NaijaPositive.com

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Re: Vinnie of Naughty by Nature's Comments on Nigeria

The Editor,
EUR (Online) Magazine

Hello,

I'm writing in response to the comments made by Vinnie of "Naughty by Nature"about Nigerians after their concert visit. (Excerpt below my comments.) A recent write-up on Nigeria follows for your perusal.

First of all, Nigeria is in no way comparable to the bush, so I see no reason for such comparison. Just like the U.S. or any other enlightened Nation, the cities in Nigeria are quite well developed with most of the same resources that are available elsewhere.

Secondly, to correct the misinformation, Nigeria did not just come out of any civil war. It used to have a military Govt. and there has been a democratic Government in place for the last 3 yrs, but there was no civil war.

Yes, the are some Westerners who because of their inherited "preprogrammed superiority complex" have always demeaned coloured people, re: of whether they're Africans, Mexicans, S. Americans Aborigines or Spaniards, and thus have nothing good to write about any Nation that is not America or in Europe.

But that is slowly changing as more coloured people are equally having access to communication channels such as the internet, to promote what is positive about their Nations, rather than continuing to permit misinformation, demeaning and derogatory comments to poison the minds of those who are willing to venture out to find out the truth about the cultures that are beyond America and Europe.

For instance in write-ups about the U.S. no one ever mentions that "holes in the ground" being used as toilets or fancifully called "Out-houses" still exist in the United States, especially in Virginia and other so-called "country" areas.

Lastly, Nigeria does not have a partial Govt. It has a full democratic Govt. in place and there are preparations for the 2003 elections at present. "Abuja" not Abidjan (capital of Ivory Coast) is the capital of the country.

I just visited Nigeria for 6 weeks this Christmas and as a travel agent, had in fact done a write up on my visit concentrating mostly on Lagos where I spent most of my visit (see below). I hope this more accurate info. can be passed on to your readers rather than comments formulated based on misinformation, and misconceptions. Any of the existing Nigerian websites can also provide more accurate info. as needed.

For 2002 write up: http://naijapositive.myfastforum.org/about559.html

Thank you.
Cxsm
2/22/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

RE: [Chat-AfriK] Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments on Nigeria ( 02-13-02)

Cxsm,

Whoever you are, it was apt of you to note the amount of "mis-information" contained in the write-up of the Hip-Hop group that visited Nigeria, "Naughty By Nature", even if much of this misinformation was based largely on their ignorance.

But that is precisely the point! Europe and America have for centuries put out negative information about everything that is not European or white American - all others are barbarians, savages, pagans, primitive, you name it. And much of the Western world has bought this negative stereotyping of other cultures and peoples.

And sadly, we too have bought largely into these "facts" about our nations and cultures.

Outhouses (Yoruba: "shalanga") abound in all of the rural South in the United States - Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Texas - the wealthiest and most powerful nation in the world. But no one talks about that. Not to mention the slum projects in all her major cities.

More people should follow your example, and put out more accurate information about our cultures and nations, for those who really want to know. If we don't do it, no one will.

Val Ojo
2/23/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

RE: [Chat-AfriK] Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments on Nigeria ( 02-13-02)

On the bright side, naghty by nature's visit shows us that some of our African American brothers & sisters are aware of the fact that the western media has unfairly distorted the picture of life in Africa and that some African American's are in fact curious about visiting Africa. Hence, the onus squarely falls on the shoulders of our African governments (most especially in West Africa) to create a safe and entertaining environment that will attract these sort of travel & tourism dollars.

Uzoma Obi
2/25/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

RE: [Chat-AfriK] Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments on Nigeria ( 02-13-02)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please do not take the write-up from the Nauthy By Nature group out of context. I went to Nigeria last year and I consider myself an open minded Nigerian. Infarct, if I am not a Nigerian, and I happen to visit Nigeria as a young man from United States, my first impression will be exactly the same as the rap group. We Africans may try as much as we can to hide our problems. The fact is that our place has been mismanaged to the point that we are behind civilization.

Yes Lagos may look nice to a Nigerian like myself but comparing Lagos to Johannesburg South Africa or to the business capital of any other developing nation such as Pakistan, Iraq, even Mexico is an understatement. Please visit some of these places and then compare them to Lagos. We want people to visit Africa and when they do and write their experience, we pick out the worst experience they have and try to castigate them.

People, considering the state of affairs and infrastructures in Nigeria, it is very easy to see how any sane human being can conclude that the country have a partial government and or it just came out of civil war. Infarct, Nigeria is in a state of undeclared civil war. If your town or village is ravaged by ethnic cleansing or your city is held hostage by bandits, you are in a civil war. I thank the rap group for their excellent observation.

God bless them for going to Nigeria to play for our kids.

M. J. Ogundu
2/25/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Re: [Chat-AfriK] Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments on Nigeria ( 02-13-02)

Dear Mr. Ogundu,

No one is taking the comments by Vinnie of Naughty by Nature out of context, neither was the intent to castigate them. You may need to reread my response to understand my positional statements. The concern is about the MISINFORMATION and MISCONCEPTIONS that were STATED.

Because something SEEMS so does not make it so. If according to Vinnie's perspective the country SEEMED to have just come out of a civil war, that DOES NOT MAKE such misinformation (which you may agree with) A FACT. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but opinions and perceptions do not necessarily make up facts.

The FACT is that "NIGERIA HAS "NOT" JUST COME OUT OF A CIVIL WAR". Moreover misinformation being passed along that Nigeria has a partial Govt. is a perception that is also INVALID and INCORRECT, and that DOES NOT QUALIFY THAT PERCEPTION AS A FACT either.

No one has to try to hide any problems or challenges that the country or in fact Africa has, but the fact remains that AFRICA, and NIGERIA specifically, despite its share of challenges has many good sides. Not everyone can afford to
depart from their home nation to reside in America, in FACT not everyone wants to abandon their nation to live as a 2nd class citizen in America.

You mentioned a no. of countries (Johannesburg South Africa, Pakistan, Iraq, even Mexico) stating that the comparison of Lagos to them is an understatement. I don't know how well travelled you are or if you've ever tried visiting any of the aforementioned places personally, but for those I have personally visited and have read about, I choose to disagree.

FACT is that "There is less crime in Lagos (Nigeria) (which was wrongly stated to be its business capital - Abuja is) compared to Sao Palo, Mexico City, Johannesburg or Moscow. In those cities, the very wealthy commute in either bullet proof cars or by helicopter, and investors come from abroad and continue with their investments despite the crime in those countries" FACT has it that Nigeria has not decayed to that level yet.

FACT is "There is more poverty in some of the aforementioned countries than in Nigeria." Need I state more. Even Singapore, England, New York, Rio de Janeiro and California, despite all their beauty have their VERY UGLY sides.

Re: your comment that "The fact is that our place has been mismanaged to the point that we are behind civilization" I choose to disagree with you. Yes, Nigeria in its 42 year of independence, was mismanaged by previous military Govts. which contributed mainly to its 20 year decay, but the fact is, as bad as things may presently be, Nigeria is presently on its way to recovery and it might just take time and efforts from those who truly believe in it, but it is definitely NOT behind civilization. Yes, all parts of the country may not be equal in resources, but every basic provision you find worldwide, regardless of the percentage of availability are readily available in Nigeria, be it be cars, roads, educational and health institutions, etc.

Those who have been and continue to run from the challenges (which contributed to its severe "brain drain") to then be slinging mud from abroad are the ones who have morally contributed to its overall decay, with the attitudes of apathy and hopelessness. Efforts to actively and positively contribute to its well-being, beyond internet chat will be more beneficial on the long run.

Compared to Nigeria's 42 years, it has taken America over 200 yrs to get where they presently are, but even it has its major challenges of crime in some of its major cities, Detroit, New York, Los Angeles to mention a few. Underdevelopment in some of its inner cities (other wise called "Ghettos"). Debt, teenage pregnancy, decreasing quality and interest in education, gangs and a slew of other challenges are some of the issues presented on your television sets daily. Even their democracy is imperfect as we all saw during the Bush/Gore entanglement.

Yes, all amenities may not be perfectly provided, but the benefits of citizenship which assure you that you are a 1st class citizen, and (when affordable) having your own househelps, gardeners, washmen, etc., (so you can have quality time off for your families) are convenient benefits which unless you are exceptionally rich in the U.S. are normal in Nigeria.

Sitting at an arm's length and judging Nigeria on occasional 2 weeks visits is rather insufficient to give an unbiased opinion, let alone a positive report on the country, and not having realistic expectations can only add to disillusionment.

The apathy of Nigerians who think America (where they are mortgaged to the neck in debts) is paradise and the apologists and afro-pessimists to provide excuses for not investing in Nigeria or Africa are the reasons why people either do not visit Africa, have misconceptions when they do, and are condoned when they provide misinformation.

The response sent to EUR was to correct misconceptions and misinformation, and the write-up forwarded was to offer a different perspective from a more travelled observer, based on facts and more in-depth association with the citizens. I therefore hope my response to your comments will be understood and accepted in the manner in which they're intended.

Thank you.
Cxsm
2/25/02
_________________
May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

RE: [Chat-AfriK] Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments - MISINFORMATION & MISCONCEPTIONS

Cxsm:

(I wonder what that acronym stands for.) You could not have stated the case better. It is quite interesting indeed, that it is precisely those Nigerians (Africans) who have not really been exposed much, and who have not traveled other countries extensively, that are all too ready to condemn Nigeria (Africa) by comparing them to places they have never personally experienced, in the process, confusing FACTS with FICTION.

Once blindsided by "uninterrupted" electricity and telephone service, but without any basis in facts, and with no in-depth association with the citizens of the countries used as standard, many of us end up, wrongly, seeing only "good" in the "advanced countries" temporarily exploiting our skills acquired largely in these "backward countries", and seeing nothing "positive" in our respective countries of origin. We fail to see beyond the glittering neon lights and well-choreographed advertisements and outright propaganda, to the deep problems and sordid conditions often lying just below this polished surface of most so-called advanced countries.

Every point you made in your response to Mr. Ogundu I can testify to, and believe me, I too have been around a bit.

Just out of curiosity, you don't "sound" like you are Nigerian...or are you?

Regards,
Val Ojo
3/2/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments - MISINFORMATION & MISCONCEPTIONS

Dear Dr. Ojo,

I've been reading some of the feedback and I have to commend you for the strength to speak your mind without bias. Your points could not have hit the nail any better.

It is an observable fact that some Nigerians have been blinded to any good that has and can continue to come out of Nigeria because of it's 2 most inconveniencing utility problems. The fact that the U.S. & Europe can provide ample electricity (despite its shortcomings in some states esp. CA) should begin to improve the visions of those who've chosen to continuously condemn Nigeria, that they may realize that despite all their conveniences, the U.S. & Europe do have ample challenges that supercede those in Nigeria.

Should Nigerians continue to fail to learn from the impacts of these challenges the repercautions would be similar, if not worse, since there are insufficient infrastructures in place to handle the type of challenges these western countries are currently facing. E.g. Teenage pregnancies. We can already see the results of liberal (sex) lifestyles, which the U.S. is managing, but Nigeria lacks adequate infrastructure to manage.

People are apt to endure whatever hardships they need to in order to live the western life, but would not in a blink of an eye endure similar challenges in Nigeria. Granted Nigeria has it's own baggage of challenges, but always seeing the cup "half-empty" is not what has kept the countries Nigerians have now embraced as their new homes, in the levels or standards with which a lot are now accustomed to.

No one forever cursed, belittled or demeaned can ever make it, it's time we dust our cloudy spectacles and not just continue to complain and merely discuss solutions, but to actually begin to POSITIVELY CONTRIBUTE to the uplifting of Nigeria, what ever it takes.

A giant that has suffered a fall, requires more help in regaining its posture than we can ever imagine, and every little dart being thrown at it by its own household members, can only delay it's ability to stand tall, let alone progress.

Cxsm
3/8/02
_________________
May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

Re: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments - MISINFORMATION & MISCONCEPTIONS

Cxsm:

Very well-said! I wish you would post this your all too accurate assessment of our self inflicted plight on the forum site - for all to read.

Did you say "people are apt to endure whatever hardships they need to in order to live the western life, but would not in a blink of an eye endure similar challenges in Nigeria?"

Similar challenges? Back in Nigeria, most of us would not accept even half the challenges we have to face here!

Please put these thoughts out to the forum.

I am happy and honored to know you. Not to worry Cxsm, we'll get there, where we rightly belong!

Val Ojo
3/12/02
--------------------
Well, here goes.

Cxsm
2/12/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

RE: [Chat-AfriK] RE: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments - MISINFORMATION & MISCONCEPTIONS

Cxsm and Dr. Ojo,

I wish I had the time to do justice to this issue.

It is far too simplistic to reduce the preference of Nigeria to come to or continue to reside in this country rather than in Nigeria to basic availability of utilities or hardship endurance index. I believe that people remain here and want to come here for one fundamental reason; the implicit assurance that what you see is what you get. That the rules may not be changed on you by any one individual or groups of individuals because they, simply, choose to do so and with the power of government behind them. Here, unlike there, there is the Rule or Law! It is a more ordered society. Civilized, pardon the word.

That is where it begins. But it doesn't stop there. Here, you can practically become whatever you set your mind to. No one is going to stop you (with the power of government behind them) because you seek to do this in Ondo state and you are from Adamawa. No one is going to stop you (with the power of government behind them) because you seek to do this because you are not connected to the Presidency or some other 'big man'. Here, were are all truly equal. Where I live here, Nigerians (Igbos) are contesting to represent their neighborhood in the local council. Yet Igbos (and Hausas, and Itsekiris, and Ogojas, etc) whose parents (and themselves) were born in Lagos cannot even claim to be Lagosians!

It doesn't stop here but, like I said, I don't really have the time to do this topic justice. But I hope you get my point.

Peace.
Stevek.
3/13/02

admin · Site Admin Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 5404

RE: [Chat-AfriK] RE: VINNIE OF NAUGHTY BY NATURE's comments - MISINFORMATION & MISCONCEPTIONS

Dear Steven,

I don't know if you followed the discussion from the onset, where the actual "misconceptions and misinformation" began. The response that was based on the issue of utility conveniences was only an example of why (some) people conclude that they prefer the U.S. to Nigeria.

Not to say that each country does not have its pros and cons (much of which we are all aware), but the statement from the discussion was that (some) individuals because of those particular conveniences are ready to endure the type of hardships, which they would not for one day tolerate were they in Nigeria. (note the excerpt of my response to Dr. ojo's comment from his initial feedback where he first made the statement re: utility conveniences. )