tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37785005836354067132024-02-14T15:55:04.573-05:00Naija American GirlUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-74107500196283893082019-04-28T18:11:00.002-04:002019-04-28T18:11:42.889-04:00TENI LIVE IN WINDSOR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUBlKz9U6mRygekariVGZQNp8GLm5XWzfT97eXKvISbU2SDP4YU7hl4tTvG8HDBAj47meIMV8ikZJhEl40RCW2Gne8ANZlxLNtk3M5CdtFBfElyHnyLNJdCKgygY0ztYEXYdEpuwG8-M/s1600/teni+on+stage+in+windsor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUBlKz9U6mRygekariVGZQNp8GLm5XWzfT97eXKvISbU2SDP4YU7hl4tTvG8HDBAj47meIMV8ikZJhEl40RCW2Gne8ANZlxLNtk3M5CdtFBfElyHnyLNJdCKgygY0ztYEXYdEpuwG8-M/s640/teni+on+stage+in+windsor.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Teni, aka Teni Makanaki, is by far my favorite new Naija artist. She's soooo talented and creative. She is a freestyle pro. Her voice is beautiful and distinct. Her style, confidence, and swag are unique and unmatched. So, yeah.. you get it: I LOVE TENI! When I first heard Case last year, I was sold. I went back and listened to all her other music, watched interviews to learn more about her, and overall, became quite a Teniologist, lol.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (second from left) and my three sisters.</td></tr>
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Needless to say when I heard she was coming to Windsor, Canada, there was no way I was going to miss it. I immediately bought my ticket and the wait began. I live in Detroit, which is directly across a river from Windsor, so it was a quick drive.<br />
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One thing that really impresses me about Teni is how quickly her team has organized this international tour. Yes, she's written for Davido and has industry connections, but as far as I know her biggest hits, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx_SO7aWfYk" target="_blank">Askamaya </a>and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYx5ukr_YWw" target="_blank">Case </a> were released just last year. But hey, what do I know about the music industry... not much.<br />
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Anyways, the concert was amazing! Teni is a great performer and really knows how to connect with the crows. The best part of the night: my sister Adaeze (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksNmE-GFMkY0OuHhwcnDTQ" target="_blank">Ada Shakara</a>) getting called on stage with Teni herself for a dance competition with three other people. Check it out below and be sure to check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksNmE-GFMkY0OuHhwcnDTQ" target="_blank">Ada Shakara Youtube Channel</a> for more great videos.<br />
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Overall, it was a great night out with my sisters and I loved every minute of it.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-1005069457325159772016-08-17T13:20:00.000-04:002016-08-19T10:32:13.851-04:00Have all the fine girls joined gang?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">"All the fine girls have joined gang. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">And all the good boys have joined gang(x2)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">You are taking hot drinks, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">smoking cigarette, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">Wearing all black,</span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">Bad gang</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">Keeping late night, P</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">utting on dress, C</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">arrying girls' </span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">Bad gang..."</span></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPi6kUNqq0k" target="_blank">- Ajebutter22, Bad Gang ft. Falz</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Bad Gang</i> by Ajebutter22 and Falz is a catchy song, but more than just a hypnotic rhythm, the lyrics and video made me question the state of youth in Nigeria.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="background-color: white;">The video is set on the scene of a university campus. Ajebutter22 plays a lecturer struggling to keep control of his unruly classroom, filled with students smoking, drinking, snapping selfies, and doing everything but paying attention to any sort of lecture. A group of girls walks in late and at least make some rough effort to show a little respect. Another girl walks in talking on her handset and the instructor loses it; he snatches the phone and drags her to the headmaster's office. The headmaster, played by Falz, starts scolding the girl, but in the end becomes seduced by the girl's antics. By the end of the video, both headmaster and instructor are dancing with the very students they were trying to scold. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="background-color: white;">Though this is just another music video by two musicians looking to keep the attention of their fan base, it seems like a social commentary as well. In his rap, Falz mentions that the girl is now dating older men, even senators and going to Aso Rock. In a way, it's like he's telling girls who do such things to change their ways. We've all heard the cults that have their base on university campuses across Nigeria. The term "bad gang" is a reference to these groups.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="background-color: white;">The video does focus on the waywardness of young ladies more than that of young men, which is typical of the patriarchal Nigerian society. However, the video almost seems to be glorifying waywardness and not really condemning it, giving off the feel that to be a fine girl you need to join gang or a cult. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="background-color: white;">What do you think, is this song making jest of a serious situation? Is it mocking those who scold youth? Or is it just a song made for our dancing pleasure? Watch the video and see what you think.</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-7186456959984323452016-08-12T15:20:00.000-04:002016-08-19T20:45:29.560-04:00Association of Husband Importers<br />
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<i>"Importer, exporter, cocoa water..."<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMDn52iv_6s" target="_blank">D'Banj in his song Igwe</a></i></blockquote>
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A growing trend I've noticed, especially here in Michigan where I live, is Naija girls going to Nigeria to get married or engaged to Nigerian guys and bringing them back to the US. Some are Naija girls born in the United States, and some were born in Nigeria. Most times, the love connection comes through a friend or family member. Technology like Whatsapp, Facebook, and Skype help keep the communication flowing. Often, a few trips back and forth happen before all is said and done and the couple is together in the States.<br />
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A few years ago, my mind would have said only one thing: na green card them want o. After getting more life experience, I now see that love and compatibility can be found anywhere around this world, and the opportunity to go abroad may not necessarily be the motivating factor. I think more people have wised-up to the fact that life abroad is not as easy as it once seemed. To be honest, most know that it's easier and quicker to establish a profitable business in Nigeria, and there are less regulations. The road infrastructure, power supply, and security are the major setbacks to life in Nigeria. These things come into play when a couple is deciding where to start their life together. <br />
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Still, I had a male friend of mine call these ladies "Association of Husband Importers," hahaha. The way I see it, there is mutual benefit. These ladies are looking for good men who will love and appreciate them. Maybe it hasn't worked out with any of the guys in their area, and so they decide to be open to a man from Nigeria or elsewhere. I heard one lady say that the Naija guys here are slow when it comes to relationships and marriage. Maybe Yankee dey affect them. Cause back home, getting married is a thing of pride. Here, guys are busy dragging their feet and complaining about women not being this or that.<br />
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Guys have also been known to go home to bring a wife, so I won't pretend as if this is a one way street. <br />
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When two people come together, it takes time for them to get to know each other and build that love and trust that is necessary for a solid relationship. At the end of the day, if the couple can make things work and live happily with understanding, it doesn't matter where in the world they find each other. Many of these couples are now living together happily and raising beautiful families, just to prove the point. Cheers to love!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-4812717044123388632016-08-09T16:01:00.002-04:002016-08-19T20:46:13.743-04:00Madam Gracie's African Church Chronicles... FUNNY VIDEO!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madam Gracie</td></tr>
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No be by force to sing o! Take a listen at this hilarious video by my friend Madam Gracie and follow here on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Madamgracie/" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm5cr5rMdL-YQRYEuhC6S1w" target="_blank">Youtube </a>for more funny videos. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3CVQkbbizL0" width="420"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-49277120301973175062016-08-07T01:09:00.001-04:002016-08-19T20:47:51.245-04:00NYSC Corper escapes great danger <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASzzXYeUhqjYe-NG-6E3Y1tpVgqc8moCqDAB2Jq6csrXtVvcmJPOlylGbzyvKAgzHl2MYfsO_k18KE2rn5zE8sKmCyLASgNomSTI9wbTcnWQoxXAvTAv78VRP3K_v87IWroP6ej2oOcA/s1600/eagle+sam+and+friend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASzzXYeUhqjYe-NG-6E3Y1tpVgqc8moCqDAB2Jq6csrXtVvcmJPOlylGbzyvKAgzHl2MYfsO_k18KE2rn5zE8sKmCyLASgNomSTI9wbTcnWQoxXAvTAv78VRP3K_v87IWroP6ej2oOcA/s400/eagle+sam+and+friend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My friend Sam (on the left) shared this touching story on his Facebook profile. I just had to share it because it is so amazing!</div>
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<i>A testimony that made me burst into tears of joy this afternoon:</i></div>
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<i>What a faithful God we serve!</i></div>
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<i>The light-in-complexion guy to the right was my very intimate friend and brother-in-Christ when I was in Lagos, Nigeria (We took these pictures together some years back in Nigeria).</i></div>
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<i>He graduated college and he took a cab from Lagos to Kogi state in Nigeria to do His NYSC ( National Youth Service Corps). Which is a one year program that is mandatory for every fresh college graduate in Nigeria. In the process of this program, the graduates are called CORPERS.</i></div>
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<i>Unfortunately, the journey appeared to be longer than expected. Then, my friend asked the driver when they would arrive at their destination. The driver kept on saying: "We will soon get there."<br />After some time, the driver drove them into a bush very late at night. 2 men with guns forcefully led them into a place where others have been kidnapped.((My friend + 2 other guys + 1 lady were kidnapped in the cab)).</i></div>
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<i>To shorten the long story, they were many in that place. They shaved the hair of other people and they searched them but not my friend. They didn't remember to take his phone from him. So, he was texting his pastor, family, and friends to pray for him. He saw others being beheaded...but he kept praying and singing worship songs. They told him to keep quiet, but he disobeyed (Holy disobedience). They said they would shoot him dead, but he didn't care. I know my friend to be a man of strong faith.</i></div>
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<i>Later on, the head of the kidnappers asked his associates: "How many CORPERS are here?" They responded: "Just 2 of them."</i></div>
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<i>The man said, "Release them and let them go."</i></div>
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<i>Miraculously, my friend was one of the corpers that were released.</i></div>
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<i>It happened just last month, but he told me this afternoon when we reconnected.</i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><i>What a mighty God we serve!</i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-29355911036347166282016-08-02T02:48:00.000-04:002016-08-02T02:48:23.684-04:00When Naija kids get their first job (VERY FUNNY VIDEO)<div style="text-align: left;">
In Nigeria, it's rare for a secondary school student to have a job just for the sake of having extra cash. A student who is working in Nigeria is probably doing so to help feed a very needy family. In fact, Many students get their first taste of employment as a <a href="http://www.nysc.gov.ng/" target="_blank">NYSC </a>corper after completing university. </div>
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But in the United States, many high school students take pride in getting their first job, and most of the time it's just to have a few dollars in their pocket to buy small things or to go out with friends. As a matter of fact, your very own Naija American Girl had her first job in a McDonald's restaurant and my second at KFC, many years ago... Hahah... :D</div>
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Anyways, Naija parents, ever focused on raising children who are world-class in education and career, sometimes don't understand why their children would want to enter the workforce at an early age instead of focusing on studies. Take a minute to watch this funny video below by Madam Gracie and take a second to like the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Madamgracie/" target="_blank">Madam Gracie Facebook page. </a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-71575723953499482422016-08-02T02:16:00.000-04:002016-08-02T02:16:32.767-04:00All in the name of going abroad...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="266" src="https://i0.wp.com/nigeriacamera.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Nigeria-woman-died-in-the-Mediterranean.jpg?resize=570%2C380&ssl=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Nigeria Camera via AP</td></tr>
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Two days ago I was heartbroken as I read the story of a Naija woman who died in the Mediterranean Sea as she and about 150 others packed a small boat from Libya trying to enter Italy. The saddest part is that her two young sons were with her and are now motherless. How unfortunate. This picture just makes me want to cry.</div>
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There are two sides to this kind of thing. On one side, there is a woman looking for a better life for herself and her children. On the other, there is the (sometimes) false glimmer of a better life life in obodo oyibo, ala bekee, jand, yankee, or whatever name you wanna call it. </div>
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It is a well reported fact that many Nigerian women in Italy turn to prostitution because they find no other way to make a living, while some are forced to do so by the relatives that brought them... very sad. </div>
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In the US, you will find well-educated Nigerians working as taxi drivers and other menial work because the US doesn't recognize their degree without going through a very tough process which can include more schooling. Others opt for more devious methods of obtaining citizenship, such as marrying or paying to marry and American citizen. Sometimes the love is real, sometimes it's not. Still others choose to live on their own terms, overstaying their visas, working small jobs that pay cash, and ducking at every sight of the police.</div>
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For me, that kind of life is no kind of life. Especially for those who had something going in Nigeria, like a business or a decent job. I've been told that because I'm a Naija American girl, I'll never fully understand the Nigerian mentality, especially given the condition of the country. I get it though. Nigeria is hard, and things seem to only be getting tougher. This makes me sympathize with those trying to make it overseas. It's definitely not easy. And in the midst of those difficulties, our people will still be sending money home, o. </div>
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I just wish that all these dangerous escapades of boat smuggling would end. Those who enter Europe in this way usually face the harshest kind of life, should they survive. Abroad is not always the solution to your troubles. I wish all my Naija people the best in all of your endeavors. And remember, your life is important than the hustle to make am. It is well. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-32267079212575121922016-06-09T02:46:00.000-04:002016-06-09T02:49:14.934-04:00Nigerian Government Seeks 500,000 Unemployed Youth for N-Power Employment Program<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://npower.gov.ng/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRClEgBa1tFqBrtNM_YGhQrBgDgwtye8PsfsOYSD9H1vK1uy-qMv3AFqnj0gYR69wld2eY00AQOks3KLHWCDT-K2eb4q7mtXiBq7JFnGpCXjW2exjvLLaCCQyzxIVnkNKyvAEIG5jkh8/s400/N+Power+Are+you+unemployed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From video on<a href="http://npower.gov.ng/" target="_blank"> http://npower.gov.ng/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Federal Government of Nigeria <a href="http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/social-welfare-fg-begins-recruitment-500000-unemployed-graduates/" target="_blank">announced on Wednesday, June 8</a>, a new program for unemployed graduates and non-graduates called <a href="http://npower.gov.ng/" target="_blank">N-Power</a>. The program seeks to give 500,000 youth between the ages of 18 and 35 an opportunity to participate in Nigeria's rebuilding and put a dent in the huge joblessness among Nigeria's youth.<br />
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N-Power is a two-year paid volunteer training program. Recruitment is in the areas of :<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://npower.gov.ng/n-corps/" target="_blank">N-Power Teacher Corp</a>, which will recruit and train 500,000 teachers in Agriculture, Health, Primary and Secondary Education, and Adult and Civic Education</li>
<li><a href="http://npower.gov.ng/n-knowledge-2/" target="_blank">N-Power Knowledge</a>, which will train youth in technology fields including Graphic Design, Animation, Script Writing, Post-Production, Software Development, and Hardware Technicians</li>
<li><a href="http://npower.gov.ng/n-build/" target="_blank">N-Power Build</a>, which will train 75,000 unemployed youth in the areas of Building Services, Construction, Built Environment Services, Utilities, Automotive, Aluminum and Gas</li>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL_O-xW561w" target="_blank">The video</a> below gives an overview of the program:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kL_O-xW561w" width="420"></iframe><br />
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The program seems interesting and very promising if indeed the Buhari administration follows though on the grand promise of the program. You can find out more about the program and how to apply on the website, <a href="http://npower.gov.ng/">http://npower.gov.ng/</a>. The website and program will launch on Saturday, June 11.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-71649478398347192932016-06-08T10:14:00.000-04:002016-06-08T10:14:25.349-04:00Oh Em Gee, it's Emma OhMaGod!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_IY06T93dst_kvD7UmKcw" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_IY06T93dst_kvD7UmKcw" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjUyNKJw4tdbZvXBPBKYm2BJc1HW27539-cOAJIO9F3y3F9FOqNAnoww4ztvl3YUvgf8rFDCmaV_HaOcQ-zkwJJSQ709XwLffJ_hSmm_ZLJUOypXffDv8S3T2I7scm1NQQx9hGVHcsHs/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sometimes a good laugh is all you need to brighten up your day a little. Laughter is good medicine and it should be taken often, once a day, by Dr. Naija American Girl's order. Haha :)<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3778500583635406713" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
One of my favorite young Naija comedians is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_IY06T93dst_kvD7UmKcw" target="_blank">Emma OhMaGod</a>. The guy is hilarious, talented, and very handsome too, lol. The first video I saw by him was this one, Naija Babes Mad at Davido. I watch am, laugh tire!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sflEcUGOChE" width="420"></iframe>
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He has a <i>ton</i> of these kinds of parody videos, including <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPfCnMnii4I" target="_blank">All of Me by John Legend Owambe Cover, </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkN1ZcX24ns" target="_blank">Happy by Pharrell</a> (a follow up to Naija Babes Mad at Davido). <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tkN1ZcX24ns" width="420"></iframe>
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Another one of my favorites is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgsTtZTXfU0" target="_blank">Wash Me Nene</a>, a parody of the popular American hip song, Watch me Whip, Watch me Nae Nae. He turns it into an Igbo praise song, and it is quite funny.
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fgsTtZTXfU0" width="420"></iframe>
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He also does straight comedy videos like this recent one, which puts a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QhraFne4Ag" target="_blank">funny spin on the Nigerian fuel crisis. </a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5QhraFne4Ag" width="420"></iframe>
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Every once in a while he makes a nice praise song video, like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQQL85zPd0I&list=PLuqpSguKyI0f9HYG_HnV-LlPHDTSDVh6K&index=2" target="_blank">Yin Oluwa</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CQQL85zPd0I" width="420"></iframe>
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Check out the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_IY06T93dst_kvD7UmKcw" target="_blank">Emma OhMaGod Youtube page</a> to watch some hilarious videos and subscribe to get notified whenever he posts a new video. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-76571978002492721452016-06-03T10:44:00.003-04:002016-06-03T10:44:57.215-04:00Naija Americans on Wikipedia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Americans" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53HKnGnv_SGQASWDDA9vsrpBuLyxL2aNV7FC2rqKLbrpEWnzcJdqKqbnVJpvI5xjvMhYzEzpDbSf8cM6fQekMG1HaCIIsnz4-X98QhHvgZsewJWoA7ToMUKY7h3uQf-_KU4HpUWaL9_E/s400/Nigerian+Americans+on+Wikipedia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Did you know that there is a page on Wikipedia on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Americans" target="_blank">Nigerian Americans?</a> Yes o my people... Wikipedia has recognized the large population of Nigerians in the United States and someone crated a page. It might have been a Nigerian. Wikipedia is an open source, after all. That point aside, the page seems pretty interesting and accurate.<br />
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Some interesting info from the page is:<br />
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1. As of 2012, there were 277,631 Nigerians in the United States; of those, 116,807 were born in Nigeria. As of 2013, there were 299,310 Nigerian Americans. Either there was a lot of immigration or Naija people been popping out a lot of babies between 2012 and 2013!<br />
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2. "Based on DNA studies, an estimated 80 percent of African Americans
(about 35 million) could have some Igbo or Hausa ancestry. Therefore, 60
percent of them, according to historian Douglas B. Chambers, could have
at least one Igbo ancestor." So for those Afrocentric African Americans who love studying the Zulu kings of South Africa, the Asante of Ghana, Swahili language of East Africa, and ancient Egyptians, hoping to find a connection to their roots, many of them need look no further than good ol' Nigeria, haha! <br />
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3. US cities/areas with the highest Nigerian populations are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Washington DC/Maryland/Baltimore area</li>
<li>New York City</li>
<li>Houston, Texas and Harris County area</li>
<li>Atlanta, Georgia and other suburbs in Georgia</li>
<li>New Jersey</li>
<li>Chicago, Illinois and surrounding areas</li>
<li>Los Angeles, California and suburbs</li>
<li>Columbus, Ohio and Hamilton and Montgomery counties in Ohio</li>
<li>Detroit metro area in Michigan</li>
<li>Virginia: Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun counties</li>
</ul>
I found it interesting that the Detroit area was on the list, because that's where I live. I have a saying. "In the Michigan Nigerian community, there's only one degree of separation between you and another person." Meaning, if you don't know someone, it's guaranteed that someone you know knows them, or a family member of theirs.<br />
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Prime example: I met this guy at a party back in my college days. We danced, he asked for my number, I gave it to him. I really didn't think anything of it. In the days that followed, the guy began disturbing me via text message and call. Ah, ah, which kin wahala be dis? I really wasn't into him, so after trying to be nice, I started ignoring him.<br />
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A few weeks later, guess who my cousin brings to my house? The same guy I've been avoiding! I didn't know that they knew each other. The two of them were heading to some event and my cousin decided to stop by just to say hi. When I see the guy walk in I wanted to disappear into thin air, but no such luck. My dad, ever the cheerful host, welcomed them in and I had to do the customary Naija serving of drinks and snacks to visitors, all while thinking to myself, "Is this really happening to me?"<br />
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As they were leaving, my dad started walking my cousin to his car; the guy lingered behind and was able to corner me and ask me why I hadn't been replying his message or picking his calls. It was so awkward. I had no real answer except to give him a blank look. Hahaha! After that encounter though, he got the message and left me alone.<br />
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Going back to the list of US areas with Nigerian populations, I have been to all of these areas visiting Nigerian friends, family, or attending a Nigerian event.<br />
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I think it's cool that we are beginning to have documented information about Nigerians is America. We're definitely being noticed, and mostly for good things, like education, culture, and family values. <br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Americans" target="_blank">Check out the Wikipedia page to read more about Nigerians in America.</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-74160883534250464142016-06-02T22:13:00.001-04:002016-06-02T22:13:23.605-04:00New Blog Design!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My blog will be 7 years old in December, and I've had the same design for the majority of those years. Well, I felt it was time to switch things up. Below is the old design. What do you think of the change?</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-18383095610774290262016-05-24T07:31:00.001-04:002016-06-01T23:33:11.365-04:00Is Yemi Alade inspiring materialism with her hit 'Ferarri'?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRVN3NOXmN_jLQnyMiErC-byyuTS5us5iP6xW-6N1asncaBsUvT9tudjVciL-k7BXtc2n22l6kK3AbAKfsnFJ0gHH1FDF3akNDj1eXcsZ381JcHghqtoadnB0ZY4WdCPBVNklhp4gwZk/s1600/Yemi-Alade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRVN3NOXmN_jLQnyMiErC-byyuTS5us5iP6xW-6N1asncaBsUvT9tudjVciL-k7BXtc2n22l6kK3AbAKfsnFJ0gHH1FDF3akNDj1eXcsZ381JcHghqtoadnB0ZY4WdCPBVNklhp4gwZk/s400/Yemi-Alade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yemi Alade is one of the reigning babes of Naija music right now. For me, she's the best. Who can ever forget her amazing song and video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_XkTKoDI18" target="_blank">Johnny</a>. That was the song that really changed her level, though she wasn't new to the music game. From Johnny</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> she keeps on releasing hot songs and cool videos to match like </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESAp4boNpck" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Tangerine</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, Kissing (</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">in </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBUliQPfRrk" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">English </a><span style="font-family: inherit;">and </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSWWDe8uB9s" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">French</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and Na Gode (in </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8dqVuHmj5k" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">English </a><span style="font-family: inherit;">and in </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_7fy-UiHfM" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Swahili</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">) and so many more, working with Selebobo and Effyzzzie Music group. I think Yemi is quite brilliant to diversify her fan base by singing her songs in different languages. I was really impressed to learn that after she won the Peak music competition in 2009, she went back to finish her education before returning to her music career. Her funky Afrocentric fashion lives up to her new nickname of Mama Africa, which happens to also be the title of her latest <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mama-africa-diary-african/id1088796674" target="_blank">album</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the singles from the album is 'Ferrari'. If you haven't heard it, the chorus goes a little like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; line-height: 22px; padding: 10px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"If you love me you go buy me ferrari<br style="-webkit-appearance: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />If you like me you go pay me salary<br style="-webkit-appearance: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Soup wey sweet na money dey cook am<br style="-webkit-appearance: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />If you want it you go spend to chop am</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; line-height: 22px; padding: 10px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cos I love you no be mouth oh oh oh<br style="-webkit-appearance: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />No be mouth oh eh<br style="-webkit-appearance: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />Love no be for mouth oh ah ah<br style="-webkit-appearance: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />No be mouth oh eh..."</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFREpu6hjQpbCquXn12AprSj4ZfTLRuyZSgn1SryMSkXW7Da2nU2GlrfdcNeHTbwVzqH4llLCha6VeaMxp0QXI8lUsI0UAGbYbqnEY9zhBjpAX8_uXWO5USCPqgrkUzoCcLauN8fKZ3g/s1600/ferrari+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiFREpu6hjQpbCquXn12AprSj4ZfTLRuyZSgn1SryMSkXW7Da2nU2GlrfdcNeHTbwVzqH4llLCha6VeaMxp0QXI8lUsI0UAGbYbqnEY9zhBjpAX8_uXWO5USCPqgrkUzoCcLauN8fKZ3g/s400/ferrari+2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guy, nyem ego.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; line-height: 22px; padding: 10px 0px;">
Once again, the Queen of Kings, the Yoruba Igbo girl kills it with amazing fashion, dancing, and playfulness in the video. But as I continue to hear the song, I can't help but wonder, if this mentality will be now sinking into the minds of Naija and African ladies the world over. Will they be expecting cars and designer wear as mandatory gifts as proof of love? Na wa o, my brothers, e no easy. </div>
<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; padding: 10px 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 22px;">Perhaps Ms. Alade is just being the creative musician she is and making a fun dance hit, which is the more likely answer. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; padding: 10px 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 22px;">All na levels, sha. Yemi is a graduate and a music industry giant. In her dating life, I'm sure she'll be meeting guys who can buy her Ferrari if she really wants. Many young ladies will not, so make you no put eye there. Don't shun a man who really love you for the fact that he can't buy you Ferrari o. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; padding: 10px 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 22px;">I do agree that love is not by mouth, though. You will be able to see if someone loves you by their actions. But please, don't make Ferrari be one of them. Maybe giving you a little salary that he can afford though. Haha :) I think it's right for a man to show his love by giving something every now and then, no matter how small. This is not an excuse for stinginess my brothers, o. Just do what you can. After all, the most important thing is for the two people to understand themselves.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-appearance: none; background-color: white; padding: 10px 0px;">
<span style="line-height: 22px;">Check out the video and see what you think:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2Bj7F6p6kQU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Bj7F6p6kQU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-41759608108381419812015-08-21T21:12:00.000-04:002015-08-21T21:13:10.436-04:00Contemplating that Naija Swag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pU8okcXrNUGluolEYKXVcPk4IsjVkboiFrbOnD7AVE1XBc3NGMpVYseZ9LDJ_XepJpomQd-85vpRGg_rJV6-nkf7FnrUQJafrXBegA0-89x8pPYpMcf5fG1QGMCxqNgFf3ZRmouwJ_8/s1600/Naija+swag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pU8okcXrNUGluolEYKXVcPk4IsjVkboiFrbOnD7AVE1XBc3NGMpVYseZ9LDJ_XepJpomQd-85vpRGg_rJV6-nkf7FnrUQJafrXBegA0-89x8pPYpMcf5fG1QGMCxqNgFf3ZRmouwJ_8/s400/Naija+swag2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-26461533678322618792015-03-03T11:30:00.002-05:002015-03-30T20:58:41.978-04:002Face Idibia - Vote Not Fight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2Face Idiba cautions Nigerians to keep the peace this election season.</td></tr>
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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 <i>do</i> know that I want my family to live in peace and safety. I <i>do</i> 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.</div>
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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 <i>Vote Not Fight. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Vote not fight. Election no be war." 2Face Idibia</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-40255948642886112552015-01-11T19:42:00.001-05:002015-01-11T19:42:10.539-05:002015Happy New Year! 2014 was quite a year for me. A milestone year indeed. One of the biggest things that happened for me was <a href="http://www.naijaamericangirl.com/2014/03/naija-american-girl-goes-to-nigeria.html" target="_blank">my long awaited trip to Nigeria</a>. It's something I've been wanting to do for a long time (see my posts <a href="http://www.naijaamericangirl.com/2010/11/i-said-i-wanna-go-to-naija-my-mom-says.html" target="_blank">I said I wanna go to Naija, my mom says no, no no</a> and <a href="http://www.naijaamericangirl.com/2011/01/visiting-nigeria-my-rationale.html" target="_blank">Visiting Nigeria: My Rationale</a>). 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Overall, it was a good year, and I'm expecting even more from 2015.<br />
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This was my anthem last year, and I'm keeping it rockin' this year.<br />
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Tim Godfrey - Amen <br />
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<i>Your life e go betta o, amen, amen. </i><br />
<i>Family go betta o, amen, amen. </i><br />
<i>Everything go betta o, amen </i><br />
<i>E go betta o, amen </i><br />
<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-72008483317122858252014-08-13T15:20:00.003-04:002014-08-13T15:20:51.491-04:00Prayer of a 419er<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.riseandgrind.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pray_401k_1013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.riseandgrind.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/pray_401k_1013.jpg" height="126" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from RiseandGrind.com</td></tr>
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We all know the disservice 419ers/yahoo yahoo boys have done to Nigeria's reputation worldwide. Personally, I'm surprised that people are still falling prey to their tactics after years of publicity and warnings about them. I've received emails from yahoo guys before, and when I read them, the English is bad and the story doesn't seem believable to anyone with common sense. You've got to be a real mumu or just a greedy son of a gun to fall for them. But did you know some of these yahoo guys call on the Lord to help them in their schemes?<br />
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I'm not kidding.<br />
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I was talking to my cousin last week and he described a scene that he encountered when he went to use a computer in a cafe. It was early one morning in Lagos, and he went to the cafe to use the computer and print one important document from his email. He saw a group of about 4 men in their 40s and 50s gathered around a single computer. One of the men then lifted a prayer. "Oluwa thank you for a new day. Please bless our endeavors today with good things to smile to. May today never be waste in Jesus name." Amen!" the other three answered.<br />
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My mouth literally dropped open when my cousin told me this eye-witness account. Like seriously, these men get boldness pass. How you go take open mouth, pray, make God help una commit crime? Truly mind-blowing. I was also surprised at the age of these 419ers. I guess in my mind, I always pictured them to be computer-savvy young guys, but that's not always the case, my cousin told me.<br />
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So this is what Nigeria's highly-religious culture has produced: people who are so God-conscious that even in their stealing, they must acknowledge God. I shouldn't be shocked though. It's the same as politicians or armed robbers giving God the glory for blessing them, doing the big man dance in line to give offering in church.<br />
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Nothing wey you no go see for this life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-28910534812904921892014-08-02T19:44:00.001-04:002014-08-02T19:44:16.604-04:00Tuface Idibia live in Detroit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night I got to see the amazingly talented and award-winning Tuface Idibia live in concert in Detroit! It was an awesome and rare show, because big Naija artists rarely come to Detroit. Kudos to <a href="http://www.clubnationale.org/" target="_blank">Club Nationale </a>for bringing him. </div>
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Tuface opened up with his song One Love and kept it flowing from there.
He of course performed a special rendition of African Queen, along with
If Love Is A Crime, See Me So, Only Me, and other of his hits.<br /><br />One thing I really enjoyed about Tuface's performance was his storytelling and how he related to the crowd. Definitely a seasoned performer.</div>
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My major annoyance of the night was that the show started two hours late courtesy of African time. Then the organizers wanted to kill us with opening acts performing for two hours. Chei! Each performer was doing between two and four songs. Show wey suppose start by 9 started by 11, and before Tuface enter stay, time reach almost 1 a.m. We don suffa o! But it was worth it in the end :)</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="null"><span style="font-size: small;">"</span>Hello lady, my name is___________ , I am a loving and
caring young guy looking for every means to survive and complete my
university education. I need ur assistance if u can help me out. And if a
reward or appreciation is needed, I can also be available to be ur
SUGAR BOY, as dats the major process by which fellow students in the
same condition like me go through to survive( after all medical test has
been carried out to see that am healthy and fit). If you are willing to
help me free-mindedly or wit a reward, pls reply my message of you
reach me on _______________. I am willing to do anything you will want me to
do. Awaiting your reply my lady"</span></blockquote>
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To which I have absolutely no response. I dey pray for these kids, because even though life is hard, there is a better way. Why not sell plantain or other goods to pay school fees? It's the pride of life that makes people forget that we human beings are not immortal. One little virus called HIV, and that could be the the beginning of the end of a young life. Wisdom is better than silver and gold. And a word is enough for the wise. What say you?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-45547889271915916162014-06-18T09:53:00.002-04:002014-06-18T09:53:43.255-04:00Michelle Williams sings Nigerian Praise Song with Beyonce and Kelly Rowland <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From The Yolanda Adams Morning Show</td></tr>
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Michelle Williams is using a Nigerian praise song to bring about a comeback of sorts, including her former Destiny's Child group members, Beyonce and Kelly Rowland. In "Say Yes" the songbirds sing our familiar Naija priase tune "When Jesus says yes, nobody can say no," a vibrant crowd dances African and African-inspired moves. I'm impressed, actually.<br />
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According to an interview I heard live on the Yolanda Adams Show this morning, Michelle's Nigerian producer introduced the song to her at the end of her album recording sessions and she loved it and decided to record it. See the influence us Naija get all over the world. And now they will help to popularize Nigerian music in the U.S. I hope this will break the door open for the great artists we have in Nigeria to be recognized in the US.<br />
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Enough talking... w<span style="text-align: center;">atch the video! </span><a href="http://theyolandaadamsmorningshow.com/864387/michelle-williams-beyonce-kelly-rowland-say-yes-video/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">http://theyolandaadamsmorningshow.com/864387/michelle-williams-beyonce-kelly-rowland-say-yes-video/</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-14466409000035264192014-05-18T22:20:00.000-04:002014-05-18T22:20:36.889-04:00Soundtrack of my trip to NaijaOn a lighter note, it's no secret that I love Naija music: it's versatile; it's unique; it's downright awesome! I'm of the opinion that the majority of the music made in the United States these days (pop/hip hop genres) are complete and utter nonsense. I don't know if it's Illuminati or whatever, but It's truly shameful that people actually sit down, produce it, and release it to the public, and the public embraces it -_-. When I'm in my car, I very rarely listen to the radio. Its CDs all the way for me: Naija tunes, whether Afrobeat or gospel; for American music, it's old R&B, soul, gospel, and other sensible, wholesome music.<br />
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But when I was in Naija, I got to feast on a lot of good music I hadn't heard before. Whether at my cousin's house or at a fast food restaurant, I was able to see music videos for the latest Naija songs (which I think it's pretty cool that fast food restaurants all have TVs tuned into music video stations, by the way). One of the songs I heard often, and really came to love was <i>Aye </i>by Davido. It has such a catchy beat, and lovely video concept; refreshing and original. I definitely found myself singing this to myself over and over once I got back. <i>"She no want designer. She no want Ferrari. She say na my love oh. You belong to me and I belong to her oh. My baby, you go killi somebody... " :)</i><br />
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Another song I heard a lot of was <i>Rainbow </i>by 2Face featuring T-Pain. What's T-Pain doing in Naija? Making music with the best, and going dred-less I guess :) It's good to see our Naija superstars gaining credibility with U.S. artists. <i>"Ever since I left you... I've been to hell and I'm back, and now baby I, I wanna give you all my body and soul..." </i>Ehn, so you no know before. You have to go to hell and back to know what she's worth.... See your life.... Mcheeeeewwwww.. Let's just hope she takes you back, for your sake.... LOL!!!!<br />
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And of course I can't forget <i>Eminado </i>by Tiwa Savage featuring Don Jazzy. With the way they repeat, "Eminado, eminado" in that song, I finally asked one of my cousins what they were saying. She told me they were saying "Emerald o, emerald o." I laughed, skeptically. Her daughter's name is Emerald, so that's the source of her analysis. I don't know whether she was trying confuse/play with me, or if she really believed it herself, but I found it quite amusing.<br />
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I'm sure there's plenty of new stuff out in the Naija airwaves by now... it's already a whole THREE months since my visit!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-24107326228683984862014-05-05T01:38:00.000-04:002016-08-06T15:22:21.928-04:00 Can a Naija American Girl cope with a Nigerian Husband?<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From financialjunteenth.com</td></tr>
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It goes without saying that the innocent school girls who were kidnapped over two weeks ago by Boko Haram in Nigeria are in my thoughts and prayers. It makes me sad and angry when I think of what's probably happening to those poor girls. I have sisters that age, and I'm ready to kill for any of them. I try not to get too deep in thought, but rather lift them in my prayers daily. I encourage everyone out there, more than posting #bringbackourgirls on social media outlets, pray for their safe delivery back to their families and for the Nigerian government to really get serious about the safety and security of its citizens. There needs to be an all out war declared on Boko Haram, end of story.<br />
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On to the title, and topic of my blog today: Can a Naija American girl cope with a Nigerian husband? It's a question that I've been asking myself seriously since coming back from Nigeria, and I'm really beginning to think that for me, the answer is no. Or it seriously, <i>seriously </i>depends on the man and his temperament. Being an educated, financially independent woman, I've come to value my independence and upward mobility, and I'm not ready to give that up 100 percent, nor will I ever be. This is in direct opposition to the state of the average woman in Nigeria. Not to say that there are not plenty of independent and upwardly mobile women in Nigeria, but let's be honest. For many women in Nigeria, life consists of getting married, and then siddon for house dey born pikin, and nothing else... Moving on.<br />
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A few years ago, I did a post on t<a href="http://www.naijaamericangirl.com/2010/09/nigerians-and-american-dream.html" target="_blank">he prevalence of nursing as a career choice for Nigerian women here in the United States.</a> I coined a term which I call "Nigerian Nursing Syndrome" or "NNS". There's nothing wrong with being a nurse, that's for sure. But I came across an article about horrible things that are happening to Nigerian nurses all across the county. In an article titled A<a href="http://saharareporters.com/article/epidemic-nigerian-men-killing-their-nurse-wives-us-abiodun-ladepo?nocache=1" target="_blank">n Epidemic: Nigerian Men Killing Their Nurse Wives In The US</a> by Abiodun Ladepo, the author gives several cases of Nigerian men murdering their wives because she started making more money than him once she became a nurse and he could no longer control her. Some of them felt their wives disrespected them by not allowing him to control all of her money. Granted, the husband is still due a level of respect, no matter how much or how little money he makes; however, murder is in no case acceptable. <br />
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I'm wondering, in my analytical mind, what constitutes disrespect in the mind of a born and bred Nigerian man. Is it refusing to allow him to control every penny that comes into the household? Is it the liberty that comes with not having to ask your husband for money anymore? I can understand the frustration that can come when, after bringing your wife to the U.S. and supporting her through school, she then gets a job as a nurse and then totally disregards and disrespects him because now she's got her own money. But see the wahala wey the man don start in the first place. He went to Naija to pick a meek and mild woman that he will send to nursing school and then use as a cash cow when she finishes, but his plans backfired. Who's to blame? Hmmmm....<br />
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I am in no way saying that all Nigerian men are like this. In fact, the men in my family are good, caring, and responsible men who would never even think it in their minds to do such wicked things to anyone, let alone their own wives. And to be honest, brutality against women is something that unfortunately, is all too common around the world, even in the United States.<br />
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So, can this Naija American girl cope with a Nigerian husband? The answer is, it remains to be seen. Whoever my and wherever my husband is, whether Nigerian or not, he's definitely going to be the type of man who is comfortable with a smart and successful lady, cause that's just who I am and strive to continue to be. Nigerian guys born in the U.S. like me have no problem with this, which leads me to believe that one of these might be a better fit for me, but hey, who knows? Still love my Naija guys though... no vex ;)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-65661516677870980182014-03-21T15:31:00.001-04:002014-03-21T15:31:54.636-04:00Naija American Girl Goes to Nigeria!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last trip to Nigeria was 20 years ago!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.naijaamericangirl.com/2010/11/i-said-i-wanna-go-to-naija-my-mom-says.html" target="_blank">After years of earnest desire</a>, I finally got to go to Nigeria, and boy, was it a trip! I was in Naija for the last two weeks of February and my trip was quite jam packed with all sorts of experiences. I spent the first week in Lagos before flying to Owerri, where my cousins picked me up and took me to our village in Isiala Ngwa in Abia State; from Isiala Ngwa I went to Umuahia, then back to Isiala Ngwa; when I left Isiala Ngwa for good, I went to Port Harcourt, was there for a day before going to Aba. I spent a night in Aba, then was off to Owerri to catch my flight back to Lagos and finish my trip there. Visiting, visiting, visiting was the name of the game. In all of that running around I saw the good, the bad, the ugly, the very ugly, the crazy, the ludicrous, the hilarious, and the strange. But my trip was a priceless experience that I am very glad to have, with the absolute best part being that I was able to see my family there.<br />
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I was able to meet family members I didn't really know before and see those that I've been communicating with for a long time. I heard all sorts of family stories and was able to share the things that happening on my side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1898161_10101113859957768_318646220_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="297" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/1898161_10101113859957768_318646220_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highway sweeper on the Third Mainland Bridge</td></tr>
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One thing I can say is transport.... Chineke meee! I am not used to having to board so many different methods of transport to get somewhere, but when in Rome... um, should I say, when in Naija, do wetin Naija dem dey do. Lol. So I rode everything from keke, danfo (bus), and the dreded okada (motorcycle) since that was what the people. A few times I was chanced to ride a taxi, which is usually a less hectic experience. That is, except if the taxi you are taking breaks down on the bridge from Lagos mainland to Victoria Island, the Third Mainland Bridge. That is exactly what happened on my fourth day in Naija. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1780616_10101113859808068_1503424670_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="237" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1780616_10101113859808068_1503424670_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/1779710_10101113860636408_2112577714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Our taxi broke down on the bridge!</td></tr>
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When the taxi broke down, my first thought was, "What kind of thing is this?" It was during the morning rush hour, so the bridge was packed speeding cars, until the volume reached the point of a go slow (traffic jam). After getting over the initial annoyance, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to take pictures and remember the experience. As I think back on my trip, it was definitely one of the most memorable things that happened. When I think back on it, all I can do is laugh. I must have told the story a dozen times already. :) We got rescued from our dangerous position on the bridge by a passing tow truck who hitched us to the back and towed us to one of the side exits of the bridge where we were able to catch another taxi to reach Victoria Island. Once on VI, I was able so see some lovely sights. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1921957_10101113860257168_1821858936_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="298" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1921957_10101113860257168_1821858936_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/1779710_10101113860636408_2112577714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1.0-9/1779710_10101113860636408_2112577714_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike Adenuga building on VI</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1781994_10101113905511478_649508807_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/1781994_10101113905511478_649508807_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my smallest cousins (Mom's side)</td></tr>
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One thing I gathered from my trip is that Lagos is definitely what I would call an overcrowded city. If I was to live in Nigeria, it definitely wouldn't be my first choice, lie lie. I kind of like Umuahia, from what I saw. <br />
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While I was in Nigeria I was able to get my hair braided and two outfits tailor made, items on my must do list.<br />
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All in all, my trip to Nigeria was a successful one.
I'll be back soon with a post on the funniest things I observed while in
Naija.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101113858505678.1073741826.25716412&type=1&l=88e165e156" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to see all the pictures from my trip</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/p417x417/1920416_10101113903590328_306101772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight hidden_elem" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1.0-9/p417x417/1920416_10101113903590328_306101772_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousins and me :) (Dad's side)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-28905879406364904922013-11-07T11:06:00.000-05:002013-11-07T11:08:42.311-05:00Nneka's music in dowtown Detroit<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nnekaworld.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tL7rSS_gGKc/UnuySc021YI/AAAAAAAAAi8/uKAHLe1xtMc/s400/nneka-sp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nnekaworld.com/" target="_blank">Nneka</a></td></tr>
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It's been a year since my last post... yikes! So much has happened, I don't even know where to start, so I'll guess I'll kick off my re-entry to the blogging world with something that really made my day. Two days ago I stepped out of my office at work to go to my bank, located in another nearby building. I <br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/YKK3D0H9fWo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>work in downtown Detroit, which is getting to be a pretty lively
place, despite what national news coverage would have you believe.
Anyway, I cross the street, and to my surprise, my ears are greeted by
<a href="http://www.nnekaworld.com/" target="_blank">Nneka's</a> song, "Africans" wafting out of the speaker system of <a href="http://www.modeldmedia.com/developmentprojects/chasetower0712.aspx" target="_blank">Chase Tower, also known as "The Qube"</a>. It made me so excited! Naija music is becoming mainstream! And I thought it was just so cool.Up Nigeria! Up Naija! Woo hoo! Lol.... I always feel so proud when I see Nigerians in the spotlight. Well, that's all for now. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NLUJIQpUQ4/Unu0ZIYuHII/AAAAAAAAAjI/LMHwNLs34xM/s1600/IMG_20131105_155355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2NLUJIQpUQ4/Unu0ZIYuHII/AAAAAAAAAjI/LMHwNLs34xM/s400/IMG_20131105_155355.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chase Tower</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-11924616829209374202012-11-07T14:20:00.000-05:002012-11-07T14:20:06.611-05:00Obama Again!Like millions of people across the U.S., and the world for that matter, I am very glad that Obama won the election and will serving as president of the United States for a second term. That Mitt Romney joker was something else. He said the most inconsiderate things and really seems like a real jerk. He didn't even have a concrete plan to stand on. Still, he got 49 percent of the popular vote. But it wasn't enough, and the votes that really count are those of the electoral college. Obama cleaned house in the electoral college, winning 303 of these votes to Romney's 206. <br />
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It amazed me that the popular vote was as close as it was. I mean, who really would want a president that says that 47 percent of the country doesn't matter to him o_O? Well guess what, Romney? Fifty percent of the country doesn't care about YOU and your agenda (whatever it is)! As Beyonce said..... "To the left, to the left. Everything you own in a box to the left!" LOL!<br />
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Now I know that some Christians are up in arms because Obama supports gay marriage. As a Christan, I don't agree with the president's point of view on this matter, but my thing is, how can anyone vote for president based on ONE ISSUE???? Ridiculous. I'm not a fan of abortion either, but I realize that a president's personal opinion is not enough to reverse a court ruling that goes back for decades. Roe vs. Wade is not going anywhere, so there's no point voting for a president based on his opinion on these issues.<br />
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When it comes to helping young people, Obama gets it. His healthcare plan makes it possible for young adults to stay on their parents insurance until age 26. That's a big deal in these tough times when good jobs with benefits can be hard to come by. It's made a difference in my life, for sure.<br />
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Our president gets it when it comes to children of illegal immigrants. A two-year-old can do nothing if their parents enters the country illegally and bring them along. But if that child grows up in this country, living as an American citizen for all of their life, what sense does it make to deport them from the only home they've ever known? Through an executive order this summer, Obama made sure that young people brought into the country illegally (and who meet certain requirements) will not be deported.<br />
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I live in Michigan, the automotive capital of the world. My dad works for one of the big three auto companies. Obama's bailout of the auto industry prevented a near meltdown of an industry that supports millions of families. This one really hits home. <br />
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Obama is just a man. But he's a man that means what he says and will work to get it done. He comes off as genuine and sincere, which is more than I can say about Romney. Republicans will have to get it together and stop trying to block everything that Obama is trying to accomplish. And get a candidate with some relatability if you want to win, my goodness!<br />
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I'm praying for an even more successful new term for President Obama and that Democrats and Republicans in Congress can work together on the issues facing the nation. <br />
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#ThatIsAllUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3778500583635406713.post-54530410066739709212012-09-05T12:43:00.000-04:002012-09-05T12:43:03.854-04:00Back Again<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I guess over six months (almost seven) is a long enough of a hiatus for me to come back to my blog again. Olympics came and went. So many crazy events around the world have come and gone. But I'm still here, alive and kicking. So what's new with me?</div>
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Things are going alright. Life after school is definitely a climb. But we gon' make it. </div>
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My grandmother died in Nigeria a little over a month ago. Just after my grandfather's burial too. My grandfather died last September (see my post <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_620929253"></span>Grandpa's Gone,<span id="goog_620929254"></span></a>) but was only buried in late July this year because we had to finish building the family home in the village and all the traditional things that require money.<br />
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It took our family quite a while to get all the money for the house and burial, which my parents sent as we got it. My grandmother made a big to do about her husbands funeral. We have to do this; we have to do that. My mom had to let her know what we couldn't afford. In the end, it was a nice affair, though I wasn't able to attend. And then, just a few days later, my grandmother died. She had diabetes, was in the village when her blood sugar went high. Before they could get her to a decent hospital, it was too late. <br />
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I really don't have too many words left to say. My grandmother was dear to me. I was the first grandchild and she called me Ijeoma. When we talked on the phone she would pray for me and tell me how she couldn't wait to see us. And now, just like that, she's gone. Only God knows why. But I am assured that her soul is resting with the Almighty God, and she's will the man she loved so dearly for so many years... my grandfather. <br />
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My mom is going to Nigeria for the funeral and you already know, I'm just itching to go so bad. But my money is kind of funny right now, so I don't think it will be possible... Sigh.<br />
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Yeah, sorry for the downer post after so long... Will be back with some happier stuff soon :)<br />
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Anyways, this song has been so comforting to me though... Ibu Ngalaba jisi ndu m... You are the pillar that holds my life, talking to God. You know I love my Igbo culture, now :). And somehow, my favorite Igbo and Nigerian praise songs make me feel closer to my family back home. Another way of preserving culture, I guess...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6