Oftentimes in discourse concerning Nigeria, attention is focused on the negatives.
Though truth be told, finding something positive to project poses serious challenges.
Be that as it may, however, Nigerians in spite of the challenges they face have continued to exhibit remarkable and unique qualities that are truly theirs.
As the nation turns 59 today, October 1, some Nigerians speak on those qualities that make us tick.
Nigerians As Happy People:
The average Nigerian can find happiness even when there’s nothing to be happy about. Nigerians have a great sense of humor and this shows even in the midst of the numerous trials they go through.
“Nigerians are the most happy people in the world. This is because in the midst of the abject poverty in the country we still find a way to be happy. There’s nothing that has happened in this country that we haven’t joked about, not just the comedians but the regular people as well. From the elections to fuel scarcity, everything.”
Morgan Morgan, Food Scientist
Nigerians Are Hard Workers:
An average Nigerian does not give up easily and is not satisfied with being ‘second place’. Within and outside the shores of the country, Nigerians have achieved success by dint of hard work. The do not let circumstances keep them down.
“Despite the fact that the economy is not favorable, power is not stable, people are still doing businesses. We are hard working and enterprising. Take Lagos for instance, there are people who wake up at 4:00am and come back 11.00pm only to do it all over again the next day believing that one day, things will change.”
Morgan Morgan, Food Scientist
Nigerians Are Resilient:
There’s a common belief that if you can survive in Nigeria, you can survive anywhere. This is because of the resilience of Nigerians. The now popular saying “Las las, we go dey alright” is a testament to this. While some may choose to see the saying as acceptance of the state of affairs, it is also a statement that shows a strength, a belief in spite of the said state of affairs.
“We are very resilient. The power outages we survive, the average oyinbo will break down. The constant run down in certain aspects of life here is enough to break the average non-Nigerian down. We push on through all of this! Nigeria prepares you for life anywhere in the world.”
Kemi Ade, Entrepreneur
“People are resilient in eking out a living. The-never-die spirit of the Nigerian is the one thing that makes Nigeria great.”
Alesta Wilcox, Chartered Accountant
Nigerians Are Problem Solvers
This is a country where infrastructures are not exactly set up for the good of the common man, so what does he do? He finds a solution.
He knows that waiting for the government would meaning prolonging the problem so he sets to work fixing the problem.
“Because of the circumstances we have found ourselves in the country, we have had to become problem solvers.”
Michael Akpan, Student
“We are special because if you look at Nigeria – each time we have a problem, we usually solve it at the last minute – we have been avoiding crisis. When we get to that point, we always sort it out – instead of going to war or something like that”
Donatus Ezeji, IT specialist
Nigerians Are Passionate
Nigerians will face anything with great passion. From supporting their favourite football team to their dedication to their individual goals. Passion is a common thread.
“Even if Nigeria has not been fair to us we have been fair to it. We are passionate about whatever we put our minds to. Like this Big Brother Naija thing, there are people who are willing to passionately follow the housemate they support. Though that passion tends to make us emotional at times.”
Slyvester Moore, Entrepreneur
Nigerians Love Themselves
In most developed countries, people don’t show love to others as Nigerians do. The ‘mind your business’ syndrome is deeply embedded in the developed world. Nigerians, however take the saying ‘It takes a village’ literally. People are constantly helping strangers through social media, raising funds to take care of hospital bills and so on.
“Even though we dispute it we actually love ourselves. We love ourselves more outside than from within though. For instance, during the recent Xenophobia in South Africa, everyone was angry. No one mentioned Igbos. Everyone just said Nigerians are being maltreated even though we all knew that it was 90% Igbos. It’s the way the government is set up that makes it seem we are really tribalistic, deep down I believe Nigerians have love for each other.”
Morgan Morgan, Food Scientist
Nigerians Are Hospitable
Most visitors often comment on the hospitality of Nigerians. Even outside the country that hospitality steaming from cultural heritage always stand Nigerians out.
“Nigerian are open minded. They open their doors to visitors and are very friendly.
Elizabeth Patrick, Teacher
