YOMI's Blog

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, my six-year-old daughter, Sekemi became an unlikely beacon of hope and insight, inspiring me to confront the recklessness of individuals and the ineptitude of leaders that exacerbated the covid-19 pandemic.

In those early months of lockdown, while adults, religious leaders, head of organizations and head of countries around the world debated mask mandates, social distancing, and the merits of various science-based guidelines, Sekemi stood out as a model citizen. With her unblemished childlike understanding of the world, she embraced the rules imposed upon us. She understood that wearing a mask was more than just fabric over her face—it was a protective measure for herself and those around her. I remember one afternoon after watching the news of series of deaths in Europe and America on CNN, she said “I’m so scared of corona virus, I don’t want to die. People should just obey the rules to avoid the spread.” As her parent, I was astounded at how she comprehended the importance of following scientific advice, while many adults dismissed it in favor of conspiracy theories and baseless superstitions.

Sekemi reminded me of the pure and hopeful curiosity children possess. Despite the confusion surrounding her, she sought to understand what was happening, asking questions and wanting to know how she could help. She no longer watches her favourite cartoon stations or channels but rather adopted CNN as her new friend in order to stay updated on the corona virus and covid-19 pandemic. Watching her engage with science in such a straightforward way filled me with both pride and despair. How could a child grasp this when so many adults refused to see the facts?

It was during these moments of clarity that I realized how deeply the reckless behavior of some individuals—and the failures of our leaders—impacted our collective response to the pandemic. The actions and words of leaders set the tone; their adherence or lack thereof to scientific principles influenced the masses. When authorities downplayed the severity of the virus, or when they turned to religious sentiment as a means of explaining the inexplicable, it unnerved me. Wasn't it their responsibility to guide us through this crisis with clarity and conviction?

 Inspired by Sekemi’s unwavering belief in following the rules, I knew it was time for me to channel this inspiration into something tangible. I decided to write my first book— Reckless Audacity, an exploration of the recklessness of individuals and the incompetence of leaders that conspired to worsen the pandemic. I wanted to document the dissonance witnessed and the stark contrast between Sekemi’s earnestness and the irresponsible behavior of many adults. I wanted to examine how leaders could influence public behavior and the dire consequences of ignoring science in favor of superstition and personal belief.

Through this journey, I realized that my desire to write was not just about capturing a moment in history; it was about honoring the lessons I learned from my daughter. Sekemi showed me that innocence should never be underestimated and that we can all learn from those who choose to embrace knowledge and compassion over fear and misinformation. My hope is to inspire readers to reflect on their own experiences during the pandemic, to question the narratives pushed by those in power, and to recognize the profound wisdom that children like Sekemi can impart.

In a world rife with chaos, where decisions can have global repercussions, it's essential to listen to the voice of reason—whether it comes from an expert or a six-year-old girl. As I put pen to paper, I keep her spirit alive in my words, reminding myself and others that in our darkest moments, it is often the light of innocence that can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves and the society we inhabit.

So, here’s to Sekemi, my young muse, and to all the children who choose to listen to science over superstition. May we learn from their wisdom and strive to be better leaders and citizens for future generations.