Hello Friends,
It is another season of the year
when we all want to clear our tables for new tasks in the New Year. This season
is full of visits, gifts, fun and travels. All I wish you is a memorable season
filled with divine blessings.
I have come to you with a Yoruba
proverb that goes thus; Oju kan ni bimo,
igba oju ni wo, this means a children is born by a person but raised by
many. There are scenarios that adequately depict the meaning of the proverb.
The person raised by many might be an orphan or single parent. However, the
list is inexhaustible. For example, at the inception of Western education in
Nigeria; it could be a relative who is resident in the city that would adopt
someone from his hamlet. This aided the acceptance and growth of education.
Raised by One is a situation in
which one is raised by relatives both nuclear and extended. This type of
raising is based on the experience and exposure of the people nurturing the
child in question. There are some parents who enforce choice of career, mostly
patterned after their profession, on their children. Also, they stretch
themselves to ensure that a better tomorrow is built for the child.
Raised by All is a phenomenon in
which many people are involved in the nurturing of a child. Such people might
not be blood-related but everyone strives to ensure that such a child becomes
successful. When one is raised by all, there are also limitations about
financial support because many times, those people have their challenges as
well. However, it is definite that they would ensure the best moral development
of the child beyond what the direct parents would provide. There is a collaborating
proverb about the moral training that, “Omo
ti won o ba konile, ita ni won ti n ko” meaning a child without moral home
training would be trained by outsiders.
I am an advocate of both schools
of thought; a parent might not have enough time to give the moral upbringing to
a child. Also, neighbours and acquaintances cannot give the financial support
for the child but integrating the two schools of raising gives advantages in
the areas of thought, reasoning, ability to take decision, give the best
academically and raising a well-informed child.
As you end this year, be opened
to being raised by both your immediate relatives and the community at large.
Season’s Greetings!
Cheers!
Olu
A truly enjoyable read!
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