VIP, VVIP, VVVIP… Who Come Remain?

 

I was thinking this morning..... on Friday I attended an event that could pass for a State event, with state governors, ministers, first-class traditional rulers and captains of industry in attendance.

When I was given a VIP access card, I felt very honoured. After putting on my "Christmas cloth," I arrived at the venue feeling like a big man. It wasn't until I got into the hall that I discovered that my VIP card was actually at the lowest rung of the ladder. There were VVIPs and even VVVIPs ahead of me. Chai! So VIP no VIP again?

Why is one Very in Very Important Personality not enough? Why do we need multiple "verys"? At what point do we stop? VVVVIP? VVVVVIP? Before you know it, somebody's access card will be longer than his CV.

As I pondered on it, I realised that we are a people built on respect. Respect for authority. Respect for elders. Respect for position. Respect for achievement. In our traditional African society, age itself comes with honour. You don't wake up one morning and suddenly decide that because civilisation has arrived, your father's elder brother is now your "guy."

You can now understand why Tony Elumelu responded the way he did to that Gen Z who addressed him simply as "Tony." A man old enough to be her father and, on top of that, happens to be her employer. As the Gen Zs will say, please make it make sense.

That's also why I find it uncomfortable and disrespectful when I hear some comedians refer to the VVVIP of life as "Bros J," all in the name of comedy. Chai! When did your Lord and Saviour, Jesus, become your bros?

That Friday, I entered feeling like a VIP and quickly discovered that in the hierarchy of important people, I still dey learn work. But perhaps the bigger lesson is that we should honour people without worshipping titles, respect elders without diminishing the young, and enjoy access without looking down on those outside the door.

And above all, while human beings may be VIP, VVIP or VVVIP, there is One before whom governors, kings, billionaires, presidents, employers, employees and even we ordinary VIP cardholders must bow. For that level, no need for plenty "V." Na who get invitation card fit form VIP, when Owner of the hall enter, everybody go stand up. As the Bible says: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." (Philippians 2:10–11)

So the next time dem give me VIP card, I will still wear my Christmas cloth and enjoy myself. But this time, I will first check whether VVIP and VVVIP dey the building before I begin form big man. 😂

Stay hopeful. God's got our back.

Happy Sunday!

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey