Nigeria: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
With everything that is happening on this side of the world, it can be very challenging to see the bright side, as the state of the country and its economy make it look like a dark cloud is over us.
It is a very hard time for us in Nigeria, with the elections being a gloomy time for many owing to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding them. We are struggling to cope with the problems with running a cashless-based economy, the inflation rate seeming to rise by the second, the cost of virtually everything rising every time we see the sun rise, and the fallible government and their questionable policies.
I could go on and on to talk about how I feel like I was born in the wrong country, but that would be letting my perception and judgement be clouded and determined by the factors in my environment.
Let's talk about the goodies...
Let's leave the shortcomings of being here on this land for a minute. Have you met my people? If you have, then you may be able to nod your head in attestation to what I love about our nature and characteristics.
One thing that stands out about us Nigerians is that we can be very resilient, hardworking, and highly adaptable to changes. Despite the challenges of corruption, insecurity, and poor infrastructure, we still manage to show an unwavering spirit of perseverance and determination.
Our culture, too, is something we never take lightly. There are many different tribes, and we all have different dialects and histories, but they are all beautiful, and we hold them in high esteem. This transcends aspects of it: our music, our dance, our food, and our fashion. We are never last in these areas.
Developing as an individual in this country
When it comes to realizing one's goals and chasing their dreams, there are many things that come into play, and one of them is the environment. The environment in which one is surrounded can have a significant impact on our ability to achieve our goals and chase our dreams. This includes both our physical environment and the social and cultural norms that surround us.
If I am being candid with myself, there are many things that pose setbacks here in this country that can substantially inhibit one's development as an individual, especially if one doesn't find ways to maneuver around them and curb some of them. Let's take, for instance, the poor infrastructure we have in our education and our amenities.
I believe the Nigerian educational sector is lagging in many ramifications. We, as a people and as a government, may very well need some "education" on how our academic systems and environment need reform.
For example, I just graduated, but I really am not even expecting what I have managed to garner in all my years of being at the university as an undergraduate to see me through my entire career and its development. I have come to understand that to get ahead, I will need to seek out specific knowledge and acquire certain skills, most of which I just couldn't get in school.
Another example is how we still struggle with having good electricity in many places. Personally, this is a really big deal for me, as the majority of my life's endeavors depend on it. To worsen it all, our alternative of having backup generators suffice can prove challenging with the prices of fuel fluctuating for the worse.
There are several other things that contribute to the headaches I have by just being in an environment like I am in this economy. But then again, we will continue to hustle for ourselves like we have always done.
Seeking for greener pastures...
This matter of being in a country that lets one down more times than my fingers and toes can count begs the question for many of us, "Would I leave the country if I could?"
Ninety-nine out of a hundred people I know would say that they would leave the country if they had the opportunity to. On the other hand, I have a contrary opinion about that.
As much as I would like to be in a much better environment, I don't want to consider the fact that the grass may not be as green on the other side as it may seem. Other countries have their own types of problems tailored for them. Many things that I am not accustomed to "over there" may pose new challenges for me.
Over here, the price of ]dollar is so high. $1 is about 750 Naira (#750) here. That is a lot to do for certain things. I could eat a decent meal with that around. So, imagine what one could do with $100 and even much more.
My point is that, other than the idea of going out of the country to further my education, the thought of being in Nigeria — a place that is rightfully mine — and earning in $$$ seems really nice to me. And also, there isn't any place like home.
Surely, I desire to visit the Bahamas and Hawaii and live in places where things seem to be much better, but there really isn't any place like mine — my country. I would like to stay long-term here and also be able to visit seemingly much better environments whenever I need or want to.
All in all, I am proud of my people and my culture, but not the state of the economy. Things could be much better, and it would be great to have them actually become better, but leaving the country permanently is not much in my opinion for myself.
ℍ𝕖𝕪, 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕖𝕟𝕛𝕠𝕪𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕥, 𝕜𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕝𝕪 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥, 𝕣𝕖𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕘, 𝕠𝕣 𝕦𝕡𝕧𝕠𝕥𝕖. 𝕀𝕥'𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕖 𝕓𝕖 𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕.
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If there are two things I am proud of here, it's our culture and agriculture bro other sectors are messed up, there is no human capital investments too and that is why so many are dieing without utilizing their talents and skills.
You are indeed right on your points but for me, I will leave to a country where my talent and skills is invested on..
Thanks for the response..
It is so sad that man of us, the youths, are being undermined because of our government and environment. There is so much we could do as a people, but the empowerment really isn't there. It's sad that there isn't that much that one can be proud off.
I totally relate with leaving the country man. Who doesn't want to better life? If you get the chance, go for it, fast!
Thanks for contributing, bro.
I am also proud of our culture and some other things we do well in. The thing is that the economy is so bad, true leaving the country for another might not be the right solution but for me I sure feel like a a way to explore new opportunities.
Leaving the country isn't for better opportunites and serene environements is a good idea. One has to consider one's future, as time waits for no man and the economy of Nigeria isn't exactly helping. Go for what you feel is best, Treasure. Just bring chocolate from whereever you go.
You and bringing something for you, well I sure will do so when I leave .
And you can equally bring for me too, cause you might decide to go before me
You can make that two in 100. I'm with you bro
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We have many resilient Nigerians who can survive whatever hardship we experience. Times, I feel that Nigerias have developed shock absorbers to accept any kind of heat thrown to us at one point or the other. I have never seen any of those ugly phasees we passed through without Nigerians finding their way to survive. I so much admire our people for that, we are courageous and will continue to survive whatever comes to us as country hoping for a better Nigeria someday.
Our culture is one of the things we hold in high esteem and I value that as well, I am proud of my country regarding our culture as well. No country is devoid of problems at least however there's no place like home indeed.
Your choice of country if need be is cool. I would also prefer to be visiting other countries whenever I want rather than relocating permanently provided that I have all it takes to leave a good life in Nigeria .
This is what most wealthy men do, if I am comfortable enough, I believe that Nigeria can still be great for me.(if not, I Japa for greener pastures).
Amazing entry @olujay
Thanks for sharing 👍
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Yes oh! Practically, every Nigerian has some form of shock absorbers. If you don't have, you'd be force to develop one. Why? There is always one problem or another with this country. Look at where we are now, struggling with trying to make "cashless policy" work. It's sad that it has too be this hard. But in the end, we always pull through.
I am glad you share my perpectives. That is exactly what those wealthy people do. They live here, and then travel to wherever they desire whenever they want. It's most beneficial that way.
Thank you for reading, our able City Prompt Curator, Sweek Nkem!
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Uwc
Bahamas and Hawaii are better places for hustlers and vacation lovers.
Nigeria must be better this time.
!ALIVE
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Thank you for reading.
You are welcome bro
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@olujay! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @ddn688. (2/20)
The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want.
Being proud about one's culture and people is very important. The political and economical which impacts the lives of people negatively cannot be ignored however. Despite everything your love your country and would not leave permanently - that is very hopeful as "brain drain" will not help to improve the situation.
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The best thing I can do for myself in these times is to be hopeful and optimistic. I would only get more and more frustrated if I keep nagging and complaining about how hard everything is — although it is all very overwhelming. I still have hope for my country.
Thank you for contributing, MoMo.
You are right - great attitude
It is so sad that there are too many set back for us as youth to grow and utilized our full potential. So if given the opportunity i will leave for a country where the system works.
Yes, I love my dear country, our great people, and our culture. But the economic atmosphere is killing our dreams.
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I totally understand your reason for leaving the country whenever the opportunity arises. It would be wrong for me to think against it, as much as we all love our country. We need better for our lives, and at this time in our country, other places may provide that.
Thank you for reading and contributing.
One thing I like about my people is how we still come out strong no matter what government imposes on us. We tend to be strong and resilient and also able to adapt to whatever changes occur here in Nigeria.
Me, I wouldn´t want to leave this country permanently too but one needs to find better ways to upgrade his or her skills which this country has failed to provide us with.
I love that about Nigerians. We are just never staying on our backs, no matter how many times you knock us down.
I learned from someone that living overseas isn't as fantastic as we fantasize. There are much better economies that have good ameties and all, but their lifestyle isn't just like ours. She stated that it's at being overseas that she truly learned what depression feels like. She advised that traveling abroad to study, go on vacations and explorations, should be the ideal thing — and not living there permanently. I stand by her perspective. I am sure you would too.
I love the fact that despite having a few challenges challenges you are not fleeing from them but rather trying to make the best out of the situation.
Indeed, there isn't a place like home. I loved the post and could see that you handled it very positively. Good luck in the contest.
Have a great day!
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As much as I want to experience a much better life, like the ones that people say they have overseas, I really would like to stick with my culture and people."
I am glad you understand my perspective an sympathize with it, man. Thank you for contributing.
You said it about Nigeria and Nigerians. We are hard working, we don't allow all the nagative things in the country to stop our positive determination to go on.
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