"Bird Flu.","Cow Flu.","Mad Cow"e.t.c. What's Nigerians To Do ? (Is Mad Fish Next ?)

Dear Friends,
I'm writing this piece just as I am slowly recovering from a terrible case of "The Flu",perhaps Bird Flu. Thank God for Africa that it struck me before my upcoming trip. If it had happened upon my arrival, I probably would have volunteered myself for major testing at any major hospital in each of the state in the U.S.A. What in the world is going on with this "Bird Flu" business ? The way I see it,some issues are meant for the developed world to deal with. Until we have equal playing fields,it is absolutely insane to try and apply the same rules equally on some issues just because it serves the interests of some. What am I talking about now ? Well, I have a serious problem with killing all the cows ("Mad Cow Disease") and Chicken ("Bird Flu"-The new one). What will be next ? Perhaps "Mad Fish Disease" ? So,what are we going to "chop" after that ? Christmas and "Ileya"(the wonderful
Muslim celebrations) will never be the same. Perhaps,a medicinal agent will come in handy?

I kept reading about the discovery of cases of The Bird Flu in various parts of the Rich World without much concern since I know the likes of China, South-Korea,Europe,U.S.A e.t.c can take good care of themselves even after wiping out entire stock of Chicken and Cow. Then, I read about a case of "Mad Chicken" ( or "Bird Flu") in Kaduna. Then, something prompted me to try and call Abuja to beg them not to start killing the much valued Chicken stock. Two of the easiest ways you can start a riot in a place like Nigeria where the masses are already shouldering a heavy burden from lack of many things is either to turn off electricity when The Super Eagles are playing or to destroy the people's livestock. Never mind whether the Chicken or The Cow is Mad. With the death and destruction all around us, We all seem to be Mad people living in a Mad World anyway. Stay Tuned On This Mad 'business" since it will not go away anytime soon. Africa has been found guilty of harboring enough diseases already.Am I right ?

Finally, regarding RELIGION, I want to get serious for a minute and beg people of all religious faith to respect other people's religious practices. You do not have to agree or like another person's religion. But,you must show absolute respect for other people's religious practices. This means not poking fun at Jesus- Christ Or The Prophet Muhammad e.t.c I am deeply saddened to say that many of the leaders in the developed world have done a terrible job in handling the on-going crisis regarding the mockery of The Prophet Muhammad. Freedom of expression must come as a package with responsibility especially at a time when our Muslim Brothers & Sisters feel they are under siege. I am a proud,tolerant Christian . Every person who truly loves his faith will wish the whole world convert to their religious faith. But, I honestly do not see the whole world turning to Islam or Christianity,Judaism,Hinduism or Bhuddism e.t.c anytime soon. So, let's all find a way to continue to live and learn from each other before we take steps that will turn our worlds upside down . AMEN !!!

Much Love,
Tola- Sobande