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Happy New Month, everyone!
Today, I want to talk about something deeply personal the importance of visiting, or going back home to Nigeria. Lately, I’ve found myself reflecting a lot on Africa particularly Nigeria and how little it’s spoken about in mainstream travel conversations. For me, this is more than just travel. It’s about identity, pride, and reclaiming a narrative.
More specifically, Nigeria is my motherland. Although I was born in Britain, and many see me as British. I will always be proud to say I’m Nigerian. And while I fully embrace my dual identity, Nigeria holds a special place in my heart. I get it though, when you are born and brought up abroad we are not associated with being Nigerian enough. I am usually asked if I go to Nigeria, do I eat Nigerian food and do I simply listen to Nigerian music. All things I love and can do.
It still surprises me how often Africa is overlooked as a travel destination. Why do you think that is?
When people do visit Africa, it’s usually countries like Morocco, South Africa, or Tanzania, and yes, they’re incredible in their own right. I’ve been to Morocco, and the others are definitely on my bucket list. But Africa is the second-largest continent in the world, (I actually believe it’s the first – hahah) with 54 diverse countries and over 1,500+ languages. The continent deserves so much more attention than it gets.
For me, Nigeria will always be top of the list. I try to visit at least every two years, and for the last six years, I’ve stuck to that promise. The only reason it changed for me was because of Covid19 sigh where the embassy was closed!
I believe it’s incredibly important to visit your roots especially if you’re travelling everywhere else in the world. Why not home?
There are still so many African countries I want to visit. Partly because it bothers me that Africa is still seen as “not a place to go.” I want to change that narrative. I want people to see Africa through a different lens to understand its beauty, its complexity, and its joy. There are so many countries to explore in Africa and I actually can’t wait to get out in the world and see it for myself.
Yes, there is poverty in Africa but there is poverty in every continent. What doesn’t get enough attention is Africa’s blend of modern and traditional, the breathtaking natural landscapes, and the rich cultural diversity that exists from north to south, east to west.
Africa is a place of pride, resilience, and real magic. And I’ll keep going back to Nigeria not just for myself, but to show others what they’re missing.
When was the last time you visited your Motherland?
And if you haven’t… why not?
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See you soon,
MBVs xx
