- Ak Kingsley
In a small business forum last month, I shared a concern as regards the development attitude in Uyo and Akwa Ibom State by extension, considering the drastic pace at which major landmarks are literally experienced in all facets of life in this clime. All thanks to civilization since emergence of 21st Century.
From the surprising advent of computers, internet and telecommunications innovation in Akwa Ibom State in the early millennium, to the miraculous spring of unbelievable public infrastructure in Uyo. From the paradigm shift from public school prowess and dominance across the state, to the sudden educational tsunami by the emergence of highly influential private schools in the state. Akwa Ibom State has, within a short span of less than 20 years since 2000, undergone an absolute evolution which consequently does not the exclude ethical and attitudinal context. This is where this piece shall dwell, in the light of the heading above.
It is my belief that the social reality in Akwa Ibom is directly tied to, or inspired by the level and usage of innovations that people here are exposed to. This manifests in our fashion sense, communication, interpersonal relations, religious conduct, political and economic characteristics. For instance, the respect for elders has dropped here, because among other reasons, social media has brought youth and elders closer than before and the dependence on youth for various reasons (by elders) has increased, which makes the reality of certain undue advantage (by youth) to set in.
As one of the evident social development here, people now see need to celebrate birthdays more than ever and in doing so, innovation equally come to play. We now have pre-birthday photos, birthday photos, parties and all that. Presently, Uyo Facebook community is awash with the story of one Abasiodiong Eyo, who has been striped of crown and privileges as Miss Akwa Ibom Teen, for posting semi nude photos on her birthday, plus picture of her smoking. Expectedly, social media users in their usual situational saintly manner, crawled out of their angelic holes, to lambast the young girl, calling for her head on the temple of public opinion.
A certain king and queen of the Faculty of Education (Mr & Miss ESA), University of Uyo, who were not married couples, would always thrill the audience by literally kissing themselves on stage amidst cheers and applause, at various students social events. Again, I can barely mention one pageantry event in Uyo (and other places), where contestants are not paraded half nude on stage to the cheers of the crowd, yet nobody has ever been disqualified or dethroned for that matter.
Away from that; it is as well surprising that the same kind of photos that would statutorily attract highest likes and commending comments, are the same that have attracted a multitude of condemnation. In fact, when Abasiodiong posted those photos, there were hundreds of likes and very many commending remarks, mostly from the male folks. So how come the sudden change of view against young girl? How come that the dethronement came days after she posted the photos? Where was morality in the minds of Akwa Ibom Teenagers Forum on the day Abasiodiong went gaga? Is it that the forum did not care enough to visit her timeline to drop a birthday message, or they waited to see the final reaction from the public, before thinking of what to do?
It is a case of giving to God what belongs to Caesar. The hypocritical fact that the Akwa Ibom Teenagers Forum have dethroned and expelled Miss Eyo on grounds of immoral behavior, the same phenomenon that she (and others) rode on to become queen, is such an irony. The fact that decent dressing is expected from that sphere of social life that celebrates indecent dressing, is a case of wanting to rob Caesar for God. Shouldn't they allow indecency to thrive there as it usually does, then go elsewhere and demand decency and morality? How fair?
For the lessons, I pray our ladies to learn and learn well. The same set of guys that cheer and applaud feminine nudity are the same that will lash out and ridicule you for the same thing they earlier commended you for. Before you seek to impress people in public, consider how well you can stand to defend yourself should there be a backslash. I commend Abasiodiong Eyo for her strength and boldness to accept her shortcoming and duly apologise (as reported). Finally, may we no longer be hypocrites on issues of morality.
God bless Akwa Ibom State!
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