Ozumba Run contd

These entrepreneurs, true to their definition, saw a need and fulfilled it.

The unlucky ones, however, trekked from their hostels to the gate with
their loads atop their head because the shuttle drivers strictly
adhered to the rule that they should wait for their turn at the school
gate. These students trooped out in their hundreds and an observer
might wonder whether these drivers are of Igbo descent, because it is
generally acknowledged that an Igbo man does not sit and watch money
pass him by. Yet, they waited for turns and when they eventually made
it to Manuwa bus stop, their profiteering tendencies cropped up. All
the while, the transport fare had been 20 naira but they decided to
charge 30 naira, carried more than the required four passengers and
forced students to pay for their luggage. Where was the SUG when all
these was going on? I sighted the SUG Director of Transport at IJ
Airport busy collecting 'agbero' money from the buses there, a worthy
entrepreneur indeed. Make some money before the awaited hour strikes!

When I was finally ready to go and face my demons, I noticed that the
boys' hostels were like the Garrissa Hostels after Al-Shabab. No, I
was not in any of the Garrissa Hotels and yes I saw it on CNN.
However, even die-hards, like Kurga Jude who stayed behind during the
last long vacation, were busy packing. UNEC was a deserted with the
last living souls heading for the gate. Fact is the first law of
demand and supply never failed as keke fares had gone up and students
fought for the few available seats. All of these because the students
cried out when they were let down.

We are home now and I cannot help but wonder how a very noble cause
went south. Indeed, I have been thinking, to the extent of actually
reading the lyrics of school anthem and pledge. ' Great Varsity of
Nigeria' has indeed deviated from the message we aim to pass through
the anthem I used to be proud of. How do we aim to achieve when we
have lost sight of the goal? What is this goal, you may ask? To
restore the dignity of man. With a heavy heart, I hate to say it, but
we have been undignified these past few days.