All the pomp and gauche display of significance in this country is a mark of insecurity. It's the only thing I know that craves distinction that much, and that's why here, even forgetting to call some people by their honorifics is a big deal. In fact, some prefer their titles to their actual names... like, instead of Omar, say Alhagie, or Director, or Doctor, or Honourable, etc.
The thing with insecurity is that it produces rivalry, and where there's rivalry, people tend to envy success than be inspired by it. In fact, I want to argue that it's the root cause of corruption in this country, and it starts with say you landing a new job and wanting to be regarded as relatively accomplished, or that the time for everyone to look up to you is now.
Like fate would have it, soon what you set your heart upon is all yours... like you wanted to feel and do better than those lazy brains who do no one any good, and now you have it; everything falls on you, like you wanted, right?
Well, until your salary is no longer enough, but you still want to keep up with the amazing feeling of being the tekki (successful) one, then you dip your hands into the proverbial cookie jar, rationalising each dip with the good you do, like helping pay a certain neighbour's medical bill, some kid's tuition, a cousin's travel expenses, while occasionally treating yourself to some of finest stuff money has to offer.
Henry Ford said 'givers have to set limits because takers rarely do.' But in your case, as exhausting as the demands have become, you may not have the luxury to do that, because folks don't react well to saying "no," and unfortunately, their validation is your most powerful currency.
It's an amazing feeling before it expires, but when it does, the consequence is usually a rude awakening - you know, you not getting to realise that nothing's actually simpler and enduring a reputation than being simply you, until you get caught with your hand in the unholy source of the philanthropy you're noted for.
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