My country is actually popular and is known as the Giant of Africa. My country is one that's on everybody's lips, both for good and bad deeds. My country is a land bursting with energy, talent, and hope, yet it battles challenges that often dim its greatness. I'm sure everybody will agree with me that, no matter my country's reputation, it's still a country that never goes unnoticed.
One good thing I know that the world knows about my country is the incredible creativity and raw talent, especially through our music and movies. I could say that over the years, our artists have stormed the global stage and taken it over. The rise of Afrobeats has changed how the world listens to music. Our stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Tems, and Tiwa Savage have all become household names in Africa and beyond. Their songs trend all over European countries, Asia, Paris, London, and even Africa at large. Their rhythms tell the story of Africa’s soul.
What about our film industry, known as Nollywood? It is another thing that makes my country shine. Our film industry is one of the biggest in the world. We produce thousands of movies every year. These movies tell everyday stories of love, betrayal, sacrifices, survival, hope, and what we go through in life. They connect with millions of people across Africa and the diaspora, giving voice to African experiences that were once ignored by global media. One thing I love about my country is their banter. We might be going through a crisis, and we don't let outsiders join in. At times we hate each other, but that's it; we still marry each other.
My country might be celebrated for its talents and culture, but the world also knows it for something dark, which is corruption. This is one of the deepest pains of the country. Although my country is rich in oil, natural minerals, and human talent, my country still struggles with poor governance. Corruption has eaten so deep into every sector in my country, from education and healthcare to even job opportunities. Our leaders are after their own stomach infrastructure, not the welfare of the people. Youths have found themselves struggling to survive every day.
The rate of corruption in my country is glaring, from bad roads to insecurities, to unreliable electricity, to faulty schools. This has made life very difficult because we are struggling to survive and, at the same time, try not to allow what we call "Nigeria happening to us" to be our portion, because you won't get justice. Because of the bad system here, our name has become bad because our youth have engaged in fraudulent activities just to live to see another day. Most foreigners who know about my country, Nigeria, well know that we are hardworking, kind, and resourceful people.
With all said, my country is a mixture of beauty and brains. I know that one day the world will see us for who we really are. Determine, smart, and courageous people.
Images are Ai generated.
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