Nigeria is the self-proclaimed Giant of Africa. Its people are a fascinating bunch. I admire their drive and ambition but most of all the fact that whether in Atlanta, London or Sydney, they never assimilate. They only eat their foods, only wear their clothes, and always speak their mother tongue. Plus, whether their children are Harvard or Princeton educated, they WILL bow to greet their elders. (Massage those knees honey & stay strong). Turns out the Nigerian woman is considered one of the most fertile of Africa, each producing an average of 5 children. (No wonder they are everywhere…)
At the same time, humility is not entirely their forté. Neither is it mine, so we get along excellently! However, other Africans tend to not. If you were to ask a Nigerian why, he’d say “They hate us because they aint us”. But the truth is, I dare to venture, that other Africans feel swallowed by them. Only thing Westerners know about Africa are (1) That we eat spicy foods (2) Listen to Afrobeats (3) Have Yoruba Demons. All of which are Nigerians imports. East African food isn’t spicy and we grew up on Zouk and Rumba. As for the last point, our men cheat but not with their full chest. They at least feel (or pretend to feel) shame; which, in this millenium, is a win.
I do not seek to glamorize all things Nigerian. In fact many of my Nigerian friends consider their nation to be a failed state where anarchy rules. This is simply an appreciation post. I will not go as far as confirm they are indeed the Giants of Africa but one cannot deny they heavily contributed on putting Africa on the map. (To which, one of my favorite activists would roll his eye and ask me – why do we even seek validation from the West? But this is another debate entirely.)
Overall, we are one. Santé to the unity and emancipation of all Africans.
(NB: Somebody spray me Nairas because “I don try”)
Love,
Liv
LawyerLiv & Co. 
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