by Lekan Olanrewaju
53 of the most random things we love – and you should – love about Nigeria, presented in no particular order.
1. Tinsel
Sure, we complain about the accents – which, let’s face it, do get quite ridiculous – but we can’t help but love this show.
2. Jollof Rice
Yes, there may be disputes about what West African country this dish originally originates from but that’s never stopped us before.
3. Nneka The Pretty Serpent
Arguably the scariest film to ever come out of this side of the atlantic.
4. The Palms
Because where else would we go to cringe at floods of overdressed secondary school kids?
5. Keke Napeps
Just in case you ever want to feel like you’re on a Vespa in Italy, this is the way to go.
6. Papa Ajasco
No, we didn’t forget the “and company.”
7. Denrele Edun
Sure, he is, to put it mildly, a handful, but that’s why we love him, no?
8. Point and Kill
Seriously, the term “point and kill” alone is more than enough reason to love this place.
9. Aliko Dangote
At least we all get to brag about being from the same country as the richest man in Africa.
10. Onyeka Onwenu
Because no words are enough to describe the Elegant Stallion herself.
11. Indomie
Really, what’s better?
12. Suya
You won’t get better roasted flesh any place on the planet, that’s for sure.
13. Dame Patience Jonathan
For being an always reliable source of… interesting soundbites.
14. Chinua Achebe
The late literary giant will always be a source of pride to the country.
15. Chapman
Has anyone ever been able to find this drink outside Nigeria?
16. Jenifa
Not even Mr. Bean matches this character for sheer silliness.
17. Slow internet
Because what better way to learn patience than having to deal with Nigerian internet speeds?
18. Seyi Sodimu
Don’t even try to deny how much of a legendary song “Love Me Jeje” is… don’t!
19. Tonto Dikeh
Where else in the world would we find a star as delightfully over the top and completely engrossed in her own ridiculousness self as our very own #Poko? (or is it ‘Sheba’ these days?)
20. Ebute-Metta by Banky W
Not even Rihanna could top this legendary anthem to Ebute-Metta. Oh wait…
21. Traffic Jams
…in which you can buy anything – seriously, even puppies are sold in traffic these days – you want?
22. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
What list of things to celebrate about Nigeria would be complete without the Queen of Nollywood herself?
23. Ijebu Garri
With sugar and cold water and groundnuts and… that’s enough.
24. Iyanya
Be honest, you’ve danced to Kukere at least once in the past year.
No comment!
26. Mo Abudu
Rumour has it that Oprah Winfrey is known as the American version of this media mogul.
27. Tunde Kelani
Is there anyone not aware of the magnificence of ‘Saworoide’?
28. Okadas
If only so you can make yourself feel like you’re in an installment of The Fast and The Furious.
29. Omawumi
Because where else would we get a singer delivering to us a song about what happens “when the boss is coming to kill the actor”? (Hint: The actor runs away)
– To be continued…
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