Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The New Nigerian

There's a new breed of Nigerians and I confirmed the discovery this morning. I did not make a physical discovery it was a mental one. As I was tweeting my life away this morning (vacation) I had an exchange with a friend of mine who happens to be from another tribe. In our conversation he greeted me in the manner that is customary of my language, and he proceeded to carry out small talk in my language.

It was a light hearted exchange that made me come to this realization. Based on his twitter name (Edoboy) and previous tweets, anyone would guess that this guy is proud of what side of the country his allegiances lie. However he is able to take that aside and embrace the culture of someone not affiliated with his people.

This is the kind of thing that gives this new generation of Nigerians a chance at changing the country and the world. We have grown up either in the west or for those in Nigeria were constantly exposed to those romanticized ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity . It can be argued that these western ideals might erode traditional beliefs and culture, but that's a topic for another day.

The new Nigerian is someone who understands and values his distinct cultural background, however he is able to step into the 21st century to understand, appreciate, and take interest in the culture of his fellow countrymen. Tribalism definitely is not dead, but I like to think the lines are beginning to blur slowly but surely.

The new Nigerian is at ease in his home village as he is with someone from another tribe or even his contemporaries abroad. The person of low mentality that Fela (if you're not familiar , get familiar asap) spoke of in his song ITT, still holds prominence in the Nigerian social structure, however his days are numbered. The new Nigerian will eventually take his place at the table and ask for a fair shake. This is already occurring at the grass roots level.

A prominent example of this is a gentleman who is organizing a movement to light up Nigerian. With the use of social media he has sparked a grass roots effort that has galvanized people at home and in the diaspora to task the Nigerian government with supplying basic power needs. I admire the work of Amara Nwanpaka (@bubsun) and others like him because they are bringing light (no pun intended) to issues that affect us all.

The new Nigerians are ladies and gentleman, however that is cast aside when it comes to the issue facing the nation. They are mad as hell and won't take it anymore.