Blessing in Disguise

 Blessings In Disguise 

                  When I think about the Biafra War, I think about how the timing was perfect. Don’t get me wrong. I do not support wars or anything like that, but if not for the Biafra War, I would not be in Chicago right now, born in Lagos or even been born at all because my father would never have met my mother. The Biafra War, also known as the Nigerian Civil War, lasted from 1967 to 1970, and was political-ethnic armed conflict caused by a military coupe. The result was a war between the Nigerian military government and the Republic of Biafra, a region in Nigeria that wanted to be recognized as an independent nation, but the military government did not accept. At the time, the Nigerian military needed more able men to fight in the war, so they decided to go around villages, towns and cities in search of able men to recruit into the army, and these men were not given an option. My grandfather was one of these men. My grandfather, the man that if not for the decision he made during this war, I do not even know what might become of my father and even me.

                

  During the early stages of the war, scouts were recruiting men for the war to train and move to a home base. My grandfather was a teacher in Ughelli village, and my grandmother was saleswomen. At the time, my father was just a young boy living his life. The soldiers had come in and made their intentions very clear and told them about their search for more men and the enticing benefits they would get if they joined. Otherwise, the military said that they would have to defend themselves and their family against the east if they do not. Many were too scared and fled, but my grandfather was willing to take the risk for his family, for his son. After applying and passing the rigorous training he was posted to Kaduna, the home base of the Nigeria military up north. He had to move and didn’t intend to leave his family behind, so he brought them along. It was not an easy decision. Having to leave behind his hometown, friends and family, would not be easy for anyone. Aside from the fact they were leaving their whole life behind, the commute was not easy either. They had to move with military trucks that were not very comfortable, and rationed food because it was a two day journey. They had to sleep with an eye open because the war had already started. It was very stressful for all of them. 

                  After finally getting to Kaduna state safely, my grandfather immediately got to work, and my grandmother and father now had to find their way to settle down in their new life. Living in the barracks in a new state was most definitely another issue my father faced. He had to learn the native language of the region, so as to keep up and be able to understand his officers and the community. Besides the language barrier, the weather was totally different from what they were used to back home. The days are dry and dusty, while the nights are windy and cold, which made them have to even dress differently. Outbreaks of diseases were also rampant like sleeping sickness caused by the Tse Tse fly. He was not even free to roam the state because of the war, so for my father and grandma’s own safety they remained confined in the walls of the barracks and were there for the entirety of the war. 

                  Finally, the war came to an end, and the Nigerian military government won by cutting off the food source being sent to the Republic of Biafra Soldiers, and peace finally rained in Nigeria once again. The Soldiers that survived the war, including my grandfather, were heavily compensated with medals of honor, and transportation back to their families with provisions and riches. They also promised sponsorship of education to the children of the veterans that wished to become military or even any other career path they chose. Many more doors were open, which my grandfather made sure he took advantage of for his family and my father. My grandfather made sure my father had a better education and schooling at the university of Ibadan where he met my mum. They later moved to Lagos State for him to become a civil engineer. There, he met my mom who was an accountant. They got married and had me. 

                  Today when I think about the Biafra War, I feel sorry for the souls lost in this unnecessary ethnic dispute. However, I am also grateful because if not for all these unfortunate events, my grandfather may never have found a better way to take care of his family, my father may never have a better education and remained in Ughelli village, never met my mom and I wouldn't have been born. Therefore, I say thanks to this war, and I give my condolences to the great and innocent men and women that died just because a tribe believed to be superior. However, if not for their sacrifices, I will not be where I am today. It was truly a blessing in disguise.