In 2011, while doing a research on tourism in Northern Nigeria, I visited my primary school, LEA Kigo Road, Kaduna.
While I was being taken round by one of the staff, I regaled them with stories of what we used to do while in the school in the 1970s. One of them was the songs we sang mechanically, without knowing their imports. We sang but the wordings meant nothing to us. Not until my visit that memories of these songs flooded me again in torrents and I began to ruminate on them. One of the songs was Day by Day.
Day by day
Dear Lord of thee
Three things I pray,
To see the more clearly
Love the more dearly
Follow the more nearly
Day by day.
Amin.
This song we sang where we lined up, facing the teachers when the school was about to close for the day. We rushed to the line and a teacher says “ three… four … go” and we began to sing, after which we rushed to our homes.
Another song was *Some Have Food But Cannot Eat.* I don’t know if the current primary schools still sing the song. This song we sang after every break before returning to our classes.
Some have food but cannot eat
Some can eat but have no food
We have food and we can eat
Glory be to the O Lord.
Now, I understand what these songs mean and I give God the glory.
During my visit to the school, I walked to the spot where we lined up and sang the songs again, this time with reverence and meaning. The staff were looking and laughing at me as I sang, with my eyes closed.
Deep in me, I thank God that today, I have food and I can eat. So many wake every morning and their families are caring for them, asking them to manage to eat a morsel of Eba or take some spoons of rice. For some people, food is being passed into their tummies through pipes. God I thank you that I have food and I can eat.
Some are in good health, but can’t afford a loaf of bread today. Some people will have to knock doors of neighbours, some will need to prostitute their bodies before they can eat today. Father, thank you, this is not our lots, and never shall be in Jesus name.
These songs have new meanings to me today. I sing them again with respect, adoration, humility and the biggest of all, gratitude. Please, let us teach our children and grandchildren these songs. These songs must never disappear from our lips.
I have food … and I can eat.
Accept my gratitude, O Lord.
