Being a Nigerian is indeed a huge blessing that I have never had reasons to regret. Nigeria is a country with thirty-six states and has over 250 ethnic groups. Nigeria is blessed with a lot of mineral resources, which include gold, limestone, crude oil e.t.c. Crude oil has really been a major source of income in Nigeria and every citizen of Nigeria can testified to this. Nigeria is indeed a blessed country but yet we are been identified internationally for various things which has really affected our identity both positively and negatively.
One major good thing that Nigerian has been identified has is been industrious. Nigerian are really industrious. When talking about being diligent and hardworking, Nigerians are top notch in that. Nigerians have been taught by experience to adapt and survive to any form of live. I remember when there was removal of fuel subsidy, it looks like Nigerians won't be able to survive it. Things became more expensive. People murmured and complained yet they adjusted. Everyone decided to think outside the box just to make ends meet for his or her family.
Some even re-located out of the country. Even when outside the borders of Nigeria. You see Nigerians working tirelessly and relentlessly. Recently, I spoke with a friend of mine who relocated to United Kingdom, she spoke to me about how Nigerian are working tirelessly over there. Some go to extent of taking menial Jobs just to cater for their needs. One thing I discovered about Nigerians is that we are always ready to put all best at what we do just to achieve a positive result or outcome.
In the name of making ends meet, many have become greedy. Some Nigerians don't care either what they do is good or bad, all they want is money. They want to become wealthy at all cost. Some youth go to the extent of committing divers forms of Cyber crime and as well scam people online just to make ends meet. This particular act has given Nigeria bad names and identity. As a result of this, many countries sees Nigeria has a corrupt country. They believe corruption has eaten deep into the root of Nigerian citizens. I believe this act stems from our leaders. Imagine leaders defrauding citizens and converting public funds to their personal money. It's so disheartening.
Many multinational countries don't even want to have anything to do with Nigerians due to the wrong narrative about us. Alot of Nigerian has been denied privileges as a result of this wrong narrative about our country. A friend of mine was denied a job opportunity with a multinational company just because they believe Nigerian are corrupt people.
This particular wrong statement "Corrupt Nigerians" do sadden my heart. Even though we have bad eggs amidst us as Nigerians whom corruption has eaten deep to the depth of their soul but yet we still have good and honest people, men of integrity who are are ready to portray the good image of our country.
To change these wrong narratives, I believe it starts with every citizen of Nigeria being a good representative of the country.