I Am Nigerian

08 Sep 2024

A SOFT ARTICLE BY 
                                                                        ASTERIA NWAMAKA KINGSLEY


"Well, you are Nigerian, I just can't deal", he said.
Proudly Nigerian
A Celebration of Resilience, Creativity, and Global Impact
With an estimated population of 232,679,478 citizens, Nigeria is not just the most populous country in Africa, it’s the sixth most populous country in the world! And yet, despite our vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and talents, some folks still dare to judge every Nigerian with the same sweeping brush. Well, let me tell you, I am Nigerian, and I wear that badge with pride! Gone are the days when I would fake an accent and claim to hail from somewhere else. Today, I stand tall, knowing that being Nigerian is a superpower in itself.

The Nigerian Spirit
Resilience and Relentlessness
Let’s be real: if you take away the bad government leaders (and that’s a big “if”), what you’ll find is a nation bursting with potential. Nigerians are known for their resilience and relentless spirit. We’ve faced challenges that would make lesser nations crumble, yet here we are, still thriving, still smiling, and still finding ways to make things happen.
Take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of a Nigerian. We can turn any situation into an opportunity. Got a flat tire? No problem! We’ll turn it into a roadside party with music and suya (spicy meat skewer) in no time. That’s the Nigerian way 'turning adversity into a celebration!

Dominating the Global Stage
From Medicine to Music
When it comes to global impact, Nigerians are making waves across various fields. In medicine, our doctors are not just saving lives at home but are also making significant contributions abroad. Nigerian healthcare professionals are renowned for their expertise, and many have taken their skills to hospitals and clinics around the world, proving that our education system, despite its flaws, produces some of the best minds in the field.
And let’s not forget about music! Nigeria has taken the global music scene by storm. From Afrobeats to Nollywood soundtracks, our artists are rocking the charts and making us proud. They’ve shown the world that Nigerian music is not just a genre, it’s a movement. And if you’ve ever tried to resist dancing to “Sooner,” well, you probably need to check your pulse!

Nollywood
The Power of Storytelling
Moving on to movies 'Nollywood is a force to be reckoned with! With over 2,500 films produced annually, Nigeria’s film industry is one of the largest in the world. Nollywood has given us unforgettable stories, dramatic plot twists, and enough melodrama to fill a lifetime of soap operas.
The creativity that flows through the veins of Nigerian filmmakers is astounding. From heartwarming love stories to gripping thrillers, Nollywood has something for everyone. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good Nigerian movie with its signature dramatic pauses and unexpected cliffhangers? It’s like a rollercoaster ride that keeps you coming back for more!

The True Narrative of a Nigerian
I’m here to feature the true narrative of a Nigerian 'a narrative that is in our blood. In our upcoming series (investors should look out for this one in our production carts) the story of relentless ambition, creativity, and strength.
The tale of a people who can turn a simple gathering into a full-blown festival. Oh how we can turn the simplest of ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, whether it’s jollof rice or egusi soup. (And let’s not start that jollof rice debate, we all know Nigerian jollof reigns supreme!)
Nigerians are innovators and dreamers. We’re the ones who, when faced with challenges, don’t just complain, we create solutions. We’re inventors, entrepreneurs, and artists, and we’re not afraid to showcase our talents on the global stage. From tech startups to fashion designers, Nigerians are proving that we can compete and win on any front.

A Humorous Note on Our Reputation
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room
Nigeria’s reputation. Yes, we’ve made headlines for everything from groundbreaking achievements to, well, let’s just say less-than-stellar news. But here’s the thing, every country has its flaws, and we’re no exception. We might be number one in crime, (and we are not) but we’re also number one in resilience, creativity, and community spirit.
So, the next time someone tries to define Nigeria by its challenges, remind them that we’ve got a lot more to offer. We’re a nation of dreamers and doers, and we’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Conclusion
Proudly Nigerian
In conclusion, I am proud to be Nigerian. I celebrate the resilience, creativity, and strength of my people. We are a nation that has gone down in history for many reasons, and while some of those reasons may be less than flattering, they don’t define us.
So here’s to the Nigerians making waves in medicine, music, and movies! Here’s to the spirit that refuses to be quelled by adversity. And here’s to the laughter, the joy, and the love that we carry in our hearts. Being Nigerian is not just about where you come from; it’s about embracing the journey, celebrating the victories, and always finding a reason to smile 'even in the face of challenges.
After all, in Nigeria, we don’t just survive; we thrive, we celebrate, and we dance like nobody’s watching! And y'all must deal.
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