WHO ARE THEY?

So they say; “They are this”, “They are that”, “They are that and that”. Today, I ask again, who are they?

The African is attributed to so many by fellow Africans and non-Africans alike. One that comes to mind readily is that which says that they are people who are fighting with one another. Interestingly, most of these are untrue; yes, they are mostly the figment of their own imaginations. How and why that happens, I am yet to know and promise to tell you when we meet next time.

I had one of the best moments of my lifetime when I arrived at the Vaernes Airport, Trondheim from the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam today. Upon arrival at the said airport, I could not exchange my few USD for some NOK so as to use for boarding a bus to the Trondheim town which was contrary to earlier information I had. Within minutes, an African (Ugandan to be precise) noticed this and inquired if he can be of help. Having being promised by the driver of the said bus not to worry and that that will be dealt with, I turned down his request in a humble manner. Moments after he realised that the friend of mine with me (another Ghanaian) and I are still encountering some difficulty, the gentleman got off the bus he boarded and explicitly asked us to get on board so that he could pay for us after which we could repay him when the money has been exchanged. Hey! The African? Yes, Africa’s African! The show is really yet to unfold.

En route to Moholt student village, we had some talk together. Upon arrival at the said destination, many African colleagues most of whom he was at the airport to meet were exceptional to relate to. Buddy, it was great being with these people. These are people who I just met. We walked together for several minutes during which the freshmen and women including my good self were taken to our various rooms, one after the other. This is just the beginning.

My newly found friends from the Black people’s continent just got some palatable and delicious cross-cultural continental dishes for us; yes, for all of us. We had some nice time together; ate, drank (non alcoholic!) and interacted.

It is refreshing to say at this juncture that the famous ubuntu and enviable African hospitality was at its peak again. Comrade, what a show of a true African identity! My newly found friends from Uganda and Tanzania: Mathias, Moses, Carol, Dalphin, Samuel, Daniel, Flora and the rest, I doff my hat and salute you all for raising high the banner of the African and Africanness. Let us all keep the spirit of togetherness and oneness not only when outside the continent but with one another and the world at all times for this is the greatest responsibility.

Remember, your thought today can make the world better tomorrow.