Why I am in love with Funke oyinbo Pepper

It has been a while since I last posted.

Being back at work on a full teaching timetable has been busy, to say the least. I am also finishing off my Travellagos project.

Anywho, I was scrolling through Instagram the other day and came across a page owned by a Caucasian lady known as Funke Oyinbo Pepper.

Now, what were my first thoughts? 'ahh, another oyinbo one forming Naija.' Typically I was rather disgruntled over the fact that a patriotic Nigerian in diaspora like myself - who loves their country, is pretty much bypassed, but as soon as its a Caucasian person Nigerians go crazy.

First I watched a few videos and thought hmmm. She addressed questions raised as to why she visits Nigeria, as many assume she was invited or has a partner based there. These were the same questions people asked after I traveled to Lagos for the first time in 2011 and continued travelling two-three times a year thereafter.

I then moved on to her website.Two days later I have read almost every single article!

Of course, the teacher in me was quick to spot errors in her text but I am pretty sure I have a few errors in my blog too. *shrugs* Also I assume she learned English in addition to her mother tongue. English is my first language however in the words of my students, my Yoruba is 'weak'. I get the impression that Funke is actually quite talented.

The content on her website is good and I was not paid to say this, she probably doesn't even know I exist lol.

So here's why I can't get enough of her web page:

• She uses her online platform to promote Nigeria as a tourist destination.
• She blogs about her personal experiences in Nigeria which challenge traditional western notions of Africa and poverty.
• Education wise her blog is very valuable - it depicts a range of Nigerian ethnic tribes, cultures, and traditions.
• She uses real life experiences to explore Yoruba myths and beliefs.
• Choice of interesting case studies. 

http://www.funkeoyinbopepper.com/stories/white-lady-in-love-with-african-braids/

Some other things we share in common are that we are both lovers of giving back i.e, volunteering, we both visited  Nigeria for the first time in 2011 and her writing flair shows a quirky sense of humour. On her website biography, she states 'I promote a positive image of Nigeria and Africa in general' and it's no word of a lie! Whether you are Nigerian or not, If you haven't seen her website then you need to check out www.funkeoyinbopepper.com

You might just learn a few things :)