SPECIAL ADVICE TO MY FELLOW NIGERIAN YOUTH

Never by "monkeyish" or clownish -- attempting to introduce the manners of the "circus" into the home. Some rude boys seem to pride themselves upon their exhibitions of low, vulgar tricks, antic gestures, foolish jests and odd, slangy expressions.

Such low, shameful vulgarity may excite the laughter of foolish persons, "for the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness;" but no one possessing common sense can see such behavior without disgust and abhorrence. And every boy that acts the buffoon puts himself on a level with a clown, and lowers himself in the estimation of the good and the wise.

Be polite, respectful and modest to all, and especially to your elders and superiors. There is nothing more disgusting than a youth who assumes an air of disrespect and self-importance towards his superiors, equals, or inferiors.

Never stare people in the face. It is exceedingly impolite, and a certain mark of ill-breeding to stare idly at strangers or any one, as though you were entirely unused to seeing visitors. In conversing with any one, however, it is right to look him in the face, with cheerful, dignified and respectful assurance.

"Never jerk, twitch or slam doors or window blinds; but endeavor to be cautious and gentle in all your motions. No well-bred child will ever slam a door in anger, or even give it a strong twitch.

Never enter a house or parlor with your boots all mud and slush, or sit down with your hat or cap on.

Never go up and down stairs, or about the house, with the speed of a trotting horse and the tread of an elephant; step lightly, quickly, and orderly.

Never be rude and boisterous with your young friends. You can share in all kinds of sports, and yet never lose the command of yourself so as to become hoydenish and bold. Avoid loud screaming and rude merriment. I Remember back in secondary school days when am really into Williams Shakespeare. I can still recall what Lear says of Cordelia:

"Her voice was ever sweet, gentle and low; an excellent thing in woman."

If in our Nigerian society or better still in our individualized families we learn to be always courteous -- always conciliatory -- always well-bred -- we should find that we had gained an immeasurable amount of happiness. and am totally optimistic that Nigeria will be greater this way.

Negligence and carelessness with regard to the little amenities of life, are the fruitful source of much domestic unhappiness. "Good manners are to the family, what good morals are to society, their cement and their security."

I ask permission to end this piece with a borrowed poem. Have a splendid weekend ahead.

"Alas! we think not that we daily see

About our hearths -- angels that are to be,

Or may be if they will, and we prepare

Their souls and ours to meet in happy air --

A child, a friend, a wife whose soft heart sings

In unison with ours, breeding its future wings."