Aaye Wa Da? (Where’s the space for us?)

Where’s the space for us?

I’m a fortunate girl. I’m surrounded by good people who are surrounded by good people. Because of this, I meet amazing people all the time and have the most amazing conversations. As you may already know, I really love good conversations.

A few days ago, I was with two of my friends, and we got talking about life, as usual— the journey so far, the present, and the anticipated future.

This is a snippet from the conversation that I'd like to share:

I said, “With the amount of people relocating now. I always wonder if those places will not get filled up one day.”

My friend replied, “Ah, don’t say that. See, there was a day I was on a bike, and I was complaining about the number of cars on the road, and this man said (in Yoruba), “Uncle, don’t say that o. Until my car is on the road, there are not too many cars. Imagine that mentality. He was riding a motorcycle for commercial purposes but was still so convinced that he’ll have a car one day. The fact is you cannot afford to think that space will finish. Just pursue your own dreams.”

He was right. Truthfully, I still wonder how much capacity those places have and if they’ll one day say that they’ve had enough. A greater truth is that if I had any dreams to japa, I’d never even think that way. I’m a die-hard optimist who believes in dreams and their validity.

I have another friend, a Tech Bro (as they like to call themselves). Yesterday, he told me how he was at some point carrying the tech bro tag but earning Fifteen Thousand Naira. He was sleeping on the office floor, and fetching water for his boss with a bucket on his head during the wee hours of the morning just by the main road. I wish there were pictures (for mischievous purposes, of course). Anyway, the story has changed but aspirations are still many. The journey has only just begun.

See, this is what I’m saying. We’re young and trying to push through in spite of the many challenges and pressures. You may be tempted to stop, look around and wonder, “Is there even space for me?” Don’t yield. The sky is big enough for every bird to fly. Some people are in Nigeria, getting paid from Australia. Some people will get opportunities in other climes. Some people will eat the National cake. Some people will bake a National cake. Face your own dreams and believe.

So, when I look at myself, when I look at my sisters, when I look at my brothers, when I look at my many friends, when I look at the vast horizon and stretch out my arms, I say, “Aaye wa da?” (Where’s the space for us?)

I’m not making a request. I’m neither in despair nor doubt. I’m making a statement, a demand. I’m saying, “We’re paying our dues, there’s oil on our heads– where is our space?”

You have to believe that there’s space. For you. For your big dreams.

“Aaye wa da?!”