Hello, I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and today I want to share a lesson inspired by the behavior of sardines, sharks, and whales, particularly during the sardine migration season in South Africa and other parts of the world. This natural phenomenon offers profound insights into societal structures, resistance, and the power of unity.
During the sardine season, these small fish migrate in massive schools, moving as one entity. Sardines have sensors along their sides, allowing them to detect and follow the movements of the group. This synchronized movement creates an illusion of a large, unified entity. Predators like sharks and whales, with their uniocular vision—seeing with one eye at a time—initially perceive the school as a single, mysterious creature and often hesitate to attack.
However, when a group of overzealous sardines breaks away from the mass, sunlight penetrates the gap, revealing the school for what it truly is. This signals the predators to attack, leading to the depletion of the sardines. The lesson here is clear: unity is the sardines’ defense against predators, and disunity is their downfall.
This analogy reflects the dynamics of power and resistance in human societies. Take the recent arrest of human rights advocate Dele Farotimi in Nigeria as an example. The oligarchy often isolates and targets vocal individuals—the “overzealous sardines”—to send a chilling message to the masses. The handcuffs on Dele Farotimi symbolize an attempt to silence dissent and instill fear. By humiliating and oppressing prominent voices, the ruling class aims to discourage collective resistance.
In Nigeria, this strategy goes beyond individuals. Political parties, student unions, labor congresses, and even professional associations are infiltrated by agents of the oligarchy, sowing confusion and division. This tactic is not unique to Nigeria; it’s a hallmark of oppressive regimes worldwide. They divide the opposition, exploit ethnic and religious differences, and manipulate systems to maintain their grip on power.
History, however, teaches us that unity can overcome even the most formidable forces. In The Gambia, for instance, opposition parties united to defeat a long-standing dictator. Similarly, in Syria, fragmented opposition groups made significant progress only when they coordinated their efforts. These examples underscore the importance of a unified front in resisting oppression.
Unity disrupts the oligarchy’s strategy of control. They thrive in calm, divided environments, where they can oppress without interference. But when the masses speak with one voice, demanding justice and equity, the oligarchy becomes uncomfortable. They fear the noise and chaos of collective resistance.
This is why I advocate for a singular message in Nigeria: help us build a nation where no man is oppressed. Poverty, hunger, and injustice do not recognize geography, ethnicity, or religion. These challenges are universal, and so must be our response. When we say “never again” to oppression, in every language and every dialect, we unify our purpose and strengthen our resolve.
We cannot afford to wait for government intervention. Instead, we must take action. I’ve encouraged planting rice and onions in fertile lands to achieve food security and reduce dependence on political handouts. Self-reliance is a powerful form of resistance against exploitation.
I want to commend those who have courageously stood for justice—people like Dele Farotimi, Aisha Yesufu, and others who have lent their voices to the fight for a better Nigeria. Their actions remind us that change begins with individuals but requires collective action to succeed.
As we move forward, let us remember the lesson of the sardines. Unity is our strength. Together, we can challenge oppression, demand accountability, and build a nation where no man is oppressed.
To learn more and join the movement for change, register for our upcoming webinar on maximizing your life, ministry, and finances. Let us hit the ground running in 2025 and take charge of our destiny.
God bless you.
Dr. Charles Apoki
