Why Can't We All Be...

Why can't we all be happy...

I agree, its a tough world out there. some can say that the toughest is living in Nigeria. We see so many sad and terrible things going on its so hard to think that anything good can come out of the government.
of all the things they should be promising Power should come first! light! it goes a long way!
You can probably recall  the skip in your heart when you hear the sometimes incredibly loud siren, see bulbs light up in your living room and hear reduced to no generator noise. All these are sometimes enough to make one happy. Light motivates, energizes, encourages, makes people work and that's why we get better results at daytime or when there is light.
I guess we cant wait for the government to make us happy; we have to do that ourselves, the best way we can. Get our own light (gen/Inverter) go out, have fun and enjoy life with good company. If our pockets are quite shallow there's always the ultimate happy trigger, a smile.

Why can't we all Smile...

Smiling is like the siren that lets us know there's light. when you smile, you spark up a warm fire within you, it triggers a pleasant feeling, motivates and energizes cos it signals happiness. Lets smile through the difficulties, challenges and issues we face, it will help us to cope and solve them better.

Why can't we all See...

why can't we all see the benefit of helping one another? think of the common good? what use is it having trillions of Naira in your account while your neighbor is starving? why cant we create more jobs and pay well? why cant we get our jobs well done? we charge but don't deliver yet still ask for full payment, we employ but don't pay. Why get stuck in this vicious cycle of selfishness and lack of productivity?
Give 100 percent and get 100 percent, if you are paid for 100 percent, do 100 percent! lets help each other be better workers and overall better people. Lets help each other appreciate dignity in labour.

Why can't we all Pray...

Pray for our country and our leaders. Have we ever thought that they might not be spiritually strong? The power of God moves mountains, causes miracles, changes hearts. We can pray to become better people so we can focus on our constant source of happiness and smile, work and earn good pay.
Many changes we would like to see most times starts from us. The common saying "be the change you want the world to be" is not just a quote, it is a mantra we should all have. If we effect positive change in ourselves, we will be happy and be the change we want Nigeria to be.

Will you Help?

                              "...living in Nigeria can be depressing..." 

I've heard many of my friends say. We complain for hours, it even makes good conversation abroad. Laughing and joking about the state of the country with your Nigerian friends while the foreign ones pity us and wonder how we survive.

I'm tired of complaining and I'm ready to help. I'm tired of things going wrong and nothing is done about it, I'm tired of sitting around and doing nothing.

I've joined a cause now and I'm happy to work with like minds, one of whom is my best friend. We are going to make a change in our own way, no matter how little it is.

Will you help?

A pin might cause a ripple but one day the ripples might cause waves!

I'm back

Waking up to a 5 am alarm  meant something to me: a new day and in a few hours, a new location. I had been here for years. Used to the  squeals of little children in the playground just by my window, used to the slap of piercing cold on a winter morning  and used to the sound of the tubes which announce your destination with a little advice to pay attention to the gap between the platform and the door.

The reality of returning to my home country did not sink in till I found myself wake up to the squeal of the peacock in my compound, the dry Harmattan wind and the sound of the drivers talking loudly about a certain night.

Even if I have been here for a while, it still feels like yesterday when I flip through pictures of the past, sometimes hoping to return as soon as possible because I miss a particular place and the memories it brings.

It’s usually hard to go back to a more tasking way of life when one has tasted the life of living abroad. One thinks of the luxuries that were enjoyed as a result of a good system, transport, electricity and especially all kinds of shopping!

But at the same time, returning home has made me see this country in a new light. There are so many things we can achieve here, a system waiting to be built with so many opportunities to build them. Knowledge waiting to be imparted on those who ache to learn what we know but have no means to do so, a splurge of ideas waiting to be shared and a multitude of chances waiting to be taken.

I believe that the countries we move to are like that for a reason; people took chances, they sweated, they worked hard, they achieved the achievable, took advantage of opportunities and taught others to do the same. If most of the people decided to move out, we wouldn't be going there…

So I've decided to stay, to help in my little way and hope to see the results it brings

This is my country, if I don’t help, who will?

New Generation Entrepreneurs 2012

I never thought video art could be possible till I saw one at Tate Modern...

It was quite different and colorful...

Here's one by a very talented Nigerian

This is showing at the National Football Museum in Manchester and its going to be there for a while!

you could check out his blog here


Its really comforting to know that one could find art such as this even in Nigeria! really looking forward to seeing more!

Nigerian Music Videos

I had a discussion with a friend the other day... we talked about Nigerian entertainment and I complained about a couple of obvious issues one can see when comparing Nigerian entertainment content to foreign media content. I wondered if there was any creativity left in the entertainment industry and told my friend I hadn't seen any. he replied "mehn, you've been here too long!"

He made me sit and put a series of Nigerian music videos to watch, here are the two I liked best

Be Your Man- Dipo

Bottom Belle- Omawunmi ft Flavour

I'll have to admit there is a lot of creativity in some Nigerian music videos and the quality has greatly improved. The thing is, why cant this be applied to Nigerian movies?

In my opinion, Nigerian movies are really difficult to watch! the repeated story lines and themes can give one a headache! Then to top it all up the video quality is quite poor.

American Movies made up to 60 years ago still have better quality than Nigerian movies, even better story lines.why cant we improve?

12 angry men- Simple setting, good plot and good acting! year 1957

                                                             Beyonce and Rihanna- ????

To be fair, film culture abroad is quite different from film culture in Nigeria: Although both make use of celebrities to attract the audience, shooting styles and themes are quite different. For example, American themes are mainly focused on contemporary American  life,bizarre ghostly events, love, exaggerated comedy and hyper reality  while Nigerian movie themes are mostly on religion, rags to riches or the reverse, family feuds and so on.

 Our movies mostly show the reality of Nigeria because most stories probably happen in real life. Most of which are quite depressing .

Even if American movies show horror, thrillers and other hair raising or bucket-filling movies, one could easily be re-assured that they dont happen in real life unless indicated that such was based on a true story (in which quite a few are). while one could say that Nigerian movies portray the realities of life and the challenges people face.

Nigerian movies do not have to be a carbon copy or very similar to Hollywood movies (In fact it shows lack of creativity and culture when Nigerian movies dub the same script an American movie has used)  but we could try to be a bit more creative and improve on the quality of our videos! 

movies like The Figurine and Jenifa (although part 3 had too much propaganda) should be commended for an improvement in the creativity and quality of Nollywood movies.... Hopefully in a few years from now one would rush to the cinema, not to watch an action packed American movie but a good Nigerian movie!

Say a Prayer, Light a Candle

There’s a man, sitting on his desk. He’s looking through a couple of documents. One is a filed report on the names and conditions of several aircraft that fly to and from Nigeria. They read fine except one that reads a technical glitch in one of the aircraft. It was fixed and flew a couple of weeks ago however, it needs further repairs. He looks into it but thinks it’s not a problem; the plane can still fly so what the heck!

Thank God I’m going home, yesterday was just too hectic! Aunty can kill somebody sha, clear this, clear that, pick this, pick that! Its  okay! If not that Ijeoma is my person I wont have flown all the way to do slave work! Sigh, I’m so tired! The sun has drained my energy further but glad to be going home, back to flexible time, don’t need to get to any desk, dad would understand once I tell him how my Saturday went.

I’m going to rush in because I want to sit at my fave spot- by the window! Like to watch the plane rise and stare into space, it helps  gather my thoughts. As I triumphantly sit on my spot I see I beat a 5 year old to it. I feel like an agbaya but I’m pretty sure I need it more than her, besides where is she rushing to when her mother is behind me, she should sit with her and hope the man by the window switches seats.

Take off is quite smooth and I get excited feeling the pressure pull upwards. I watch the ground shrink and people become ants, I like the look of buildings like doll houses, it looks like you could pick them and make a city of your own… I wonder how Anne city would be… hmm… definitely no 9-5 jobs! Thinking of work makes me want to sleep and now the clouds have helped looking like soft white pillows swaying in the breeze.

*yawn* I miss home, even if its just one weekend. I know I have something to do first though, apologise to Jay for burning her dress. Even though I didn’t do it on purpose I shouldn’t have said  she was materialistic for getting angry and shouting at me. Have to finish that proposal I lied I had finished, he wont be happy if he finds out, something he gave me two weeks ago! Chai I’m lazy o! will try this week, dad’s business depends on it.

Hmm… Tee owes me gist! That missed call pained me ehn! That her boyfriend that has proposed after how many years! Ole! Lazy boy! Since she has been waiting! At least he has now. Maybe he was getting himself together sha, he’s a nice person. Just glad he’s finally asked… *yawn* at least the wedding bells will soon…start…zzzzzzzzzzz

GBOOOOOOM!!!!!! 

Ha! What was that? Where are we now sef? This looks like Lagos? I slept too much o! not a fan of sleeping on planes and what was that sound?

Ah! Is this plane jerking? This isn’t funny o! or am I dreaming? Whats going on? Whats this announcement? “excuse me sir, whats happening?” “ I don’t know o! even me I’m wondering, the hostesses aren’t saying anything, they're just telling us to keep calm that we’re almost in Lagos”

GBAM!!!!

Ah! We’re moving too fast o! my heart is beating! Whats going on! People are fretting, one woman is shouting, those children are crying! I’m afraid to look out the window!

WE’RE DIVING!!! AAAAHHH!!!!

God please! Not now I beg you! My sister is unhappy with me! I dint hug her! I didn’t Say goodbye! I need to tell her I love her! My mum, my dad! Please God, Please please! Why me! Why now? Why this plane!

WE’RE SPEEDING, WE’RE BENDING OOOO

*sobs* Jesus please have mercy! See these children! See that woman screaming! The pain she must feel watching her babies scream! See that young girl! She’s crying!!! See me! I’m still young Lord! Too much to accomplish! My family they need me! Our families need us Lord! I’m sorry for my sins! Can’t find my rosary! This plane is going to crash! We’re helpless Lord! We’re helpless! We’re dangling on our seats! Some have fallen to the front! If we crash we are finished! If we crash Lord, Please! We’re finished! Please save us please!!!!

PLEEEEEAAASEEE LORRD PLEASEEE LORD PLEEEEEAAAAASSEEEE

LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH

AHHHHHHHH…………….

The aviation officer on a sofa in his house. He just got paid and is planning his next holiday. He’s thinking, maybe London? America? Italy?

Which airline? Hmm…

definitely this one. I trust them. its safe!

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven especially those who are in most need of thy mercy.

Another Alice Moment

Remember the time I got creative with my footwear? That was an Alice moment, a period where I drift into fairy land/ “Me” world where I forget I actually live on Earth!

This time we were in a bus and I was certain I had all I needed; my missal, wallet, right pair of shoes etc… I got there at the nick of time and walked out of the bus triumphantly, feeling good that I had made it despite the ridiculous time I left home. As I skipped along praising my good memory,  I heard something that sounded like a horn and a “hey!” I didn’t think it was me so I carried on, it continued for about 5 minutes distracting my proud thoughts so I finally decided to see what the matter was  truly hoping it wasn’t some guy trying his luck.

In the bus was a man, a black man shouting “hey”, waving something in his hand?  I squinted at the object and no one needed to tell me the next course of action to take.  The bus had tried so he had to fling it. I ran to the middle of the road and quickly grabbed it in all humility, wondering when it ever left my bag and when I would ever learn from my mistakes!

People normally say one’s wallet holds his whole life because you usually have cash, credit and I.D cards, driver’s license and any other thing that shows you exist. I lost this bareley a month before and I was very lucky to not have again.

I am grateful that such a man was in the bus, I’m very sure many would say I was lucky because I doubt you would often find such people who would see a wallet and take it upon themselves to return to the rightful owner!  It really struck me that this guy handed me the wallet especially because of the reputation certain people might have of blacks. It’s sad that many have to suffer prejudiced remarks from others just because of a few irresponsible people. I truly wish one day a person would be judged by his actions and not by the negative things that someone from his country, tribe or race did.  With this little action I’m pretty sure he would have changed any negative impression people on the bus may have had about him because he looked scruffy and one would think he would assume he hit jackpot by finding an unattended wallet!

 I believe there Is hope for everyone! Not to say I’d be leaving my wallet on the seat to test anyone (lol) but I truly believe one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. This experience should also hopefully teach me that on the bus, wandering into wonderland is not wise!

For Coloured Girls: Extreme Feminism?

I think I can comfortably say this has been the worst movie I have watched in my life, even worse than the horrible movie Haemoglobin.

I understand the theme is to show the raw emotions of women and how they cope with struggles and traumatic events that occur in their lifetime, I also appreciate the cast ( I tip my hat to Thandie Newton, and I think she had the best performance) however, there were certain things I could not but disagree with.

Are men the enemy? I believe that there are men out there who have issues and women are usually the ones who suffer but can we get statistics please? Is it every man that beats his wife, rapes or cheats? I found some of the portrayals very unrealistic. It’s ironic that the director of this movie is male himself. In fact one could come out of the cinema thinking men are evil and can never change and that’s how most of the male characters were portrayed. How about the man who stood by his wife even when he found out the reason she couldn’t have children? His character was much downplayed! Are we saying such men don’t exist? And if this is the case should society just sit and fold its arms?

Another thing I could not agree with is the portrayal of religious people having double standards and this seems to be a trend in modern movies today.  The practice of religion is now portrayed as an avenue for hypocrites to masks themselves under the false guise of virtue, fervent Christians are all too often presented as lunatics and puritans, I strongly disagree. Not every person striving to be Christian is pharisaic. The fact that one is not perfect and strives for this is one of the beautiful aspects of being human, that’s what keeps man going, being motivated to reach ones ideal and if a few people get caught up in a glass house with a judging look and raised pointed nose, it’s their problem however those people do not make up the population of true Christians.

Even if one could identify with the hard core truth about modern black society, the movie portrays the vices of these men as incurable. The rapist was allowed to get away with his vice by being killed, he was stabbed but died a rapist, the man who murdered his own children was locked in prison given the excuse of being a criminal rather than someone who was probably portrayed as one who had  some mental illness. In reality, a man who kills his own children out of anger will not be sent to jail but a psychiatric home, especially one who experiences post-traumatic stress disorder. He would be placed in a mental hospital and receive therapy, not immediate jail term.

It’s very sad that abortion is seen as a very easy and convenient thing to do. I do not believe that it is an easy decision to make and the option of life is not even considered. I strongly think that one should always be able to face the consequences of ones actions; one always wants to have ones cake and eat it. Is being pregnant punishment? Is sexual irresponsibility to be celebrated?

The vulgarity of the poetry put me off! I do not believe sex is all about superficial pleasure; it is sacred and should be treated as such. It was portrayed as a crime and something used by men to exploit women. Although in some cases it is but how about the good sides? How about a wonderful and most enjoyable union between two people with equal love for each other? (This is usually best revered by a husband and wife on a matrimonial bed).

It is understandable that one’s feelings and experiences are usually expressed through writing. For instance Tyler Perry is said to have had an abusive father and so mostly spent time with his mother and women. Although he did not write the original script, it makes a lot of sense for him to have portrayed men in that manner and adopt a negative feminine view of things. I think he could have done better with the story line; the movie leaves no moral lesson or hope for anyone struggling in such a situation. I understand it’s a movie FOR COLOURED GIRLS but are we saying that all men are evil? And that they cannot change? Are we saying that women are always the victims?

I don’t think women are weaklings and don’t know how to handle situations in their lives. Not every black woman is oppressed by a man and not every religious woman is a puritan with double standards and I think this is what the movie tried to portray, as each character’s experience is supposed to mirror an aspect of a black woman’s life. This movie makes women look like they are always suffering and have no clue of what to make of life, we are stronger than we know and with God and good guidance we can definitely cope with the obstacles life throws at us.

Don't Judge Me!

Anger swelled inside as she spoke, I wanted to slap her, how dare she! How dare she advise me! She knows nothing of my situation yet she has the audacity to tell me dating a married man is wrong!

What does she know? Was she there when I had to struggle with a single mum all the way through uni? Was she there when I was suffering with 1 meal a day? When I asked her for 10k did she give me? Hiss! Now she’s telling me I shouldn’t be with Kunle.

I looked at her with fiery balls as eyes, wanted to yell “get out” but spoke calmly “Tosin, thanks for your concern but I don’t think you should be giving me advice or correcting me. You’ve never been in a relationship so you would not understand what I am going through, you can’t help who you fall in love with”. “A married man?  That’s your choice?” she said. “We are in love Tosin and there’s nothing that can be done about it, he’s having a hard time at home and I’m the only person he can turn to” “so what should happen to his wife? What if you were in her shoes?” “I will never be in her shoes because she does not know how to treat her husband” I retorted. “You know what, lets drop the issue” “I’ve heard you” she said. “Just remember sha, there’s a proverb which says The broom that swept out the housewife from her matrimonial home is the same broom that will sweep out the concubine”.  I didn’t say a word and that was because Kunle drove in at that moment. She’s very lucky he did because I was ready to give her a piece of my mind.

Annoyingly, that’s all I could think of while in the car- her self-righteous words, as if she‘s better than me. She has forgotten the time she almost cheated in that test or the time she almost dated Fred! If I didn’t tell her he was with Remi!  She would have and she and Fred were even close to marriage! Hiss! “Sugar, are you okay?” “I’m fine o, just thinking”.  “What’s my baby thinking about?” “Stuff o! My friend just annoyed me… its nothing really”. The car fell silent. He pinched my chin to get a smile, I usually like that but I was just upset that my best friend would say such a thing. I mean she should understand now. How many times have I told her the story!

My father left us when I was very young! It was just my sister and my mum who wasn’t working at the time. She got pregnant for me at an early age so could not finish her education. My father promised he would always be there for her, he kept part of it by marrying her but anytime she wanted to start a trade or finish her education he would tell her it wasn’t necessary that his income was sufficient. Then one day he packed his bags, said he was travelling to Abuja for a business meeting and was never seen again.

Imagine how distraught my mum was, I was barely 5 and my sister was just 3 years old! Heartless wicked man! I can never forgive him! He put my mother through so much pain! Thank God she had the strength to put her life together! At least she knew how to sew so opened a little shop and that’s how we’ve been managing. I promised myself I would do all I can to help my mother, now God has sent Kunle who gives me money from time to time and somebody is telling me it’s wrong? Hiss!

It is my right! I am a woman ahan! I deserve to be petted and lavished with gifts! It’s not as if I went to meet him ahan! I was jejely on my own when we met so please Tosin should mind her business!

He took me for ice-cream because he said he didn’t like how I looked, how sweet of him! (Such a gentleman!) I decided to leave my thinking aside and start a conversation, I even felt better after the sweet strawberry flavour had cooled the heat on my tongue “how’s your wife?” “She’s okay; she’s still the same sha, always nagging! Pay this pay that! I’m tired of her! At least when I’m with you I feel better” he said while brushing his hand on my face. “So beautiful”, I blushed “thank you”. After that he took me shopping, gave me cash then dropped me home. I felt much better and even forgot about our argument.

While I was sorting out my new clothes my mum came in.  “ahan, where did you get these clothes from? Hope you’re not using your school fees money o!” “Haha!   Relax mummy, my friend got them for me” “hmm… nawa for this friend, this famous friend I haven’t met that buys you phone and clothes! We cannot afford that kind of friend o! Before she will think you can buy her iPod for present! Let her know who we are o!” I laughed at the thought that she assumed it was a girl “haha mummy, she knows don’t worry” “sigh, my dear, wish I could even afford to make it possible for you to do that, such friends are treasures and you should also be able to show gratitude, at least be a good friend to her sha” I chuckled then smiled “sigh, if only I finished school. It’s your father o! Told me I’ll be fine, (tears ran down her cheeks) said I should not worry then ran away with one small girl! Imagine that, said it was business trip found out was secretary! Sigh, such is life”. She left the room sniffing…..

I said nothing. 

Mind Explosion!!!!

I have a million ideas in my head!
I have a million goals I want to achieve
I have a million words to write!!!

I was told  I am the daughter with the "big brain",  it was funny then but now I feel my head is expanding due to my numerous radioactive ideas about to explode because I haven't acted on the previous ones!
Have you ever felt you have so much planned and so much to do that you have them all listed in your head but it seems you dont know where to start?
Happens to me all the time. I have sooo much to pour into this virtual book of mine but dont know the first letter to write and so I'm  entangled in a web of   letters and stories that are hard to loose!
This is one of the many reasons why things get done slowly or not at all, we have so many goals we want to achieve but dont know how or where to start and sometimes dont have the resources or motivation to.

Anyway, I have finally decided I shall start anyway and anyhow, I will start by planning, would take time but a project well planned is half complete.

I think the best thing is to start anyway and anyhow, we sometimes complain about problems and issues in our environment, how bad it is, why no one helps. We have wonderful ways to solve these problems but never do because we never act.

Start today, take a pen and paper, write your goals and ACT!

On flying Cars and Robot Friends

I’ve been thinking of a technology strike…  I plan not to use my phone, internet nor watch television.

Wait! Who am I kidding?

I doubt if I would last a day! But then again I might… at least a day lol

Those who know me well could conclude I would hardly survive, it’s sometimes impossible to live without technology, life is so much easier! Many years ago I might have had to wait for weeks to receive or send a message to family who live about 3000 miles away but now I can do it with a click, I could even send a picture or video message and get an instant reply!

 I like gadgets, they’ve helped a lot but sometimes I wonder what life would be without them… much better or much worse?

Many suggest that in a few years we would live in a world of uttermost pleasure and relaxation. With the upsurge of ideas ranging from flying cars to invisible clothes, the world might be pretty awesome. I mean, just imagine waking up in the morning and all you have to do is say “bathroom” and your bed flies you to the shower. You don’t need to touch anything! Then from there it takes you to your wardrobe and picks out the best outfit that suits your mood or the occasion. After that it takes you for breakfast then transfers you into the car for work.

Even at work all you have to do is sit on a chair while there’s a robot that senses what you’re thinking and does all the tasks for you. So basically all you have to do is think “arrange the files” and a robot does the filing.

Imagine not having to worry about your looks! A robot is right there at home ready to modify your imperfections or transform into a perfect copy of you just in case things don’t go so well…

I guess that might be pretty cool in the virtual world of movies like “surrogates” and “I, robot” but like the movies imply, it could be pretty depressing.

First of all you will probably get an increase of retarded individuals because everyone decides to leave the thinking to the computers, no one would want to figure out things for themselves anymore. We would all probably be weighing a million tonnes and very unhealthy like the humans in Wall-E (I know, I watch them a lot!)

Well, like I said I don’t have a problem with technology but I think I still like to hold my pen, write on paper,  dot my I’s and cross my t’s.
I'd still like to walk (at least for a few minutes), smell fresh air and sink my feet into sand, twirl and run my toes through  green grass.

I’d prefer to receive poetry with lovely scented natural flowers than some e-card from River songs.

I’d love to watch my friend smile, hug her and take her shopping. I still love a drink with the guys and human company!

I’d love to play dress up once in a while, look in the mirror and be sure I’m human.

Gadgets are good but Living is better.

My Country from My Perspective

I've been feeling nostalgic lately, this is the longest time I haven't seen my family  (7 months). I miss sitting on table on Sundays and racking my brain for the next religious/science/current affairs question my father would ask. I also miss the taste of dried peppered Kilishi and juicy Suya! the smell of fresh fried fish and the taste of Palm oiled starch and Banga Soup!

These are but a few things that keep me in love with my country, although we have a pretty bad reputation, I don't quite see myself settling anywhere else unless its not God's Will. In the past and recent times Nigerians have been labelled as crooks and criminals as a result of those who care less for morality nor human dignity and this has made it quite difficult for us as a whole to be trusted. Media is quick to judge our actions and many always have bad stories to tell about one or more places in the country. We all know the horrible things some of our kinsmen have done but I believe we have hope to redeem this sad reputation.

Our country is not all bad. Although it has its problems and issues, there are still a few good things:

• There is still some form of respect for elders. In my opinion we still honor the elderly and perceive their words as wise, the only thing we might need to work on is to understand that we can learn from any and everybody, a child can learn from the mother and the mother can definitely learn from the child. Many elders or people in authority get upset when someone lesser in rank or younger than they are points out important issues or corrects them in some form (not referring to being impolite). I do not think they should see it as a form of challenge to them, I believe a young man and his father can have a decent conversation and reason their opinions out without the elder feeling the young one is being disrespectful.
• a large majority of  Nigerians still believe in God and go to church! we still have a sense of God's existence in our lives and that is a major attribute. What we could work on is truly living our faith. A million people may go to church or pray for hours but if we do not love God and live in the way He wants our going to church becomes superficial.
• we have a sense of community. If a person is trying to steal from another person, someone around would definitely shout "ole! ole!" and strong hefty men would come out of nowhere to chase and deal with the culprit even to the extent that they overdo it. Also when you are driving I'm sure one must have spotted someone waving his arm out of the window shouting  to another person driving beside him and some times trying to get your attention, you see him pointing  and mouthing or shouting "your tyre! your tyre!" words are so often repeated that way. There is also a form of family bond, although it could be worked on a bit, parents still try to spend time with their children and children still communicate with parents plus every family friend and relation is called "uncle" or "aunty". This is a very good trait we have and I pray we keep it (well, not exactly the "uncle" and "aunty" part lol)
• Nigerians are happy people! with the state of the country people still find ways to make themselves feel good from countless sewing of Aso Ebi and going for many parties to normal games like "ten ten" and "suwe". An average Nigerian always looks for ways to make his life better, to search for happiness and joy, he constantly refuses to be melancholic and that in my opinion is a wonderful thing. We could just try not to achieve happiness at the expense of others and try to be morally and spiritually upright which are the keys to true happiness!

So we are not all bad and our country isn't either. We have our few perks like other countries do and like other countries we can do something about it. We cannot look to our government, system nor our leaders to form a good reputation for ourselves. Although life is not all about having a good name but we could give ourselves some self respect, if we want change we have to be the change by changing ourselves. In this way we touch many lives without our knowing it which could affect our country as a whole and make it a better place so that through faith and hope, it shall be.