The Wild Geese is a movie set in a fictional African state rocked by that familiar post – colonial power crisis no less fueled by foreign economic interests. There is a plot to rescue from detention this political leader who has lost out in the power game, using a band of mercenary fighters. But the recruitment for the operation is taking place in America. And this unkempt Negro with bushy hair steps forward for consideration by the selection panel. When every other qualification seems okay, the skinny – looking black militant is cautioned: ‘This mission is in Africa. Are you prepared to go to Africa?’ And his ringing acceptance: ‘I would go anywhere except Switzerland. The neatness scares the s- -t out of me!’ And surely the image of a sparkling environment fills up in your mind’s eye.
Now, have you been to Onitsha lately? To be sure, Onitsha is not about to transform to the stately status of Switzerland but the controversial city is undergoing changes. You cannot but notice the conscious efforts to clean it up, jettisoning the garbage that has over the years soiled its image. Along with other major cities of Anambra State, Onitsha is presently bbenefitingfrom the resolve of the Anambra State Government headed by Chief Willie Obiano to upgrade the state’s urban centres. This renewal programme has since kicked off with a reinforced refuse disposal strategy. ANSEPA, the state’s environmental management authority is being supported to operate more effectively and Onitsha is better off for it. The eyesore dumps and filth – filled drains are gradually giving way to litter – free streets, opening the way for the realization of a friendlier and healthier environment.
On the roads, junks, disused and abandoned vehicles are being taken away. It is not just a deliberate attempt to decongest the streets of the commercial city. There is also a push to restore order and standards. Vehicle Inspection Officers are back on the traffic beat and enforcing compliance with vehicle safety measures. Correspondingly, road markings have reappeared, reintroducing traffic and parking lanes. You cannot be in doubt that a programme is underway to do things in an organized fashion and reclaim for the city its lost respectability.
Then, witness the charm of the new Onitsha. An ambitious beautification project is injecting freshness, vigour, colour and radiance into the city landscape. Open spaces, parks and gardens are being tended with greater purpose. Yes, it is dry season, even prelude to the harmattan but nourished from regular watering, plants and flowers bloom, bespeaking regeneration. And overhead, especially in the late evening, the skies come up in a festival of lights. The artery of ccolorful street lights and decorations not only roll back the cover of the underworld and the shadows of primitive existence, they equally dazzle. It is the saying of our fathers that when the moon radiates its glow, the cripple get hungry for a walk. Who knows? This might prove a spur for the resurgence of the long – dead night life in the city.
We may differ on the merits of the kindergarten line that a thing of beauty is a thing of joy forever but there can be no disputing that it takes a great mind to embrace beauty. Art, whether fine or applied, is a journey into wholesomeness; into deeper levels of existence; a search for meaning and order. Beauty is about creativity and art worth its name must engage; must be beautiful. Art seeks to elevate the planks of discourse.
What kind of man would be interested in organizing society along the rewarding lines of order and aesthetics? Art, we are told is personality writ large. The themes an Achebe or Soyinka canvasses in his works are enough to suggest the kind of mind behind them even without physically meeting the personalities. I suppose that governance too can also be personality writ large. A leader’s vision, his welfare policies and the approach to his mission, indicate the stuff he is made of.
Any society that has no standards will sooner come to naught. A great leader strives to attain existing and set new standards. Chief Willie Obiano should be applauded for his commitment to raise Anambra to global standards.
