₦airaland Forum

English language, one of the surviving remnants of colonialism (I say this, colonialism had its merits and demerits) is still riding strong in Nigeria. If you are not eloquent in the queens' language, you are deemed an illiterate. Unfortunately, even after our independence, we are still confined to this stereotypes, judging people on their ease with the queen's language. In schools, particularly private schools, you are deemed a "local person" if you converse in your native dialect.

So at a get together party, last year, I proposed that at our age, Nigeria should have been able to create its own national language instead of adopting the English Language as our official language. Suggestions were made on which language would better serve us. Prior to this discussion, I thought of Swahili, adopted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as their Lingua Franca. But no deal. Ok, Wolof came to my mind, since its influence has spread to places like Senegal and Gambia. If the Chinese could be at ease with their own language and culture, likewise the Indians with the Hindi language or the Phillipines with the Tagalog language, then I see no point why Nigerians or Africa should continue to perpetuate this colomentality of adopting English Language in our day to day conversations.

But another guy at the party brought up a point which was on target. If Nigeria were to adopt Hausa, that may mean the implementation of certain customs/traditions of Islam on non adherents of that religion. We all know about the Sharia laws which runs contrary to the Christian tenet of God's Grace and Forgiveness. Other tribes with a prominent standing in the society may justify their reasons for this barbaric conduct because of their dialect. Adopting the lingua Franca of another African country may reduce our status as the "Giant of Africa".

So, we are left with the option of using the Queen's language as or means of communication, because of the potential disagreement/conflict that may arise if a local dialect is adopted as our lingua Franca.

Food for thought!!!

Modern day age refers to the 21st century.

Well, I choosed "continent" instead of country, because it will not be easy to list every country's accomplishments that has a huge following in the world. For China, being an Asian country, their famous cuisine, China Rice is famous in America. Sushi meal of the Japanese culture is another popular dish at restaurants and parties. Infact, it would seem as if a corporate party is incomplete without a sushi dance.

And Africa? The verdict is still in

I meant something positive, not those annoying 419 emails.

Oya, let the topic flow.

And wait a minute, lets not dwelt on past achievements of 'Kings and Queens residing in Africa', lets talk about this modern age.

And this "gifts" that you are referring to, how many average American are aware of the existence of these gifts? Like I mentioned Chinese food, it is wildly popular in America, likewise Salsa dance, Mexican food, what have we done positively that people can associate it with Africa, just as they do with Chinese food (Asian), wealth (America), Salsa dance (Latin America) and the rest.

Alright, this is not a mockery of our continent, but was quite curious as to the contributions of Africa to this present day age. Now, I am not referring to the remnants of civilization of Egypt or the warrior kings of the past that made history in Global politics. But I am referring to this present day age, whereby people can remark that "this gift came from Africa", instead of fostering the impression (true or false) of Africa as a neglected child with an empty bowl soliciting for funds.

The Chinese are famous for their cuisine. Rated the most popular take over food franchise in the USA (even more popular than Pizza), Chinese rise has garnered a huge following, extending towards nearly all races. Salsa Dance of Latin America has made its inroads in gyms, while Capitalism of the USA, is famous for minting millionaires, perhaps more than any other country in the world. Australia is known for her spectacular beauty and the Jews while sparse in population, nevertheless have a huge presence in movies and Television.

And Africa? Fill us in.

Kente cloth? How popular is it?

Our food? Do we have a restaurant that is well known abroad?

Living in the boarding house was a memorable experience for me. I still relieve those experiences til today. It gave me the drive to suceed in life, and I count that as one of the highlights (among other things/events in Nigeria) of my life. While driving to a wedding in San Francisco, one of my inlaws was narrating to me of his own experiences in Nigeria, a fun filled one, and he concluded that the obstacles that we experience in America are sometimes squashed on by our experiences in Nigeria. I have loads of experiences.

Once a senior student assembled some junior students to fetch water for him. A friend and I were among those group of unlucky students assigned to this unpleasant duty and we teamed up and abandoned his bucket (pail). So that evening, he went around scouting for us in the chapel, singling out each of the recalcitrant students one by one, but could not figure us out. Each time "Pentona" came to our pew, my friend and I would bow our heads down to avoid being recognized, and at the end of it all, he launched into a diatribe that he was going to punish us. He did not know our names, and we escaped punishment. He and I later on became friends, but I never told him of my mischief.

Another one: I was spending the night at a friend's dormitory when he had a dream. He told me that he saw a ghost in his dream, trying to kiss him. So, when he woke up, a white shirt in the dormitory temporarily discombobulated his frame of mind and he assumed that it was that ghost. He screamed in the middle of the night, and then there was silence. All of a sudden, another student led out a heartrending scream that someone was holding unto his clothes or something to that effect. I clung unto my friend's bed tightly, and the next morning, some folks were saying that perhaps something diabolical had occured in my friend's dormitory.

I finished high school in the late 80's and even as of now, I sometimes dream about my days in boarding house at Obot Idim. Chei, relieving those experiences in the USA is just great. It was really a fantastic experience. So, for the guy who finished 10 years ago and still dreams about boarding school, count me in. I wish I could go back to and relieve those memories right in that school, but we just have to move on with life.

When I reflect on my sojourn on earth, I am of the view that Nigeria treated me well back then. Thank God!!!

Nursery School (Charles Walker Nursery school)
Primary School (University of Calabar Staff School)

Secondary School (Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Uyo)

College (University of Uyo, Nigeria)

Post Graduate (I am doing my graduate studies here in the bay area)

Jesus Christ is Alive, that is why I choose to worship Him.

If any of you can prove to me that our ancestors are alive, please be aware of the fact that at least, some can happily accept the truth that they are dead!!

Not that I earn much in the USA, but really, is seven pounds a lot of money in London, noted for its high cost of living? Just curious about that.

Cases of people feeling as if they are being pressed can't be explained through scientifica research. I wish those scientists can explain why people, on waking up will find marks on their body. The most annoying ones are the Nigerian scientists whose mind vacillates between oyinbo medicine and African medicine. Some of them are hypocrites, they will try to explain that these phenomena is as a result of too much thinking, but under the darkness of the night, they are flocking to babalawos and other inglorious places for protection.

If that evil spirit attempts to press you, rebuke it in the Blood of Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus Christ died for you and me and the Human race, so satan and his angels have no dominion over you.

Quote
I remember in 1995 one occasion under a tree were we usually play draft when we notice a small bird fell from under the tree and one man standing there tried to pickup the bird and suddenly the bird turn to a naked young girl, everybody was amazed.

Then people ask the girl what she was doing under the tree naked and she answered they send her on a mission to a community to check if there is electricity in that town she should destroy the transformer from the gas turbine to make sure there is no light.
LOL!! So NEPA failure is caused by the devil! Come on, man, this story is a fabrication!

If there's electricity, she should destroy the transformer from the gas turbine? That makes no sense. Gas turbines are not used to distribute electricity. And why did she even feel the need to reveal her top-secret mission? if she was infiltrating the town on a spying mission, wouldn't it have made sense to have some clothes on?


Ndipe's comment.

Spiritual attacks are real, but the story about about a bird turning into a young girl is a big fat lie!!!

Cant believe that I stooped so low to read that garbage that Adenuga was peddling as a heart warming story

Shame on him!!!

That magazine, along with lolly should have been banned!!!.

@dominobaby

Simply because a pracise is sanctioned by our African culture does not necessarily mean that it is the right way. I am sure that you are aware that some African culture permits female circumcision, which in my view is wrong.

Why should we blindly follow tradition, instead of questioning it?

@Nwoke

I particularly don't care for your religious beliefs, heck, it is a free world, but Christians, including myself would fervently wish that the Word of God would be supplanted in people's lives. For you to come out and make a mockery of my Christian faith is completely unacceptable, blasphemous and insulting to practising Christians. For once, you would not dare criticise the islamic faith, because of the repercussions that would result. Why would you stoop so low to blaspheme Jesus Christ? Do you know Who He Is? He is God, whether you like it or not. Take a look back and ask yourself about the Message of God. Even in my human state, a sinful state, dominated by selfishness, I can't comprehend why God Almighty would have sent His Only Begotten Son to die for our sins on the Cross. He bled to death, to Atone for our sins and subsequently rose from the dead on the Third day.

Now, why is it that the Holy Bible is the Best Seller of all bestsellers, or why havent they been a conclusive proof to refute the Christian Belief that Jesus Christ rose from the dead? This miraculous event took place about centuries ago, and the truth of Resurrection of Jesus Christ has persisted uptil this present age. In this modern age, where the presence of computers has aided forensic experts in dredging up the past lives of humans, technology would be able to conclusively put an end to this 'cover up' of Christianity. Apparently, they CANT, because the Truth is Jesus Christ is Alive, whether you like it or not.

I have been a member of this board for less than four months and I am quite impressed with the caliber of topics here, Though it does not rival the defunct NRConline message board, still, I decided to join the board to mix up with other Nigerians, presently scattered on the four corners of the earth. Lately, there is another topic about rude customer service in Nigeria, and how it can be eliminated. For an adult, you would be smart enough not to toy with people's feelings.
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I feel you owe us an apology, or better still, take off this blasphemous thread/caption. We Christians deserve better than this insulting message. It goes contrary to your earlier pm that "We will also not allow any comments that PROMOTE hatred or discrimination against any race, ethnic or RELIGION GROUP, gender, sexual orientation, et cetera."

Obviously, I was wrong!!!

Shame!!!

@bright.

Are you serious? What of the islamic faith that sanctions polygamy?

Please bride price does not in any way deter a man from having a harem of wives. I am even surprised that someone on this board is writing that it is just a ceremonial role. Whether it is or not, it's been abused and should be abrogated , yeah, govt should look into it.

@Leilita

About the discourse on housemaids/houseboys and their experiences in someone's household, read my discourse on this subject.

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=10441.msg286616#msg286616

Is this site morphing into "Lagos weekend" extension?

On this controverisal topic, Bride price should be abolished since there shouldn't be a price tag on a human being. My opponent argued that modernism should not replace our dear (?) tradition, and so on, we argued back and forth with each side presenting some convincing views on either to abolish or retain this custom. I am of the view that the bride price is primitive, it stiffles a woman's place in her matrimonial home and thereby has no place in today's world. It is akin to auctioning your child to the highest bidder. Surprisingly, one of the ladies told me that it is not a must that one has to pay for the required sum, but it can be haggled, but now, I wonder, must women be reduced to the status of a commodity to be haggled for (like you would for a price of nintendo at Aba Market  Wink )just so that the 'right' sum of money could be paid to the parents. Then another lady asked me, "Nna, you wan marry woman for free"? And I retorted, "Sure, I could pay the price, but I would expect her to fulfil the traditional obligations required of her in the matrimonial home and concluded that I wont entertain her views  that "this is the 21st century, honey, get with the flow".

A family friend of my cousin, an MD recently got married to a Pastor in Nigeria. What should have been a happy occasion was sort of tempered by the attitude of the bride's mother, because her new son in law is a pastor. Is it any wonder that the teaching profession is not a desirable position in Nigeria. But there is a catch towards this trend. Occasionally, when marital dispute arises, the man might taunt his wife, "Upon the money that I paid on your head, yet, you can't prepare a decent meal for me". An insult to the status of the madam of the house and a step backwards to the primitive days when women had no say in the society. Would you agree with me that the woman's role in the kitchen was already cemented when the man had paid her dowry so that she would clean, cook and take care of him?

Men and women, abi, Ladies and Gentlemen, what are your views on this subject?

Blasphemy!!!!

I know that the God that I worship, Jesus Christ is Alive, whether the world likes it or not.

Can you imagine the nerve , ?

If I am the mayor of any city in the bay area, definitely, low incoming housing will be my priority. Too many homeless people in my area and it is heartbreaking.

In my hometown of Uyo, food subsidies for low income earners would be my priority.

There is a difference in customer service in Naija and abroad, but most of them are almost basically the same. In yankee, a waitress is forced to smile at you in order to maintain a positive image of the company, so therefore, their services can be termed "fake". In naija, there is a more personal felicity involved sometimes. You are asked, "How now, how your wife, with a smile, and when they do so, it is done genuinenly. At the same time, when you encounter a rude attendant, they are more direct to you, because they are simply ignorant about the nature of business generally.

Who tell una say English na our mother's tongue?

Not only is it abnormal, but it is not Biblical either. The woman ought to remember that the Man is the head of the household

The extended family has still survived in Nigeria and some parts of Africa  despite economic hardship, imposition of western values in our nation among other things. Unlike the nuclear family which is part of the western culture, the extended family involves all your cousins, inlaws, grandparents and other relatives, related to you by blood line. Blood is thicker than water in Africa, and the unexpected visits from distant family members (you know the one whose cousin was married to your grandfather's younger brother) is received royally by your parents. Family dinner of kids and parents? Forget it. You mum may be making a pot of soup, that she will gladly share with a visitor that just arrived from another city. But you wont starve. The benefits of having some of these family members are numerous to mention. Household duties, normally reserved for you and your siblings (assuming your parents servants had left abruptly) will be a tremendous blessing to you. Now will be the time to carve out time to play with your mates and then again, their presence will free you of any punishments that was supposed to be meted out to you by your parents. Your parents sullied mood that their child had broken the expensive china plate or flower vase is usually softened by the arrival of the visitors who will intercede on your behalf. I remember the visits to my cousins where I just wished that my parents would disappear temporarily so that we could play forever, the visits by my maternal aunts (oh, what a treat it was) and sometimes me, the mischevious person would attempt to hide their shoes, so that none of them would leave.

But as we all know, these visits could be a drain on the family's resources. There is the school fees to be paid for your uncle's daughters, there is that monthly allowance that your parents have to remit to their own parents to live off. Two sacks of rice, promptly delivered by your father's drivers would be routed to your grandparents house to take care of them. Ok, as a kid, I detested rice, likewise my siblings, so that was not a problem. But these diversion, multitasking, carving out room to take care of other family members sometimes leaves little time for parents to watch over their kids. And I am amazed that our generation turned out well (ok, when I mean my generation, I am referring to the 20-30 crowd). Except for some intractable kids prone to anti social activities on campus (does cults ring a bell?), stealing, prostitution and other vices. I am also amazed that divorces in Africa is not as high as that of the western world, considering our busy lives, which could lead to temptations.

So for the west, the family unit comprises of a man, his wife and 2, maybe three kids. No stress over money, no stress over inlaws. People call in advance and one is not obligated to render help to the community or their extended family member. And for kids over 18 years old, your parents can legally kick you out of the house.

Now which would you prefer? My choice still lies in the African extended family unit. You really can't beat that.

Contentment is the key. Having faith in God is the answer. I do not aspire to be wealthy, just to live a very comfortable life.

I dont stress about money now, because the Blessings from God has overshadowed my problems.


Dont lose hope!!!

So, while "Nigeria gets high ranking among emerging markets", at the same time, it is "Among world's failed countries", ranking "22nd out of 60.

What a bundle of contradiction

Life may be better abroad, but remember that we pay taxes to support the governmental programs. Not that I am complaining, infact, I am grateful that my taxes are used for a worthwhile purpose. Back in Naija, I doubt if the same situation would have arisen. yeah, community colleges may be affordable, and we have an abundant sunshine, but the cost of living here is definitely high. Factor in the more than 3k monthly mortgage and you will get my drift. However, you are guaranteed a paycheck every week or two weeks, no matter what, and your paycheck can afford your basic needs.

But for those who think that yankee is blissful, dont forget that they are homeless people in the society. Some people become homeless not because of choice, but for a variety of factors like divorce, or even the loss of a job. After 6 months of unemployment benefits, you are done for, unless you qualify for extenision. By then, you need a job. The landlord wont accept your excuse of not having rent, 'because you lost your job'. All what they would do is to call the cops and evict you out of your place.

So, my Nigerian brothers and sisters, if you are living a comfortable life in Nigeria, please dont throw that away in the name of coming to Yankee. You may regret it. As a matter of fact, I think some Nigerians have wisened up lately and realized that living abroad sometimes can be more challenging than living back home.