Category: Admin: Research

The Love Of A Nigerian! By Akunna James-Ibe

Sometimes it gets so dark one can hardly imagine the possibility of stars being suspended in the skies. Still, that doesn’t null the fact that somewhere beneath the depressing curtain of darkness, the stars do exist. When I first saw the theme for this contest, I was torn between disbelief and worry. Here was a contest that did not require me to give solutions to the spate of insecurity in the country or wipe out poverty with a flourish of my pen. Here was a contest that needed me instead to put the spotlight on the other Nigerian realities that have been cowering beneath more aggressive realities. It was like I was being asked to harvest apples from a Briar bush. Then I remembered this young barrow pusher I met at Ogbete market in Enugu, who was patient and helpful when I was confused and took the trouble to carry my heavy goods beyond the agreed point to the park, at no extra costs. I also remembered the good lady I met in Aba, who despite my foreignness let me take shelter in her shop and was instrumental in helping me direct my uncle to where he was to pick me. I remembered these people who didn’t have much but were willing to give the little they had to a stranger and I realized that though much had been lost in Nigeria, our ability to love as a people still thrived.

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The Love Of A Nigerian! By Ogigbah Esiri

Nigeria; home to over 190 million people, 250 ethnic groups and twice as many languages, is by far the most populated African nation. Naturally the diversity should engender disparity amongst Nigerians, but the reverse is the case as Nigerians have proved that truly there can be unity in diversity. In most big cities in Nigeria it is common to find people from all over the nation and even foreigners present and living together with no form of discrimination. This is perhaps more alarming considering the fact that Nigeria is going through what some would call a dark age, characterized by; a dwindling economy, genocides, increased mortality, rising crime rate, fraudulent activities and many more unfavorable realities. In the midst of the chaos, corruption and poverty, Nigerians have shown time and again that they are indeed a hospitable, patient and well meaning people. Even the somewhat lax security in the nation hasn’t been able to stop the arrival of tourists and foreigners. What then is it that makes Nigeria welcoming? What is it that attracts many to this great nation? Surely, it is not the tourist attractions or employment opportunities, neither is it the standard of living in the nation, because many countries surpass Nigeria in these aspects. Then, it must be the people. What is it about Nigerians that makes them different? What genuinely makes Nigerians kind and cooperative? What makes Nigerians tolerant and well-meaning towards one another and humanity today?

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