How Great Is Nigeria! By Onowori Fego Eunice
A country which shelters innumerable ethnic and social groups, a country with her imperial love for indigenous arts and crafts, a country distinguishable by varieties of languages, a country whose expression is shown in countless number of ways especially culture,. Her folklore and religion gives a sweet smelling savor together with her impeccable clothing rooted from the soil of culture. Although, it is crystal clear that the vices and wiles of corruption and its associates has subtly crawled into the fabrics of the beloved country reproducing much more daily, but despite these strongholds, one thing that has kept the backbone of this country together is culture and this beloved country is Nigeria.
How great is Nigeria! Indeed it is a great country but much more known by her culture. It is an undeniable reality that one of the best ways to identify a country’s unity in spite of flaws here and there is by culture. The country Nigeria has therefore not failed in this test. The Nigerian culture has always placed emphasis on personal appearance and jewelry, of which many are made of cowry shells and similar materials and also a lot of emphasis is placed on food, as well as greetings.
Various ethnic groups have their different attires. In the Yoruba culture, the most commonly worn for the women is Iro (wrapper)and Buba (a loose top which is a blouse). The women also dress with an adorable matching gele (head gear) that should be put on whenever the Iro and Buba is on. In most Yoruba weddings, the scenario is always colourful and beautiful and if one is not wearing the colour for the day, he or she will feel very much left out. For the men, they have Buba, Esiki and Sapara, which are regarded as Ewu Awotele (underwear) and many others. Some fashionable men may add accessory to the agbada outfit. Also, beads like ileke (hand laces) and also egba owo (bangles) exist in the Yoruba land. For Igbo, the traditional culture is usually called the Isagu also known as chieftaincy. The Isagu is a very soft shirt which can be white, black, red or brown with colourful patterns usually red or gold. There are many other diverse ethnic groups in which their accessories and clothing are equally as beautiful such as the Fulani, Edo, Isoko, Calabar. The sight of all these are beautiful to behold.
Another sacrosanct of inestimable worth is the Nigerian food. In this aspects, words fail to describe the impeccable, exquisite, immaculate, mellifluous and euphonious taste of the food of a Nigerian woman who knows all about the ‘how to’ and the ‘how not to’ when it comes to the kitchen. It is like heaven on earth, honeyed to the belly, melodious to the hearing and well aromatic and perfumed to the nose. An old maxim says that ‘if an African man is angry, appease him with a sweet delicacy from his mother’s town’. This is so true. Nigeria food comes in various ways, types and even sometimes seasons. In some homes, it is only during Christmas season, they crave for eating rice. For the New Year, it is pounded yam and then for Ileya festival, fufu with enough meat. Nigeria food consists of various soups, stew recipes, vegetable soup, bean and plantain pottage, suya, moinmoin, edikang ikong, dodo, ogbon, and so many others. The list is far too many.
Attitude is developed from cultural and environmental background and for a place like Nigeria attitude matters. There is a very high thirst for respect in this beloved country. No matter how old or how young one is, he or she must recognize the fact that elders are elders and it starts from greeting. Greeting is seen as a very important part of culture in Nigeria and a child is not seen as well trained or brought up if he does not honour elderly ones by greeting. For the ladies, going down on the knees is most prominent, although in some other culture, she can take a bow. For the men, lying down flat on the belly or a handshake presents him as one honourable to the society.
Culture has given a visa to access hearts imprisoned by egocentricity and prejudice. There is definitely no place like home. There is definitely no place like Nigeria. Even in the hustle, smiling faces are still conveyed from a loving heart. No matter how far a man travels, home is still home and family is still family. The oneness is culture. The oneness is Nigeria. The oneness is you and me. How great is Nigeria! So great, that in the midst of the challenges, culture defines it.
Onowori Fego Eunice
I am currently a student of the University of Lagos, studying Marine science. I have a deep passion for writing and I believe words are images that forever capture the soul. I am also involved in an upcoming initiative targeted to assist young children and make them an effective youth. I have an interest for singing as well as teaching too.
