NIGERIA: A RAGING HOTSPOT
Nigeria is one of the most talked about countries. If you pay attention in movies, they might mention Nigeria when they talk about a Nigerian Prince who is trying to convince someone to send them money. Regardless of this negative portrayal, there are a lot of great things to be connected to Nigeria.
From the beautiful landscapes, to the rocks, the rivers, the plateaus, hills and forests, there are jaw dropping sceneries all over. In Niger state, you have the Gurara waterfalls, Idanre Hills in Ondo, Zuma rock, Jabi lake, Suleja dam in Abuja, Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi, Olumo Rock In Ogun, Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos, Agbokim Waterfall and Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River, Agodi Gardens in Oyo, Kajuru Castle in Kaduna, Osun Sacred Grove and the list goes on and on. These are places that must be visited.
Diving into another lively aspect is the street parties. Nigerians, especially the Yoruba tribe is known to throw extravagant parties at the drop of a hat. It is even said that at the drop of a hat, Yoruba people could just throw a party and block access to a street for the littlest celebration. Now, the biggest street party in Nigeria is the Calabar Carnival held every year all through the month of December. This Carnival is described as the Pride of Nigeria. This carnival alone invites millions of visitors throughout the month of December. This alone should let you know that Nigeria is a country of festivities.
Almost as big and definitely bigger is the second biggest movie industry in the world; Nollywood. Nollywood produces a great number of films year in, year out. This ideally produces a lot of information for outsiders to take in and form part of the Nigerian culture.
Also, very significant is the lively nature of our country. Nigeria is a country with people who are always happy regardless circumstances. The lifestyle in this country is a welcoming one. From the rural cities where there is a tightly knit family culture, you can see friendly neighbors. Strangers greeting strangers, because they are part of a community. Then there is also the giving nature of Nigerians. The people of this country will share even the littlest things with their peers and even strangers. ‘Come and join me’ is what you will always hear when someone is about to start a meal. There is even a saying that food is sweeter when you share it. This is why you can drop your children with your neighbors and be sure they will take good care of the child like he or she is their own.
Food is something that unites people all around the world from different backgrounds. I would be in the wrong to mention food and not talk about our Nigerian Jollof rice (which is the best). No matter the tribe or region, Nigerian Jollof is a party favorite and household favorite. This is the ever-present meal at any Wedding party, Burial Ceremony, Naming Ceremony, Birthday Celebration, Christmas gathering, you mention it. Moving on from our beloved meal, Nigeria has a lot of swallow dishes (soups) ranging from Ila to Ewedu to Egusi, to Efo to Black Soup to Groundnut Soup, to Ofe Nsala, to Banga, to Oha, to Ogbono to Bitterleaf soup, all these and more. For the solid that accompanies this soups we have Eba, Amala, Pupuru, Iyan, Semo, Poundo, Okpa, Tuwo and so on. Our meals will have your mouths watering and your stomach filled and still asking for more..
I have listed just some of the best reasons to visit Nigeria. I hope you fall in love with my motherland the same way we all do every single day.
https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/nigeria-landscape
I am Motunrayo Akinbode by name from Ekiti state, and I work as a Yorùbá Tutor, coach and instructor. I have years of expertise teaching Yorùbá to kids, beginners, intermediate and Advanced students as well. I have a bachelor’s degree in internationals and diplomacy and my master’s degree in history and diplomacy.
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