I took an instant liking for the word Bacciferous the first time I came across it, because of its synonym: fruitful. It’s easier to relate to. Although the word sounded bombastic, somewhat, its meaning, which is explained by its synonym and other subjective uses, further amplified why I since filed it away. Perhaps, for a day like this.
Thus, when the name – Hilda Baci – started trending on account of a rare feat, the cook-a-thon, which closed at 100 hours, the word – Bacciferous – sharing closely with her surname: Baci, quietly crept back into my subconscious, with its synonym giving an even clearer meaning to its positive interpretation.
Miss Hilda is a quintessential example of Nigeria’s “I can do spirit” and the nation’s indomitable disposition. The saying, “Black does not break or crack,” finds a simple anecdote, not just in Nigeria and her people, but Hilda’s victory over self.
With one bad news about Nigeria, there are a thousand positive other stories to consume it. What is left, however, is which we choose to celebrate. The one bad news or the one thousand positive others? That’s how patriotism is defined in other climes.
A soldier girl and aspiring super woman, Hilda, has just put Nigeria on the global news for all the right reasons. From believing in her own dream to driving it and giving it an unusual push, you can’t but notice this budding star from a “shithole country” like Donald Trump would rather a black nation was identified.
But the most important takeaway from this is the nation’s indivisible unity, which Hilda’s record-breaking effort has brought to the fore, again. Who knows what part of the country she is from or her faith? Did anyone even bother? But the solidarity that wrapped up her cooking race was a rare oneness of the Nigerian people, often activated only during a game of football.
Yet, Hilda did it. The Nigerian spirit came alive without the prodding of anyone. It is who they are; who we are. The event of the last few days typified an interesting story of a people, who appreciate hard work, collectively celebrate genuine success, and honestly love one another, away from the maddening local politics.
I dare say this Hilda is Bacciferous, and her choices, clearly, say so. Many congratulations, soldier girl!
