We will never know the exact amount Mariah Carey was paid by Access Bank to be present at their end of year Christmas party which also served as a send-off party for the bank’s outgoing Managing Director Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede in Lagos yesterday.
But one thing we all know is that, to fly Mariah Carey to Nigeria will kill the pocket of not less than 2 million dollars and Acesss Bank which capriciously charges customers even on savings accounts has made enough profit—capable of affording Mariah Carey to appear at their end of year party.
Just few months ago, customers of this same Access Bank went on a protest against the bank’s many ‘frivolous’ charges. The Punch at the time reported that; “So many other customers that day in the banking hall were furious. Despite the directive from the CBN about not making deductions for the use of ATMs, I am being charged for email alerts, account balance, SMS, ATM usage and another N1,000 for maintenance” a customer said.
Corporate greed is everywhere in the world, but when it comes to Africa we mix it up with plain wickedness and misplaced priority.
You can shout that; it is the bank’s money so they can do whatever they want with it—-but do not forget that, it is the same Nigerians living on less than 1 dollar a day who will pay for this in unnecessary bank charges.
Whatever amount that was spent on Mariah Carey’s performance which would have been enjoyed by a selected few could have changed the lives of thousands—for good and for the better of Nigeria.
Individuals and corporate bodies have the means to make substantial impact in the lives of the people from who they’ve made their fortune from in Africa. But most ignore their responsibility towards these people and those who acknowledge it, just do the minimum even when they can do far better…
Mariah Carey will have fun with the rich; she will be driven in an expensive car on probably a feeder road or a road full of pot holes.
She will go through a disorganized Nigerian airport and come face to face with some extremely hungry people.
Finally, when she takes off in the provided private jet, she will see a city well segregated with millions suffering and a few unconcerned people splashing cash on luxury—including her performance. There, she may realize what a curse it is to be born in Africa and have such individuals as your leaders…
Do not get me wrong, Mariah Carey is a legend but I think every reasonable person will see the lives of the many suffering in Nigeria more important than her well written music…
31 Comments