Friday, August 21, 2015

Contemplating that Naija Swag



Nigerians.... We're really a special breed. And for America, they know us well. I'm not talking about the negative stuff. Let's just leave that alone for now. What I'm talking about is our intelligence, our ambition, our culture, our music, our food, our family values, our traditions. There's just nothing like a Nigerian. Americans are beginning to take notice too. I can't tell you how many times when someone has told me they know, have a relative that married, went to school with, dated, or have a neighbor who is a Nigerian. Most often, it's positive things they are saying.

I love how those of us who are first-generation Americans can unite around common experiences shared comically by the likes of comedians like Chief Obi and Foxy P. It really does show how strong the culture is. I pray that our generation passes on the values that our parents gave us. Respect. Value of education (in its various forms and fields, i.e., you don't have to be a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, engineer, lawyer; just be excellent at what you do). Structured two-parent married household. Faith in God.

No group is without their failings, and Nigerians are no different. We're not perfect. But I just gotta say that I love the Naija Swag. It's unmistakable. Undeniable. We just got it.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

2Face Idibia - Vote Not Fight


2Face Idiba cautions Nigerians to keep the peace this election season.

As a Naija American Girl, I don't feel qualified to campaign for or against any candidate in this Nigerian election season.  really don't know who should be the next president of Nigeria, whether Buhari or Jonathan, but I do know that I want my family to live in peace and safety. I do know that I want quality of life to improve for every single Nigerian. What's it gonna take to make that happen? It's definitely an uphill task. But it starts with a change in heart and mindset of Nigeria's leaders and Nigeria's citizens.
At the end of the day, I'm just praying for a peaceful election. No bombings. No violence. No unrest. Is that too much to ask in today's Nigeria? I believe not. 2Face Idibia put it very plainly in his brilliant new video Vote Not Fight. 
 
"Vote not fight.  Election no be war." 2Face Idibia

Sunday, January 11, 2015

2015

Happy New Year! 2014 was quite a year for me. A milestone year indeed. One of the biggest things that happened for me was my long awaited trip to Nigeria. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time (see my posts I said I wanna go to Naija, my mom says no, no no  and Visiting Nigeria: My Rationale). Though it was sad that some key family members had died before I got a chance to visit, I was still so happy to see my family. I heard stories and learned valuable pieces of my family history. I got to see Naija life firsthand, from crazy Lagos traffic, to the cool calm of the village. It was definitely the highlight of my year.  I plan to make it my business to go once a year, at least.

In 2014, I learned some key life lessons, on dealing with people, managing finances and having an emergency fund, and preparing for my future. I met great people, redefined old relationships and friendships, and grew one year wiser.

Overall, it was a good year, and I'm expecting even more from 2015.


This was my anthem last year, and I'm keeping it rockin' this year.

Tim Godfrey - Amen



Your life e go betta o, amen, amen. 
Family go betta o, amen, amen. 
Everything go betta o, amen 
E go betta o, amen