Trump vs Tinubu

A baba blue or a balablu economic debate

Culled from Google

Earlier today, you had a eureka moment–one of those rare, unfiltered realizations that life isn’t about suffocating under the weight of life goals or drowning in debt just to afford the basics.It isn’t about turning every passion into a side hustle out of sheer financial desperation.At first, the thought felt like an over-polished American TED Talk—one of those ideas you instinctively dismissed when you were still fresh off the boat. However, you found yourself embodying it after your move to Brooklyn from Tuscany, and before that, Nigeria. That morning, you were having your usual bowl of Weetabix from the balcony of your overpriced duplex and the cool breeze reminded you of the nights back at home in Ajegunle, Lagos.

You'd sit when you've had enough of it all–The sharp clapback from the danfo conductor when he spotted the ₦1000 note in your hand. The thief who moved too swiftly, disappearing with the purse your boyfriend had gifted you last Valentine’s. The mallam bike man at the bus stop who refused to take your last cash as tfare home, the endless wait for the CNG bus, the unrelenting Lagos traffic and the exhaustion you wore like a second skin every day after work. You needed to bask in your sadness fully before you joined the rest of the country in catching cruise with every single flaw in the government.

Once in Nigeria, you saw a man suddenly rise from his wheelchair and sprint down the street, screaming “Run!” at the top of his lungs.You didn’t stop to ask why—your legs had already decided for you. Soon, the whole neighborhood was in full flight marathon, dodging imaginary danger. It wasn’t until several miles later that someone finally dared to ask, “Wait… why exactly are we running?”Turned out that the lame man had received a text message from an unknown number claiming to be from the "Federal Ministry of Free Money". The message read: "Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a grant of N10 million. To claim your prize, please run to the nearest ATM and shout 'I am a chosen!' three times.”The shock activated parts of his legs even medical science had given up on and the thought of all that free money was too enticing for the lame man to resist, so he suddenly found the strength to stand up and start running.

You also heard someone complaining that cravings were now out of reach, with quality suya priced like a proper meal and Indomie generation not being able to afford indomie, it's safe to conclude that economy choke! What we need is Baba Blue, not any more balablu.

American makes more sense when you're looking in from outside.

Dream count —Adichie Chimamanda.

You thought you had escaped a choking economy for a more soothing one; a Baba blue lozenges type and not the balablu-filled one you were used to. However, unfortunately, the first shock came the moment you arrived at the US embassy. An old white woman who was clearly disturbed by your existence told you sharply that you smiled like a dog. That it wasn't that big a deal to come to the US, “This isn't heaven” in her weird accent. Sometimes, you receive weird smiles from passersby. While some openly expressed their displeasure, some concealed it in their exaggerated kindness and overwhelming attention. You became overly conscious of your colour “black” and once you were surprised you didn't have to pay for the oxygen you breathe.

It had been observed that Nigerian - American in groups who are typically at risk for lower levels of educational and financial achievement tend to thrive economically and educationally. It gave you the explanation you needed for the down days you still had. Regardless of that, you kept pushing with the hope that someday, the light at the end of the tunnel would surface.

The Republican

Thankfully, your plans worked out well. If not you would not be sipping a glass of champagne alongside your Weetabix in your overpriced duplex while having a eureka moment that life isn’t about suffocating under the weight of life goals or drowning in debt just to afford the basics.