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Why Do I Love Nigeria? Let The Whole World Listen!
First, name a country where meetings start and end with a prayer. I am not sure there are many, but Nigerians do this. As an expatriate living here, I’ve embraced this tradition and work to reinforce it.
Secondly, I have never seen people as joyful as Nigerians. Even the poorest, without a kobo in their pocket, smile, laugh. Where does this joy come from? It must be a gift from God.
Where else can you visit your brother, sister, uncle, or cousin without needing to schedule an appointment weeks in advance? In Nigeria, family doors are always open, and the soup is ready to be shared. Even when it’s barely enough, you will still get your portion.
Name a place where the elderly are deeply respected. I’ll tell you—it’s Yoruba land. Also, if you want to find a place where people are known to be highly business oriented. That’s Igbo land. Name a place filled with brave, generous people with strong hearts. That’s Hausa land. And if you’re looking for classy, proud Nigerians, visit Edo State, home to the ancient Benin Empire.
Are you curious why I learned Yoruba? I had a teacher come to my office daily to teach me because they have greetings for everything! They love to greet, they are joyful people, and highly educated. I also learned Hausa through a teacher, as it shares words with Arabic and is spoken widely, not just in Nigeria.
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Nigeria is a blessed nation. Despite the global economic crises, It is striving to rise above them. Yes, there have been challenges and mistakes along the way, and things could have been done better. Nothing good comes easy. There’s still much work to be done.
I love this country and the whole World has to know why. Written by Jimmy Khoury, an expatriate that has lived and worked in Nigeria for 12 years
We are excited to announce the release of the 21st edition of Diaspora Watch, your go-to platform for insightful analysis and captivating stories from around the globe, dedicated to uniting African diaspora communities.
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This issue dives into the heated U.S. presidential race, where Former President Donald Trump and Democratic contender Kamala Harris are making their final appeals to voters ahead of the November 5th election. With reports of vote-buying and significant campaign donations surfacing, we explore the potential implications for American democracy.
On the international front, tensions rise as the Russia-Ukraine conflict escalates, and North Korea aligns itself with Russian interests. In the Middle East, unrest persists following the assassination of a Hezbollah leader, with urgent calls for restraint as fears grow over a possible Israeli invasion of Iran.
In a thought-provoking piece, writer Tony Okoroji examines the possible global repercussions of another Trump presidency. Human rights advocates are also sounding alarms over the UK’s recent deportation of 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians, stressing the urgent need for more humane immigration policies.
The Mpox pandemic remains a serious threat in Africa, with over a thousand fatalities reported in recent weeks. We also delve into a unique Nigerian tradition, revealing how grooms may be compelled to fulfill marital rites under tragic circumstances.
On a lighter note, Washington D.C. recently celebrated creative excellence at the Annual Mayor’s Arts Award, while the Confederation of African Football has penalized Libya for its unacceptable treatment of Nigeria’s Super Eagles during a recent match.
Don’t miss our new Diaspora Connect page, designed to inform young Africans about international opportunities. Plus, be sure to check out the dazzling Didi Nkanta on our Diva Page, adding a touch of glamour to this packed edition.
Grab your copy today for a comprehensive view of our world, and join us as we strengthen the bonds within the African diaspora!
The Ovia-Osese Festival of Ogori, a rich cultural celebration held annually in Kogi State, Nigeria, is a tribute to the values of purity, sanctity, and tradition. This vibrant festival marks the rite of passage for young women, symbolizing their transition into womanhood, while upholding the cherished customs of the Ogori people. The girls, known as “Irehnes”, undergo a series of rituals that emphasize moral purity, respect for community values, and the preservation of cultural identity.
Central to the festival is the blessing of the young women by elders, who impart wisdom about womanhood, family values, and the importance of maintaining the community’s cultural heritage. This public recognition of their maturity is accompanied by traditional dances, colorful attire, and ceremonial displays that showcase the rich history of the Ogori people.
The Ovia-Osese Festival fosters community unity, serves as a platform for cultural preservation, and highlights the significance of purity and moral integrity. The celebration also attracts visitors from far and wide, eager to witness this unique rite of passage and to participate in the rich cultural display.
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In the heart of Imo State, Nigeria, lies the ancient town of Arondizuogu, home to the revered Ikeji cultural festival. This spectacular event, which dates back over five centuries, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people. Every year, thousands of people from around the world gather to witness the vibrant displays of masquerades, music, and dance that make Ikeji one of the most significant cultural festivals in Igboland.
The essence of Ikeji is to celebrate the harvest of the first yams, a staple crop in Igbo culture. The festival serves as a unifying force, bringing together Aro people from across the Igbo-speaking states and beyond. It is a time for feasting, thanksgiving, and propitiation, marked by four days of festivities that correspond to the Igbo calendar’s four market days.
The festival features a colorful array of masquerades, including Ogionu, Mgbadike, Nwaaburuja, and Ozoebune, which parade across the market square to the admiration of the public. Traditional musical instruments, such as the ekwe, ogene, bells, maracas, and oja, accompany the masquerades, creating an intoxicating rhythm that sets the tone for the festivities. The flutist plays a vital role in communicating with the masquerades, weaving soulful melodies and esoteric messages into the music.
Another fascinating aspect of Ikeji is the raconteur, known as ima mbem, who delivers imaginative tales with a musical cadence that only the initiated can understand. The flutist is equally important, communicating hidden messages to the masquerades through his melodies, steps, and gestures.
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On the final day of the festival, a ram is tied to a pole in the market square, and brave individuals are challenged to approach and untie it. This test of bravery is a highlight of the festival, with contenders facing forces beyond human comprehension. The bravest among them will eventually succeed in untying the ram, earning thunderous applause and recognition for their village.
Ikeji is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of Igbo tradition and heritage. It is a testament to the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria and a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural roots. As the world becomes increasingly globalized, festivals like Ikeji serve as a vital link to our past, present, and future
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