The Reality
The reality is, as humans and especially as Africans, we often live life as if death will never come for us. We avoid thinking about it, dismiss it with “God forbid”, and go on planning for everything else, our families, careers, homes, and dreams, yet the one certainty in life is the one thing we refuse to prepare for.
This avoidance is not wisdom; it is denial. People who raise families, build businesses, and chase ambitions without considering what happens if they are no longer here are leaving their loved ones vulnerable. Life is unpredictable, and ignoring death does not make it disappear. True foresight means acknowledging life’s fragility and preparing for the inevitable.
This is why insurance and similar planning systems exist. The Western world introduced them not to instill fear, but to provide security and protection for the future. They are tools that ensure that when tragedy strikes, families are cared for, responsibilities are met, and life can continue without chaos. Insurance is not only about money, it is a demonstration of responsibility, foresight, and love for those we leave behind.
Planning for death does not mean living in fear. On the contrary, it allows us to live more freely and fully, knowing that we have taken steps to protect the people and things we care about most. It also goes beyond money. True preparation can mean passing on wisdom, nurturing values, sharing knowledge, or leaving instructions for the continuation of our dreams. In all these ways, we ensure that our absence does not bring suffering or uncertainty.
In African culture, death is often spoken about in hushed tones, avoided in conversation, yet proverbs and traditions subtly remind us of life’s fragility and the importance of leaving behind a legacy. To plan responsibly is to honor both life and death: to live intentionally, care for others, and embrace the reality that our time is limited.
Ultimately, death is not an enemy to fear but a truth to accept. The wise live fully while preparing for the inevitable, ensuring that even when they are gone, their families, their values, and their dreams continue. A life well-lived is not only measured by what we achieve but by how well we safeguard the future for those who will come after us.
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