More specifically, Nigeria is my motherland and although I was born in Britain and many would say that I am British, I will always be a proud Nigerian. Africa is always overlooked as a travel destination why do you think that is?
If people do visit Africa it is normally countries like Morocco, Tanzania and South Africa. These countries, of course, I’m sure are amazing and whilst I have been to Morocco and the other destinations and are on my bucket list of countries to visit, it still bothers me that Africa is the world’s second-largest continent with 54 diverse countries, estimated to have over 1500 languages; it is still not visited compared to other continents in the world.
The top African countries for me to visit would have to be my motherland – Nigeria. I try to visit Nigeria at least every two years and in the last 6 years have kept to my promise. I think it is very important to go visit home, especially if you can go everywhere else around the world!
At a wedding in Nigeria 🙂
Home
I want to visit so many other countries in Africa because it bothers me that people think it’s not a place to visit. I want people to see Africa through my views and see that Africa is a great travel destination to consider, to also dispel the stereotypes and misconceptions that many still believe. Yes, there is poverty in Africa, but there is also poverty in every continent in this world. There are so many great things in Africa, from the mix of modern and traditional, the amazing beauty of nature and the many diverse and inspiring cultures. Don’t miss out on all this greatness.
Nigeria
is a country estimated of around 167 million people. English being it’s
official main language with other languages, Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa. Its
main religious beliefs are Christianity, Islam and indigenous beliefs.
It is known to be the most populous country in Africa. Nigeria is
one-third larger than Texas and is situated on the Gulf of Guinea in
West Africa. The government today is run by a multiparty government
which has formally been transitioned from a military to civilian rule.
As I sit in Nigeria I have to say that there is always something incredibly amazing and exciting about going home. Every time I do go back I fall more in love with my parent’s country. My parents are originally from Nigeria and although I was born and raised in England, I still consider Nigeria a country that I can call home.
For
me going home has become very personal to me, it goes as far as growing
up in a very predominately white neighbourhood where as a young child I
knew nothing to very little about either of my parent’s cultures (my
mother being Igbo and my father being Yoruba). However, as I have got
older I have wanted to gain more knowledge and insight on my parents
culture so when I did start going to Nigeria I began to really
appreciate the country and gain real excitement about learning
something new, culturally or historically.
Nigeria as a country, has and is becoming very important to me even up to today.
In
the last year, I have encountered a growing number of young people who
are considering, or have now gone back to Nigeria to start a new life,
and with the lack of opportunities that young people appear to be facing
in the UK, the Motherland does seem less far reaching than it has done
previously.
Me In Nigeria-wearing Delta Igbo traditional clothing.
Since
I lived in Singapore as a student I have always had interest in moving
abroad and starting a new life where there is opportunities for me to
take so when my friend sent me this video ‘Nigeria: the “repats” who
have returned. It got me questioning myself on whether I myself would
move to Nigeria.
Indeed
there seems to be a fresh era of people who want to challenge the
stereotypical views of Nigeria which, have been portrayed by the media
and for some of us our parents.
But
believe me when I say more and more young people are now seeing Africa
in a new light and want to challenge the perception of the country by
starting industries, building land and improving Nigeria’s country
infrastructure and growing economy.
young people are now seeing Africa in a new light…
Someone
like me that studied International Politics at Kings College London,
being able to go back to Nigeria and get into the political industry has
been seen to be a struggle amongst my family and peers. Nigeria is
perceived to be a country that suffers from huge political corruptions.
However, there appears to be a new government… The new President
Muhammadu Buhari has shown his quest to kill the high levels of
corruption that lies heavily in this country (others may disagree).
So would I personally move to Nigeria?
For
me I know that it would be exciting I have had past friends and family
that have or are currently doing NYC who had said that the locals had
said that for us “repats” coming to Nigeria was an adventure. Whilst
this stereotype may be true there is a keen interest for “repats” to
promote a new image of Nigeria as an upwardly mobile population who have
masses of opportunities.
The
more the year goes by, I am seeing more migrants return back to Nigeria
not only just to visit families and friends, but also to launch
business and to start new lives. It is becoming more and more acceptable
to see Nigeria as the land where the economy is vastly growing, which
inevitably is eradicating the portrayal ‘poverty porn’ image and
negative stories of Nigeria.
If
I was going to move to Nigeria I would need to convince my Farther
first and I think I have a long way getting around that, but it is
definitely something that I would never rule out of my life.
I
personally would like to think that moving anywhere was an adventure,
but at the same time I think that moving to Nigeria is a huge decision
that could provide huge benefits for anyone that is willing to grab it
with both hands. Even if you do not move at least go home to visit.
I don’t know guys … Maybe it is time to go home.
Remember: It’s ok if life knocks you down, it’s just not ok if you stay down!
