In the quaint unassuming village of Opaleye, Oyo state, Nigeria appears to have stumbled upon a discovery that we are excitedly referring to as, the Iron coated Silver Lining. Although initially, this quaint terminology suggests optimism and hope, brace yourselves dear readers, for the copious layer of irony that ensues. It all began last week when local farmer, Baba Afolayan, while tilling his farm, struck upon what would soon become Nigeria’s beacon of municipal glory, an immense underground iron deposit. He excitedly reported his 'ground-breaking' discovery to the local authorities. Once knowledgeable about the situation, the Nigerian government swung into overleaf action, a phenomenon best compared to the speed of a sloth trudging through a pool of molasses. Our 'efficient' leaders erected a roped-off government-owned plot of land around the discovery overnight, faster than their ability to implement welfare policies. Our country, already rich in other mineral resources like tin, limestone, coal, and notably oil, can now add iron to its dimly lit, lacklustre party of unexploited wealth. Because what is better than having resources you’re not using? That’s right - more resources you're not using! Local villagers dreaming of instant roads, hospitals, and schools suddenly found their landscape dominated by a looming makeshift fence and the word of iron deposits that held the promise of development and growth, a promise as hollow as the discovery itself. Nonetheless, our people are nothing if not incredibly hopeful and characteristically optimistic. The same optimism that is watered daily by assurances which can even make desert cacti green with envy—assurances given, with aloof disconnection, by our leaders. Our esteemed Ministry of Mines and Steel Development have cleared their invisible schedules to further "investigate" the iron discovery. But, who could blame them? Prioritizing a potential money-making mineral deposit over the implementation of social infrastructure and policies is a no-brainer. Dare we forget, Baba Afolayan, the hero of this tale (a tale, ironically, spinning further from him with each iron drilling), who now watches the frenzy from the cold comfort of the background. He has been ensured, repeatedly, that his claim to discovery will not receive the same treatment as our numerous unimplemented policies. Childishly unaware of the great irony of the situation, a wide-eyed Baba Afolayan dreams of the unemployment, nepotism, and corruption this discovery might alleviate. He dreams of a better life for his children, reflecting the innocence every Nigerian carries against their better judgement. Embrace yourselves, fellow Nigerians, for the Iron coated Silver Lining is here. The miraculous blend of wealth, inadequate usage, enthusiastic inactivity and a large tablespoon of irony is a peculiar but acquired taste specific to us. And taste it we will, perhaps with the same excitement with which we've tasted unfulfilled promises. Let's raise an ironic toast to the discovery, and many more to follow, in the blessed landscape of Nigeria.