IT'S A NIGERIAN THING

 

I was thinking this morning..... I recently read the official transcript of the deposition of Chicago State University  (CSU) official, Caleb Westberg. The lawyer to Atiku, Angela Liu, had asked whether CSU certified documents for any other person as it did for Tinubu. “No. I believe this was made because it’s more of a Nigerian thing,” said the registrar.

While a lot of emphasis has been given to the negative interpretation of 'It's a Nigerian thing,' I was pinned down by the several other behaviours of Nigerians that can make someone say 'It's a Nigerian thing.'

When children quarrel in Nigeria, the beef is usually settled with food. Have you seen Nigerian mothers eat with their children? They love to share their food with their children, regardless of if the child has had enough. What is it with Nigerian mothers and their peculiar food behaviour? Don't worry, it's a Nigerian thing.

In May of 2022, the Dean of the University of Calgary, in Alberta, Ian Holloway, had announced that nine students were graduating with Masters of Law (LLM) that year and all 9 were Nigerians, including the daughter of a friend. While a typical Oyinbo stops serious spending on their children when they turn 18, Nigerian parents will sell their prized possessions and even borrow to send their children to do Masters. Why do we do that? As I thought about it, I couldn't but conclude that it's a Nigerian thing.

Have you seen many aged parents struggling to eat in the village while their children live in affluence in the city. When they die, their children throw a lavish funeral party. If you are asking who does that, just know it's a Nigerian thing to care for the dead more than the living.

There are so many things we do that make us who we are as Nigerians. It's neither good nor bad, it's just different, just like there are different kinds of gifts (1st Cor 12:4). What is important is to be the original version of yourself and not a photocopy. Despising the uniqueness of being a Nigerian is a waste of the honour God has placed on us.

A friend asked me why I am always thinking on Sunday and I responded with 'Is anything wrong with Sunday?' If you are wondering why I answered a question with a question, don't worry, it's a Nigerian thing. So relax and enjoy another Sunday.

Stay hopeful. God's got our back.

Happy Sunday!

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey