Hello folks, I am back with more observations of my newly acquired country-Nigeria. Thanks for all the best wishes. Continue to remember me in your prayers and in the meantime let us continue on this wonderful journey of ours.
It’s the last Saturday of the month and I have so much to do today but I am stuck at home. Ask me why. Well, in Lagos, there is an environmental sanitation exercise every last Saturday of the month starting at seven in the morning. Residents are expected to stay in to clean their homes and surroundings. Trust me you do not want to be caught out. So I await patiently till after ten when I can finally step out.
In my previous piece I forgot to mention how respectful Nigerians are. Prostrating or curtsying is a norm when greeting your elders and the use of Sir and Ma are common. I found this so odd at first (thank God my in-laws are very understanding) with my westernized hi, hello and hugs but with time I learnt to appreciate it and found myself following suit at times. It creates a function of respect that exists between the different age groups which is admirable.
Two weeks ago, I went to braid my hair and was very excited hearing people refer to me as Aunty and Ma. It made me feel important and respected (brushing my shoulders lol).One thing that struck me was the encouragement and empathy shown by the ladies as they braided my hair. “Well done Ma”. “Sorry Ma”. I wondered what I had actually done to deserve this praise and affection but it does add to great customer service. I did not hesitate to tip them once they were done.
I have been to a number of Nigerian homes as well as hotels and restaurants (eateries) and one thing that struck me was their preference for yam for breakfast and this is normally served with egg stew, palm oil stew or fried whole egg with some sauce on the side. At this juncture, I must say that my husband has been very understanding as he never complains when I serve him English breakfast. I am however gradually adapting this Nigerian style which ensures that one gets the needed amount of energy to start the day.
The first time I drove within Lagos (the bourgeois part though), I was impressed by how easy it was to reach my destination due to proper street naming and placements of street signs. Nothing like, ‘when you reach the orange seller turn right’ or ‘after that large MTN advertisement board, count three junctions to your left after which you will see a green story building’ lol. Names of the various streets corresponded perfectly with that of Google Maps.
This is just by the way but I woke up this morning yearning for waakye (rice and beans) with all its condiments- talia (sautéed spaghetti), wele (cow hide), gari, leaves and shito (Ghanaian black pepper sauce). Yes, and with some fried plantain on the side. I know some of you feel my pain.
For all you sweet lovers, the Coldstone franchise is actually present in Lagos. What a glorious day it was when husbi suggested we go for a treat. Numerous flavours of ice cream and sorbet, different assortments of toppings and syrups, delicious wafer cones, cakes, milkshakes, you name it. I had to constantly pray for the spirit of self-control to help me ward of my continuous cravings otherwise I would have ballooned out of shape. And yes, they also have the Dominoes franchise. I can’t wait for Subway to get here too.
My husband is half Yoruba and I have noticed that they say “sorry”(eyah pele) so often it seems to be a form of greeting and encouragement. They meet you cooking, “Eyah pele, well done my daughter”. They call and you say you just woke up, “Eyah pele”, you are traveling “Eyah pele”, you just got back from church “Eyah pele, how was the service today?” Just this moment, husbi read one of my entries, hugged me and said “Eyah pele”. To be honest, I am still confused by this though I find it very soothing.
Hmm, so I can’t figure out if I am loving the architecture of houses here in Lagos. As much as the designs seem very modern and solid, I can’t shake off my desire for spacious compounds. Obviously a silly thought looking at the large population and limited amount of land.
What I am definitely sure I love is the aesthetic appeal the current governor of Lagos has helped achieve within the city. Despite the congestion and some amount of filth, one gets to see a lot of greenery including flowers at flyovers, round-abouts and middle pavements. I find it quite refreshing. The island and its environs (Lekki-Ajah axis) offer a sneak peek into living by the water with the soft breeze offering some consolation from the hot sun and great views massaging your stressed out mind. Here and there, you get to see different water toys, which adds to the picturesque appeal of the city.
“Naija no dey chop last”. I hear and see this a lot from many Nigerians. It showcases their perseverance and zeal to be successful in life no matter what. Due to their desire to always find a solution to problems, they tend to be very innovative and hardworking, with a touch of competitiveness. Of course this should be encouraged for lawful gains only.
So, I have been asked to talk about the traffic situation in Nigeria, just so that people don’t feel it is all ‘lovey dovey’ out here. Let’s just say that the traffic can be that guy who makes your heart melt one day and then crushes it the next. Ensure you are with people who can entertain you during the drive or better still, put your dial on a good station. You could even use the opportunity to talk to God.
Back to food. You know that soft box-like sugar bread you can find on the streets of Accra, where they cut it open and pour condensed milk in and it soaks up the bread, oozing out its sides? Can you believe I cannot find any in Nigeria? There are just those days you say “off with this healthy lifestyle” and you proceed to have that combo with a bottle of chilled malt. I was in such denial that I told my husband he was an enemy of progress, not wanting to help me search further and he argued with me saying that condensed milk is even scarce on the market. So I finally had to settle for normal sugar bread with chocolate spread and a chilled bottle of you know what. Second to heaven I guess.
Need I talk about their fashion sense, when the lovely pictures websites including Bella Naija put up provides us with enough evidence of that. Let’s just say they invest a lot in looking good, men and children included. Let us not forget the makeup and accessories that complement their dressing. They are not intimidated by colours and this shows in their bright outlook. This country has really kept me on my toes fashion-wise. Chale, I have to represent my country Ghana and I am doing a good job so far so ‘no shaking’.
Unlike back at home, Nigerians do not colour code for respective occasions. Black can be worn to weddings and baby dedications and white and other bright colours can be worn to funerals. It’s a change I cannot yet adapt to and might just never (except the funeral aspect). I just can’t imagine wearing something dark to a friend’s wedding.
Despite their wide and varied exposure, and you will agree with me that you will find a Nigerian in every nook and cranny of this planet, they do not let go of their culture so easily. It is embedded so deep in their roots that even hypnosis will not erase that. In Antarctica, the Igbos will still find palm-wine and kola-nut to carry out their traditional marriage. And a rich man’s son will still have to prostrate in front of his poor father-in-law at a Yoruba wedding. They celebrate their culture in numerous ways including dressing and this has been embraced by other countries especially during special occasions. A wonderful legacy to leave behind for your children I must say.
For all those Ghana girls being courted by Nigerian men, please note that to most of them the wedding ceremony is an opportunity for friends and family to share in your joy so there is nothing like ‘strictly by invitation ‘. It was by God’s grace I was able to pull mine off so good luck with yours.
I keep going back to food. That should tell you something about me. Anyway, I love love pepper and I am glad Nigerians know how to spice up their foods. Unfortunately, I cannot find the green (papo shito) pepper here so I am appealing to anyone who knows where I could purchase some to come to my rescue. My okro soup is just not the same without it. My mom had to bring me a frozen batch from Ghana but I need those fresh crunchy ones. Thank you in advance.
I was extremely surprised today when I discovered how the rains had flooded Lekki and its environs. The whole place was transformed. Beautiful stone roads were transformed into kiddie pools where people had to take off their shoes and socks and roll up their trousers to wade through the water. There were places that cars could not get past without getting stuck. Eish, I could not believe this was happening in ‘almighty’ Lekki.
But so far so good and I am glad I am adapting well to my new environment. Let me know what you would love to learn about Nigeria and I will include that in my last update about my observations living here. Cheers.
Nice one
Thanks Dr.Miyagi, hope you are doing well?
I’m good good, hope you too
Yes I am. Thanks for asking
It is refreshing to read such positive updates on NIgeria. I have had very positive experiences with Nigerians. I like them very much.
Thank you very much NSA. It would be great if you could share some of them with us. Cheers
What is the ethnic background of the writer by the way? I mean what Ghanaian tribe? I wish she would tell us.
Eiiii NSA if you can give me a convincing reason to reveal my tribe I will.
Loooooool
Omo Ghana you revealed your husbands as half Yoruba so i was curious about yours. Why aren’t you proud of your tribe? I have noticed some Nigerians will say I am Igbo Nigerian or Yoruba Nigerian. But Ghanians just say “i am Ghanaian” and leave it at that. Are we embarrassed or what? They seem to be more ethnic conscious and proud regardless of tribe than we are. Just out of curiosity anyway. And also, people from certain tribes in Ghana have nothing good to say about Nigerians and your write up was a change from that. Thats why I asked.
Okay NSA, that’s a sound reason. Thank you for highlighting the pride of Nigerians for their various tribes. I am a full-blown Ewe lady. Xx
Sorry, Omo Ghana I’m compelled to take my contributions in another direction, to address the Ghanaian tribe you said have nothing good to say about Nigerian. Quite mindful not drifting into tribal profiling here I’ll not go into pointing fingers however, this same Ghanaian tribe that sees itself more qualified to be described as better Ghanaian than others; therefore choose to rival other Ghanaian tribes, is the same tribe that was in the forefront of the most disgraceful prostitution cabbal dotted every nook and crany of Nigeria that has led Nigerians not respecting Ghanaian women today. Ironically, Nigerians love to marry Ghanaians women but certainly not from that tribe anyway.
Unfortunately, Nigerians think and believe all Ghanaian women belong to this same tribe that choose not to say anything good about Nigerians, until recently when inter Nigerian/Ghanaian marriage has become more popular. This same tribe travelled to Nigeria in the past to discover the Yoruba people of South Western Nigeria or “Alata People” they see often in the Ghanaian market selling pepper, needle, mixture of pins and ginger all on a small table are actually very resourceful tribe back home in Nigeria and better educated than this Ghanaian tribe that choose to see nothing good about Nigeria, their discovery was bigger than they had thought of. This Ghanaian tribe is responsible for the name tagged of Ghanaians known today as “OMO GHANA” The Omo Ghana name calling is one of mockery rather than to identify who the Ghanaian is. No hard feeling if any Ghanaian tribe choose to see his never improving small territory as heaven and ever increasing and growing illiterate population, that tribe can only watch from a distance to see others get better while they remain insulting others out of life frustrations.
I’m not sure of this history, but plainly we refer to Ghanaians as “Omo Ghana” because the literal meaning is “Child of Ghana”, Its just our way of saying where a person is from, “child of Ghana or person from Ghana”, we refer to ourselves as “Omo Naija” as well, meaning Child of Nigeria/Child from Nigeria. People who are from Lagos state, are often referred to as “Omo Eko”. I don’t think the Ghanaian tribe you’re refering to had any hand in that name coin.
Bami,
I am a Nigerian of Yoruba tribe.
You are being economical with the truth.
When Yorubas call you omo Ghana, it is more of a slur.
Omo is a Yoruba word.
The same reason why African Americans are called omo Akata by the Yorubas. It is equally the same reason why the Igbo people of Nigeria who always see themselves as being in competition with their Yoruba counterparts are always labeled Omo Ibo. The words are terminology used by the Yorubas to classify people and put them where they belong in the social strata. It is not a good practice and i pray that the generality of Yorubas put a stop towards using the words.
It is true that Lagosians called themselves omo Eko and Nigerian call themselves omo Naija, but the use of those words have different meaning in those situations.
If you dont know these facts, you are either not Yoruba or are just trying to be politically correct.
Yup. You’re right. I’m not Yoruba. I actually always thought there was nothing to it. Haha see me typing to Saudiq with so much confidence. Thanks on the facts update.
Scatterpoint, you have really enlightened me in that regard. Out of innocent ignorance and a genuine heart I have utilized that title but it seems it is not always used in a positive light. Reiterating Bami’s words of gratitude.
Far from what you are saying Bami, that Omo Ghana simply means someone from Ghana, I don’t know how old you are and if you were old enough to see through the period of Ghanaian influx into Nigeria in the early 80s through to late 90s you’d have witnessed and understand how the name Omo Ghana came about. I lived through it and I saw how the Ghanaians in Nigeria then threw caution into the wind to engage in all manner of things including prostitution by this same tribe that detests Yoruba people and giving them the name “Alata Fuo”.
Do you also know this same tribe has consequently and cynically turned a harmless identity name into an insult thus; “Alata ne” just like they refer to Ghanaians of northern extraction as “Ta ne”. This is a tribe that has lost all dignities around the world by the shere number of its young ladies in prostitution and yet had the guts to coin cynical names for other tribes who are even more respected and better educated than them. The first African to be called to the British Bar was a Yoruba man in the year 1814, at a time this insultives Ghanaian tribe’s ancestors were still in the forest and could not even figure out whether they were animals or human beings.
This very tribe in their days in Nigeria were known for doing anything and everything undignifying hense the reference “Omo Ghana” tagged name to identify them as people of low morals. Nigerians today marry from Ghana but are more cautious if that woman is from that tribe because she’ll hardly command any respect or dignity if she is brought into Nigeria, just for the reasons of past dirty life led by their ladies in the 80s. Omo Naija you refered to was a creation of Nigerian entertainment industry and has nothing similar to how Omo Ghana came to be mockery name.
Eiiiii i didn’t know all this. Thanks for enlightening me. “Scatterpot” who’s Nigerian also just corrected me. Medaase 🙂
You have been making very sound contributions. Some of the things you are saying are uncomfortable but you seem to have facts so I am cool with it but I don’t like how you cite Ghanaians were still in the forest not knowing whether they were humans or animals. Ore mi, it is okay to be proud of the learned yoruba folk but please don’t over rubbish other tribes in the process. If the white people who got called to the bar before you call you such names, you will take offense. I am not fighing with you. I am just saying take it easy brother. Shebi na uncle? Since you have lived through all this history. Good day oo
Sistergirl, I appreciate your response and the decency you exihibited by not getting angered by the hardline positions I took on this very Ghanaian tribe I decided not to mention its name in my write-up. Sistergirl, I am no doubt happy someone like you decided to marry a Nigerian despite all deliberate negative stories you may have heard in Ghana, yet you chose to commit your life to your Nigerian husband so you are alive to tell a story that as much as there are very decent Ghanaian men so do men of integrity also abound in other cultures too. Unfortunately, there are bad nuts in all societies and in all races and tribes around the world; much as Nigeria has its own wet blankets so do Ghanaians have theirs, very much prevalent in the very tribe I refer to as people of low morals.
I did not say Ghanaians in totality could not figure out whether they were animals or humans by the year 1814, my reference was directed to a particular tribe that sees nothing good in other Ghanaian tribes by calling these other tribes names that seem to cast a slur on their dignity as human beings. I don’t know which Ghanaian tribe you are; but how do you take a fellow Ghanaian who cynically refer to you as sub-human and less Ghanaian than he is by using your tribe to insult you, thus; “Ayigbe ne aboa” or “Ta ne kwasia” etc. Ironically, this same tribe is responsible for all the bad images Ghanaians in general are exposed to and suffered for all over the world by their low morals both in Ghana and all around the world.
This tribe forms just about 25% of total population of Ghana and yet account for about 90% of criminal activities in every nook and crany of Ghana. I have travelled to most European countries of Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium, UK, France etc. and across West African countries as Code D’Ivore, Togo, Benin Republic, Gabon etc. you’ll be amazed how a tribe that looks down on other tribes back home in Ghana descend into the gutters to throw all decency through the windows to trade their bodies for money. This is a tribe no decent minded Ghanaian will be happy sharing the good name of GHANA with; outside the territories of that great country called GHANA. This is the tribe I describe as animals even in the modern day history, judging by their low morality in any society they find themselves. Unfortunately, and very regrettable too; most non-Ghanaian across the world think majority of Ghanaians belong to that dirty tribe and are subjected to scorn and insults, or are made to share in an unneccessary slur of bad image they did not contribute to.
Sadiq, for a long time, in fact for may years I thought I was the only one who had observed this tribe of people for the pretentious, evil hearted and wicked people they are. I am glad more people are waking up to the truth about them. Foreigners; Africans and Whites alike are even beginning to notice. I encourage very tribe of people in Ghana to go by their native/tribe names that way strangers over time will distinguish them from this group of people.
Dear Saudiq, I honestly think you should write a memoir that could be used in schools and other forums to discuss some of these issues you talk about because they are real and need to be resolved. Escalation of some of these issues may result in tension and insecurity within a nation.
I am with you on this Sistergirl, especially as he has so much information to offer all of us. I believe people would accept it more if it was ‘packaged more aesthetically.’
Saudiq you have done a good job of cementing what Scatterpot said and your post justifies the importance of history in current day existence. As there are other genuine non-controversial titles of endearment, I shall seek for one and do the needful. I really appreciate your contributions.
Hmm Saudiq…quite informative. Yes unfortunately most Nigerians think we are all from “that tribe” until recent. I hate the label “Ghanaian.” It bestows upon some of us stereotypes about a certain tribe some of us want nothing to do with. I wish Ghana would break away into tribes so the world can see the differences among the various ethnic groups in terms of culture, behavior, proclivities and then people will see who the real haters of all things Nigerian and indeed all things progressive really are. I am not surprised Omo Ghana is from the Ewe tribe. They were originally, if I am quoting history correctly, once a part of the Yorubas. The languages sound similar. I mean Ewe and Yoruba. Some people might call me tribal, I dont care. Ghana IS a nation of tribes. Scotland just held a referendum to secede from The United Kingdom, an amalgamation of the Welsh, English, Scots and Irish, FORCED upon all of them by the English. Like the way Nkrumah had a hand in forcing Ghana upon all the tribes. All these European peoples are nations in their own right and that is what some Scots last week wanted to restore. Multiple tribes were never meant to live together in one geographical area like we are doing in Ghana. God I would like to see it scatter, so my tribe can go its own way too. I learnt a lot from your post.
Yes Blue Rose(NSA) you are right; there are various accounts but common to all is that the Ewe tribe settled briefly at Ile Ife in Yoruba land (present day Osun State in Nigeria) but moved on to Dahomey ( present day Republic of Benin) after the fall of the Oyo Empire. They also settled in Ketu also known as Mawupe and Amedzorpe which was a Yoruba town in present day Benin. From Ketu, there was a split into three groups and those that came to be part of modern day Ghana continued their journey through Notsie in present day Republic of Togo, where they successfully executed an innovative escape (disintegrating the thick wall built around the town and walking backwards) from the wicked King Agokoli in the northern, south-westwards and south-eastwards direction. Their final settlements then became part of modern day Ghana. This is the little I remember from my social studies class back in JSS.
Hmm Saudiq, you seem to have a big basket full of the history of both countries and I am sure we can learn a lot from you. It is always good to know historical facts, even negative, in order to improve upon the future. There are numerous life lessons in what you have shared with us and. I hope we each use it positively.
She is from the ewe tribe
Thank you guest
I have been married to a Nigerian for many years. The only thing I hate about Nigeria is the traffic. Awurade! You will sit in it one day for 5 hours. Also nigeria is more expensive than Ghana.
I dated two Ghanaian men before accepting to marry my husband. Nigerian men are very responsible. Especially after they marry you. A Nigerian man’s pride is his home. His wife and kids must look spectacular to show that he is a man. That is what he uses to brag. I love my husband more every day. If you will ever have anything to complain about in your matrimonial home, it shouldn’t be money. My dear, may God bless your marriage. Enjoy. Remember to be a very good wife. Cook well, learn the dishes. And give him children. Although I must say not all of them are like that. Even your husband’s friend or brother can come and pay for you to go on vacation. Naija men like to show big life but I am not complaining at all
Sistergirl I guess the traffic has been breaking your heart regularly. Glad you are enjoying your husband and thank you very much for the advice. I really appreciate it. Xx
Very nice, glad to know abt Naija this way.
Thanks a lot Jeff. As usual stay tuned for more updates
u welcome.
Nice, nice.. your article makes me want to come to nigeria.
Thank you Chichi. Hope your coming becomes a reality. Xx
My take on this whole thing is that there are good/ bad (places, people) every where you go. It can not be all placed on ethnicity,race,country,continent,religion etc.
I will be living vicariously through your articles; until I can come visit.
Keep them coming!
Ciao!
XOXO
Thanks for reiterating that Akua. Stayed tuned for more updates.xx
Interesting write up.. Love it!!… almost married a Nigerian this year.. Reason for break up was not his nationality.. They are responsible, respectable men .. love this article!!.. Yes I would date a Nigerian again…
Thank you reader
I pray you meet that sweet and nice one.
well happy your in laws are accommodating about your hi and hellos. When I greeted my ex-boyfriend’s family with hi, hello.. I got a lecture on how disrespectful I was and the coldest shoulder in the world by the way we live in the U.S… I have never in my life thought that saying Hi and Hello meant that you did not respect someone.. lol.. They are a bit extreme on the whole tradition thing.. I am Ghanaian, lived most of my life in Ghana but I place more emphasis on things that are rational than traditional but then again everyone is different.. I could have experienced this with a Ghanaian I suppose…
Oooo sorry Charle girl. I can imagine the hostility. Thanks for the contribution though.
How about a Nigerian lady that wants to marry a Ghanaian. What advise will u give me? Thanks