Dear Nigerian, You Are A Survivor.

I think my days of not knowing how to swim are over. I definitely got my final lessons last night when I did a flawless breaststroke in the pool of my sweat. Needless to say that the party that happened in my room last night was a success as the mosquitoes kept commenting on how delicious their "Cynthia Kebab" was.

I have heard this saying that if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. My dear reader, especially my non-Nigerian ones, they lieeeeeeeed. If you can make it in Nigeria, You can live and flourish in Mars.

It has been tough down here since I was born but I think the past 7 years or thereabout have been a living hell. 

From terrorism to lack of power to lawlessness to fluctuating economy to unemployment... The list is actually endless. The recent fuel scarcity is another ball game entirely. I am not a political or social scientist but I know just enough to affirm that everything in this country is topsy-turvy.

I am honestly not here to remind you of your problems. I just want to tell you that if you woke up this morning, ready to face the day;whatever it may bring, with dreams and visions of how to get yourself to a better level without the help of a government, you are a hero. You are brave and you deserve a better Nigeria. A country that will not let you down. A country that will care for you and yours. A country that you will be proud to flaunt its passport. A country that will not give you high blood pressure in your grave when you leave you children and grandchildren in it.

One more thing, remember that it also starts with you. Stay on that queue. Keep that rubbish till you find a bin. Do not honk unnecessarily. Obey the traffic signs. Wear your seatbelt. Do not give that policeman that bribe. These may seem inconsequential but if we all do these little things, they will add up,create visible change and slowly bring us to that New Nigeria that we all badly yearn for. 

Dear Nigerian, you are an unsung hero. You are resilient. You are a survivor.

 In the meantime, have a good laugh looking at the giraffe mouse picture. It is a very funny one but it speaks volumes.