I AM FROM WEST AFRICA

Last year, following the death of Michael Jackson, I watched on TV as hundreds of people from across the globe turned out at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to catch a glimpse and trod the path where MJ’s position is etched. I recollect the TV reporter covering the event took time to interview a cross section of the crowd just to emphasize the international presence it was. Amongst those he interviewed was a lady whose attire and accent was very familiar. When asked where she is from, she said “I am from West Africa”. To this, my friend and I watching together that night chorused: “Nigerian”.


In my young life’s sojourn, much to my amusement I have found more and more people (mostly Nigerians) refer to their selves as being West Africans. Yes, I find it funny because I know people from West African countries do not refer to themselves by such christening in their home countries. One was a Nigerian, Ghanaian, Senegalese, etc. It’s like a Canadian saying he is North American when asked about his origins. It is ambiguous and an almost unconventional way to describing oneself.

This unorthodox nomenclature is another way Nigerians have tried to avoid the travails of being called one. Yours sincerely has had his own fair share of such experiences (CF blog post “My Passport is Green”, Heymeyville (c) November 2009) and I dare say that people who have had the inconveniences of being Nigerian loathe her identity. I do not blame those who have taken this path of anonymity because much that is known by the world is the guile and desperate measures employed by my country men in order not to beg for a living. While this in itself shows a people who are industrious and who have a value for their self worth, every Nigerian who is on the path to building a responsible life does not want to be identified with their country of birth. Of course when their reputation has been established, they proudly refer to themselves as being from “9ja”.

Incidentally, as much as we Nigerians try to conceal our identity, it is never hidden. Many times I have gone to the mall and at payment point; the cashier has asked if I am an “Igwe”. The latter is a commonly used word in the now ubiquitous Nigerian movies. Now and again, I am told of Nigerians in strategic places all over the world. I remember going to proudly “google” the name Remi Adefarasin after I watched “Elizabeth” (he was the director of cinematography). My work place colleague referred to Things Fall Apart earlier this week. ASA’s song was being played on the local FM and I sang so loud in my car the other day. Interestingly too, I have started watching games involving West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion because they now have Nigerian players!

I am sure it is not only nollywood that non-Nigerians admire about my country. Indeed the heterogeneity of Nigeria is broad and almost all-encompassing: the good- very good, bad and urgly. This ambiguity is what a non-Nigerian can never comprehend. He is hence filled with awe, fascination, disdain and distrust, all of these wrapped into one. Perception and attitude towards Nigerians then depends on which of these is dominant in an individual.

As my country celebrates her 50th independence anniversary today, I have found an unusual feeling about being proudly Nigerian. It is home after all. I am ever drawn to its generosity, perspective of life, fun, energy, resourcefulness and overall human warmth.

To all of this and more, I say Happy Anniversary Nigeria.