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I was the first white person these kids had ever seen; at first, they were scared, and then they realized I was just a silly bald guy, and they followed me everywhere. This Village is in the northeast of the country, an hour or two north of Jos, and “Boko Haram” took some of these children.
Reflecting on my incredible journey in Nigeria, I am reminded of the profound impact this experience has had on me, both personally and professionally. Invited by then-President Obasanjo and two NGOs, I embarked on a mission to develop television content that would shine a light on the country’s pressing issues. Amidst a backdrop of tense crime and governmental shifts, I found myself as the sole foreigner spearheading this ambitious project, a stark contrast to the usual NGO operations filled with international teams.
Diving into a country with which I had little familiarity, I was tasked with assembling a team I could trust implicitly. This meant teaching individuals to write scripts, direct, and operate cameras—roles they were unaccustomed to—while also guiding many to act and portray stories in ways they had never imagined. At 40, I thought I had grasped all that life could teach me, but Nigeria opened my eyes to endless learning. Every interaction, every person I met, enriched my understanding and appreciation of this vibrant culture.
The transformation of a large, old cocoa warehouse into a bustling TV and film soundstage stands as a testament to our collective effort. We had to construct an electrical plant for power, implement security measures for safety, establish a hotel for accommodation, and essentially build a business from the ground up. The result? Fifty one-hour episodes of a TV drama and a twenty-episode reality TV series—a monumental achievement by any measure.
Living as an expat, one expects a period of adjustment, but my experience was intensified by the fiery Nigerian cuisine. The beloved Egusi Soup, with its tantalizing flavor and searing peppers, left an indelible mark on my palate and my memories. My diet quickly adapted to include a lot of pasta and grilled cheese sandwiches, supplemented by Nespresso and iced tea, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Nestle and the unwavering support of our local partner, Klaus.
This is George. We still talk regularly. He was a kid then and now he’s a highly successful Director with a wife and three children.
Navigating this journey was not without its challenges for both myself and those I worked with. Yet, the most rewarding aspect was the deep connections forged with a handful of individuals on the project. Over five years, we employed over 3,000 people—actors, crew, extras, and office staff. The relationships cultivated during this time have endured, crossing borders and withstanding the test of time.
This month marks twenty years since I first set foot in Nigeria for this project. With nostalgia, I reflect on the country, its people, and their incredible family-oriented culture. I’ve heard tales of progress, like the arrival of Uber, which must be a boon given the notorious traffic. To my Nigerian team, friends, and my adopted sons and daughters, you are always welcome in my life. Your warmth, resilience, and indomitable spirit have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I am forever grateful for the journey we shared.
Thank you for making it possible and for some amazing memories.
Nigeria is a very misunderstood place.
Nigeria, often dubbed the “Giant of Africa,” not just for its large population—over 200 million people—but for its vast cultural diversity, economic resources, and its indomitable spirit, stands as a testament to both the resilience and complexity of its people. However, beneath the vibrant cultural fabric and amidst its abundant resources lies a narrative often misunderstood by the global north, shaded by stereotypes and oversimplified narratives that fail to capture the true essence and challenges of this great nation.
The story of Nigeria is a tapestry woven from threads of ancient civilizations, colonial legacies, and a relentless quest for identity and progress. The lands of Nigeria have been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of sophisticated societies such as the Nok culture, dating back to around 1500 BC, and later, powerful kingdoms and empires like the Kanem-Bornu, Oyo, and Benin empires, showcasing advanced social structures, trade, and artistry long before the arrival of European colonizers.
The colonial chapter began in the late 19th century when the British consolidated their control over the territory, amalgamating diverse ethnic groups and regions into the single entity of Nigeria in 1914. This arbitrary merging of over 250 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, culture, and social systems, laid the groundwork for many of the country’s post-independence challenges, particularly ethnic and religious tensions.
Upon gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria embarked on a journey filled with both triumphs and trials. The discovery of oil in the Niger Delta in the late 1950s promised wealth and development. Yet, it also became a source of strife, leading to environmental degradation, displacement of communities, and conflict over resource control, illustrating the complex interplay between prosperity and exploitation.
The narrative often presented to the world, particularly by external governments, frames Nigeria’s challenges through a lens of religious conflict between Muslims and Christians. While religious identity plays a role in the social fabric, the core issues delve much deeper into the realms of governance, economic disparity, and a fierce struggle for power and resources. The real story is one of a fight against systemic corruption, where government positions are seen not as a means to serve but as a ladder to personal wealth and status, often at the expense of the wider population.
This struggle for power and control, however, is only one side of the Nigerian coin. On the flip side are the people themselves, whose resilience, kindness, and family-oriented values shine as beacons of hope and strength. Despite the challenges posed by governance and conflict, Nigerians have cultivated a society where community and perseverance are paramount. This is a nation where, amidst power outages and infrastructural deficits, innovation thrives, and survival is an art form perfected by its people. It is said, perhaps half-jokingly, that when the world loses its electricity, Nigerians, with their ingenuity and resourcefulness, will not just survive but thrive.
The Nigerian spirit is exemplified in its vibrant culture, from the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeats to the rich literary tradition of authors like Chinua Achebe and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who portray the complexities of Nigerian life to a global audience. The film industry, Nollywood, has become the world’s second-largest in terms of output, telling diverse Nigerian stories to millions across the globe.
Yet, Nigeria’s greatest resource is its youth, who make up a significant portion of the population. They are the driving force behind movements for change, innovation in technology, and the push for accountability and transparency in governance. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, a youth-led movement against police brutality, highlighted the potential for social change when the collective power of the Nigerian people is harnessed towards a common goal.
The challenges Nigeria faces are indeed profound, from combating corruption and managing resource-driven conflicts to bridging vast economic disparities. However, these challenges are met with an equally profound resilience and a relentless pursuit of progress by its people. The story of Nigeria is not just one of conflict and corruption but of complexity, culture, and an unyielding spirit of resilience.
In understanding Nigeria, it is crucial to look beyond the surface, to see not just the challenges but the rich tapestry of culture, history, and human potential that defines this nation. It is a story of a people who, despite the odds, continue to shape their destiny, striving for a future where the wealth of their land can truly benefit all who call Nigeria home.
In sum, Nigeria, with all its contradictions, remains a land of untapped potential and enduring spirit. As the world watches and often misunderstands, Nigerians continue their journey, crafting a narrative of resilience, innovation, and hope. It’s a narrative that deserves to be understood in its full complexity, for in the heart of Nigeria’s challenges lie the seeds of its greatest triumphs.
To the resilient, vibrant, and inspiring people of Nigeria,
As I reflect on the journey we’ve shared and the indelible experiences that have shaped my understanding and appreciation of your rich culture and spirited community, I extend my deepest admiration and heartfelt wishes to you all. May the future hold boundless opportunities for growth, peace, and prosperity, illuminating the path toward a brighter tomorrow. Let the strength of your unity, the depth of your cultural heritage, and the unyielding determination that defines you, guide Nigeria to new heights of achievement and harmony.
May each of you find success in your endeavors, happiness in your lives, and strength in your challenges. Here’s to hoping that the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and resilience continues to thrive, bringing about positive changes not only within your communities but also on the global stage.
May your voices be heard, your dreams be realized, and your lives be filled with the richness and joy that you so generously share with the world. To the people of Nigeria, you are a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. Here’s to a future where every Nigerian shines brightly, contributing to the tapestry of a nation that stands tall with pride, dignity, and a sense of shared purpose.
With warmest regards and the highest hopes,
Lynn Scheid
