By Chief Golden O Ibezim
Most people do not reminisce over mundane issues. Neither do they soliloquise about them. As private as this may be, I must confess that these days, I have formed a habit of reveling in reminiscences. Among my favorite subject matters is the first sentence in our school anthem – “Remember where you come from.”
Has anybody ever tried to find out the composer of this anthem? I cannot help wondering the mood in which he was when the concept overwhelmed him. Why must one keep his secondary school in mind?
Perhaps it is in obedience to the adage that one has to appropriately identify the seed of a raffia tree to enable it grow luxuriantly and flourish in the production of wine (‘nmanyi ngwo’). Or it could be a control measure as in certain cultures where they maintain that if a god becomes heartless, the tree from which it is made would be revealed, and that is tantamount to unmasking a masquerade! Time and space may not permit me to adduce further reasons here and now why one must remember where one comes from.
Definitely, the composer of this anthem was in a different world – a world of his own, or is there no such thing? The aforesaid sentence is quite loaded. In fact it is figurative. He obviously knew that as we innocently gathered from various backgrounds, a time would come, someday, when we would disperse – just as the fruits of an oil bean tree (ugbaka) are carried away by wind, birds or insects to facilitate dispersal and pollination.
A departure from our alma mater where we were groomed might be a permanent separation or abandonment for many if we do not consciously bear it in mind. We remember where we come from when we realize and acknowledge our indebtedness to our alma mater. This may be by voicing it, by being exemplary in “doing or dying for the right” or by giving back. ‘Madu adighi eri amara, rie kwa ikwuputa ya.‘
But can we sufficiently pay back? Can one sufficiently reward his parents or his maker? Many a business outfit would tell you that if they treat you well, you should tell others but if they treat you otherwise, you should intimate them and go a step further to offer a solution.
Clearly, the composer of this interesting, educative and melodious anthem of ours (God bless his soul) knew beforehand that no one passes through the four walls of Ogssian or allows Ogssian to pass through him without acquiring and adorning the garb of supremacy for purposes of emancipation, identification, self-empowerment, fulfillment and contentment “where ever he may chance to go.”
I have no doubt that anyone that finds himself here as a student has as a priority, the attainment of academic laurels. But he ends up leaving the school with much more than he anticipated. This is often reflected in his character and composure. These he must hold dear throughout the journey of life.
As we the old boys gather once more to celebrate our common heritage, felicitate with one another and pay homage to our alma mater, may we ponder always on the prayerful words of the composer of this well worded, highly cherished and unforgettable anthem.
Chief Golden O Ibezim…64.
