who encourage righteous living, not reckless dying. Reject slogans of death and embrace the words of life. The true Nigerian motto should not be “Something will kill a man” but “A man must live wisely.” For Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” In wisdom, there is safety, and in Christ, there is true peace.
– Inah Boniface Ocholi writes from Ayah – Igalamela/Odolu LGA, Kogi state.
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