Every name has a meaning, perhaps, a significance. However,
some actually carry more weight than others. So, what comes to mind when you hear names like Nelson
Mandela, Barack Obama, Michael Jackson, Mohammed Ali, Mikel Obi, Cristiano Ronaldo,
Lionel Messi, (am I becoming a football fan?) or Adebisi Adeyemi? 😊 And places
like Dubai, London, Paris, New York or even Seychelles?
Asides what you think of these names, have you imagined what other people from different parts of the world think of them too? Most times, interestingly, you have similar views as many others because, there seem to be a general or popular knowledge. The beautiful pictures of these people and places are often painted, over and over, that sometimes, you might even choose to ignore their ugly sides.
Okay then, tell me what comes to mind when you hear the name
Nigeria? If you ask me, at the mention of the name 'Nigeria', I see: ‘Giant of Africa, a beautiful
country, a land of brain and beauty, a land of plenty, flowing with milk and honey, and, the list
is endless’. I am right, in fact, very correct. But, I am also interested in
knowing what the world thinks of this great country, Nigeria. Do they share the
same thoughts and knowledge? Please, don’t be quick to answer.
Whenever I proudly introduce myself to friends from other countries, I look out for the expressions on their faces immediately I say ‘I am Nigerian’. While some of them try to hide their surprises, others actually confront me with words like: ‘How are you guys handling 'Boko Haram' in your country? Or ‘I heard there was an attack last night in the northern part of Nigeria’. More surprisingly, some of my Nigerian friends have been asked questions like ‘Are your parents politicians?’ (Of course, you know that is just a nice way to say; ‘Are you being funded by stolen money?’). How can you blame them? That is about the only news the world hears of us. Corruption and Insecurity. And no matter how good we see ourselves, the other side of the story is known only to us or a negligible number of others. Oh! I mustn't forget to add that some friends absolutely love Nigerian music too (yeah, that's a credit)!
I am currently doing a write up about Nigeria, and I would like to include a few facts, especially on ‘What the world does not know about Nigeria’. While we are not trying to 'sweep our dirt under the carpet', we must acknowledge that the other side of our picture looks really beautiful. I know there is more to us than the abundance of natural wealth, beauty and brain. Please tell me, I need ideas. Maybe I should start by saying: 'We have the most colorful and beautiful traditional weddings!' and ehmm... 'We love cars!!' (that's definitely debatable but, I have my facts).
Your ideas and comments will be very much appreciated and I just cannot wait to discover much more about my country than even I know. It is time to make the world see beyond the propaganda of the media. There is indeed more to us than the world knows. Please, let's share them here.
(I trust we would share valid points, but, kindly ensure they are proven facts too.) Thank you.
God Bless Nigeria!
| The Nigerian Coat of Arms - A symbol of our National Identity (Every feature gives a beautiful description of Nigeria) |
