“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” – Romans 9:16 (KJV)
Many years ago, during my time at Sacred Heart College, Eziukwu, Aba, Abia State, I enjoyed reading books by Professor Chukwuemeka Ike. One of his works, The Chicken Chasers, particularly resonated with me. The irony in its title perfectly encapsulates the essence of this piece: imagine someone eagerly chasing a chicken, only to stumble and fall, while the chicken escapes unscathed. This metaphor mirrors the opening Bible verse—while some people meticulously plan, strategise, and execute with precision yet fail, others, with minimal effort or ambition, receive unexpected rewards.
This paradox is evident in different facets of life. I recall my secondary school days when two groups emerged among my peers. One group constantly discussed their plans to relocate to the United States, boasting of how they would complete their education and build successful careers abroad. The other group, in contrast, expressed little interest in leaving Nigeria, content with pursuing their studies locally. Ironically, years later, almost all those who never made a fuss about relocating have now settled abroad. One recently retired as a major in the U.S. Marines, and another serves as a commander in the U.S. Navy. Meanwhile, the two most vocal advocates of emigration never left. One passed away in Nigeria without ever setting foot on American soil, while the other remains employed in Akwa Ibom. What an inexplicable paradox!
A similar irony plays out in matters of love. Take, for example, Sarah, a beautiful and vivacious young woman who resides in a certain neighbourhood. She deeply loves Jack, a hardworking young man who remains oblivious to her affection. Jack, in turn, is enamoured with Beatrice, who lives in another part of town. But Beatrice rebuffs his advances because she, too, is in love with someone else. This cycle of unreciprocated love is best captured by the Igbo proverb: “Ihe onye na-achọ, achọghị ya; ma nke onye chọtara, na-achọ ihe ọzọ.” (What one seeks does not want one, while what one finds is in search of something else.) Such is the irony of life.
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On the political stage, Nigeria’s democratic journey post-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration presents yet another paradox. As his tenure ended, numerous ambitious politicians with vast resources, political influence, and strategic expertise positioned themselves as potential successors. Some were even rumoured to be Obasanjo’s anointed candidates. Yet, who emerged as president and vice president? Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan—two men who never actively pursued the presidency and were not even in contention. Meanwhile, those who fought tooth and nail for the position were completely overlooked. This was yet another testament to the paradox of life: seeking but not finding, finding without seeking.
The stories of Sarah, Jack, and Beatrice, along with these real-world examples, illustrate the enigmatic nature of human existence. Many people experience a disconnect between their desires, aspirations, and the realities of life. This paradox teaches us a valuable lesson—uncertainty is a fundamental part of life. Rather than fixating on unmet expectations, we should cultivate gratitude, appreciating what we have instead of lamenting what we lack. We must redefine success, embrace the present, and free ourselves from rigid attachments to specific outcomes.
Ultimately, we must acknowledge that the paradox of seeking but not finding, and finding but not receiving is an inherent aspect of human life. By embracing this reality, we can shift our focus from obsessing over the destination to finding fulfillment in the journey itself. The Igbo sages captured this wisdom perfectly with the saying, “O mewere, ma Chi ekweghị, onye uta atala ya.” (If one tries but destiny disagrees, they are not to be blamed.)
In the end, human existence is a complex, ever-evolving tapestry of desires, pursuits, disappointments, and unexpected blessings. True fulfilment lies in recognising these paradoxes, adapting to life’s uncertainties, and finding joy in the unexpected turns along the way.
Hon. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi is the lawmaker representing Bende North Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Nigeria.