NIGERIA TRADITIONAL ORIENTATION AGAINST WOMEN

How do we deal with Nigeria traditional orientation against women, especially in politics?

Now, as I revisit this sensitive issue I know I risk being accused of advancing feminist ideals, but as usual I am not perturbed, it's my nature, I can't help lending voice no matter what core traditionalists and detractors feel or say; the truth is supreme.

My sense of duty still lingers no matter how I try to shove it aside; so many things are just unacceptable to my sensibility. I am still bothered about my kind, our male folks - my brothers from different ethnic groups. It is all talk and no effort in dealing decisively with the Nigeria negative traditional attitude towards women - within the context of our Century's break of dawn in politics?

A popular Yoruba proverb may provide a good lead, it says: "A MAN saw a Snake, A Woman killed the Snake! What really matters most, that the Snake is dead, or that a woman killed the Snake?"
One wonders, but contrary to the import of this proverb, a typical Nigeria man is enmeshed in traditional orientation, is afraid of a successful woman, and betrays no trace of emancipation; surprisingly, is very expressive of a retrogressive state of mind and like the arrogant Baboon beats chest in vain victory.

The consequence is setback which spills over to the larger society. This is simply a dysfunctional mindset which hinders an individual's ability to keep pace with changing values and liberate from stereotypes; also means carrying over burden of old, archaic traditional ways of life that impede development of individual and society.

To be relevant today, as part of the cherished memory of posterity, core Nigeria traditionalists must broaden worldview to relocate the place and role of women in modern society. It is wise to embrace the modern and shun old values because this assures rapid development and convenient life with sisters, result-oriented wives and passionate mothers - in recognition of the opposite sex as a special breed also gifted by The Omnipotent Creator.

By the way, a real man is not afraid of women, but humble and bold to sink pride, accept insufficiency, recognize and enjoy the privilege of women of strength. Does this threaten manhood or heighten vain fear? Manhood, of course, remains intact if head is kept rational. Our men must accept that respect for women of virtue and valour invariably attracts more respect.

Truth is, superiority complex is vain exercise. In modern times, brain is it, not empty macho feeling! What does it profit a 'hollow' man to express false superiority over a strong woman who has achieved what hundreds of macho-like men can not achieve in a whole life time?

So, who is afraid of emerging women in Nigeria politics? We will say, allay fears, do away with the old and subdue pride. Together we can save Life.