We attach certain negative characteristics to tribes
rather than appreciate our creative diversity
We all are guilty of stereotyping one way or the other.
For me, trusting fellow Nigerians has always been an issue. I’m especially wary
of fast moving, smart talking “nna broses.” But I’ve had a change of opinion.
Recently, I took one of my bags for repairs. Two screws had come off.
One look at the repairer and all my alarms were
buzzing. He was a “nna bros”, business man to the core and he charged me 700
naira for each new screw. He said he imported them.
Paranoia and all, I took out everything from my bag –
from a pack of Orbit to my iPod, before handing the bag over. Then I waited for
him to finish the task right there while I watched. When he finished, I packed
my stuff and left, smug at having kept my stuff safe.
Three hours and a bucket of tears later, I was sitting in
the office trying to figure out where my wallet, ID and passport had gone, I
was on verge of a meltdown. I couldn’t blame the repairer but I suspected
him all the same. My head scanned through all that I had in my wallet. A chunk
of money. Omg! I think I passed out when I remembered the free shopping voucher
I had in my wallet. I kept muttering to myself “but my wallet was right here
now”. I kept hoping I’ll get home and magically find it in my drawer. I
searched my bag again for the umpteenth time just in case. Fed up, I left work
and went home.
As I consoled myself with dinner, my cell phone rang… “My
name is Chukwudi Ejiofor” the caller said. “I think you are the one that
brought a brown bag to my workshop today…” Ten minutes later Chukwudi is
by my door with all my stuff complete in a white carrier bag. He explains
that when I emptied my bag to give him, I absent mindedly left my stuff on a
chair.
I felt very foolish…the same man I tried to secure my
property from is the one who kept them safe for me.
In retrospect, my suspicion of Chukwudi was based on
nothing but stories I’d heard from a few people. I was embarrassed at what I
had thought about him that morning. Never again will I base my assumptions on a
single story. We attach certain negative characteristics to tribes rather than
appreciate our creative diversity. Regardless of where we hail from, Nigerians
are Nigerians. And we are our brother’s keeper. With the widest smile, I grab
the white carrier bag from Chukwudi as relief washes over me.
Though it’s a simple white bag emblazoned with “Ejiofor
and Sons Enterprises. Head office; Aba.” I still keep the bag for the
lesson it holds.
Temitope Shittu-Alamu, is a writer,
an eclectic public speaker and master of ceremonies with a degree in History
and International Relations. Passionate about the media and of a strong believe
that “it is my platform to building the Nigeria of my dreams”. I host a yearly
Christmas show on television.
I love God, I love people.
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