Growing up in Ponyan, my village in Kogi State, I experienced the simplicity and fulfillment of rural life. After leaving in 1986, my appreciation for village life only deepened. If the government were to restore social infrastructure to rural areas today, I will return to the village next day.
To my fellow Nigerians, I confidently say that there’s no life comparable to the one lived in villages. While some may claim that witches and wizards are a reason to flee rural areas, it seems these perceived threats have also migrated to cities, armed with smartphones.
On a serious note, mainstreaming rural areas is crucial for growth and development globally
Before successive governments neglected and destroyed rural areas, poverty was scarce and no unemployment. In my village, there were no beggars on our street, and we never went to bed hungry. Our household enjoyed quality food daily, with pounded yam and bush meat being staples.
I recall eating pounded yam every day for over 15 years. We had an abundance of fruits, and our only concern was storage. We produced almost all the foods we consumed, and my mother rarely visited the market to buy foodstuffs . Ponyan was a near self-sufficient community.
We had skilled artisans, including blacksmiths who fabricated hoes, cutlasses, and even dane guns for hunters. Our school metal boxes were indigenous, and our farm shoes were made from tires, which we wore with pride. A skilled uncle, ‘Orlando’, could fabricate anything metal, including stoves and lanterns.
Our local brewery was thriving, with palm wine tappers, ogogoro brewers, pito, and burukutu producers. We also had skilled basket weavers, locust bean processors, and herbal remedy producers. My late mother was renowned for her expertise in palm oil processing.
Two events that evoke fond memories are the cocoa harvest and hunting expeditions in the village. How can i forget the day we went to dig holes for rabbit, but it was a large cobra, that came out?
I did not see cocoa water again, since i left the village. The sweetness of freshly harvested cocoa water was almost intoxicating, and if left to ferment, it could become a potent brew. Hunting in the village was an exhilarating experience, allowing us to connect with nature and our community’s traditions.
Security was not a concern. My father built a 9-room upstairs building, showcasing the economic viability of rural life. Not a single room had a padlock. This was a testament to the trust and safety that existed in our community.
Rural areas are the backbone of our nation, and it’s time for governments to prioritize rural development, providing basic amenities, economic opportunities, and social services. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of rural areas, reduce poverty, and create a more equitable society.
Nightlife in the village was a unique and enchanting experience, despite the absence of electricity. The soft glow of the moon illuminated our evening gatherings, where each age grade had their own designated meeting spot. It was a time for tales by moonlight, where stories of our ancestors, myths, and legends were shared, sparking our imagination and curiosity.
Our games were locally crafted, born out of creativity and resourcefulness. We didn’t need fancy equipment or technology to have fun. Instead, we relied on our ingenuity, using natural materials like sticks, stones, and seeds to create our own entertainment.
Those nights under the starry sky were magical, filled with laughter, excitement, and a deep sense of community. It was a time when life was simpler, yet richer in experience and connection.
I am filled with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the transformative impact of renewed hope on rural areas. Once this vision becomes a reality, I am ready to bid farewell to city life and return to the tranquility and simplicity of village life.
The prospect of witnessing rural communities thrive, with access to basic amenities, economic opportunities, and social services, is a dream come true. I envision vibrant villages, where locals can live with dignity, pride, and a sense of belonging.
For me, the allure of village life is not just about nostalgia or sentimental value; it’s about being part of a community that is deeply connected to the land, to tradition, and to one another. It’s about experiencing life in its purest, most authentic form.
– Dayo Thomas is a seasoned Nigerian journalist.
