God Bless Nigeria

After break time on Wednesday, a group of year nine pupils came into class jeering.
Another reminder that it was Nigerian Independence day. It has been fifty-four years since Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom. Some see this milestone as the beginning of Nigeria's downfall. Others like myself take a slightly different angle.
Today the largest megacity in Africa is in Nigeria. That same city is also the fastest growing economy in west Africa.
When I think about the amount of money I spend traveling to Lagos each year, I ought to have saved enough for a mortgage deposit.
In terms of life experience, each trip has allowed me to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of people and places. With memories that are next to none, I cannot compare my experiences in Lagos with holidays in the western world. I just don't think you can put a price tag on things that enable you to develop as an individual. That is not to say I did not enjoy my travels in Europe, they were just a different kind of travel experience.

I would not be the person I am today if I had never visited Nigeria. Just one sibling other than myself has been. They seem to have that 'London-based tunnel vision' syndrome. They grew up here, it's the only system they know; hence, Nigeria does not appeal to them in any way shape or form. To an extent, I don't blame them but ultimately you cannot knock something until you have tried it. My own London-based tunnel vision vanished once I began studying for my degree at university.

Africa is a continent that the world looks down on. The second class continent.
I once asked a pupil 'what do you think Nigeria might be like' he replied, 'everyone lives in mud huts.' I asked why he thought this, his response 'because it's in Africa.'

It's no wonder people are shocked when I tell them I go to Lagos on holiday. Due to the notion perpetuated by the mass media, they cannot possibly picture it as a tourist destination. This notion has been embedded in the western world for the last three decades and still exists today. If you want to take it back even further before then I suggest reading a number of books by Walter Rodney.
Africa as a continent has quite a bit of work to do before it can finally catch up to the developed world. Despite being a troubled country, Nigeria is growing from strength to strength.
I view the nation as a baby, still crawling, far too absorbed in its comfort zone to try and stand. When he finally decides to lift himself off the ground and attempt to take his first steps, they will be crooked, and short-lived (hence what is happening at present.)  He needs infinite patience, encouragement, and miraculous leadership!

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