The Subtle art of being a Loud Nigerian

The Nigerian gene of loudness

Dear Comrade

I know I didn’t write to you last week, that I am sorry for. My eyes have seen a lot and to be very honest, I’m going through a lot.

I saw a tweet about ‘something’ and it triggered me to write on the most random topic ever. It’s something about being loud as a Nigerian.

Nigerians are generally loud people. You might not know it, but you might in one way or the other have the 'loud Nigerian gene' in you. The urge to show that you have it, even when you don't. The urge to show what's not there as what is there. Now take for example, do you know Nigeria isn't the number one country perpetrating cybercrime and internet fraud, and we are not even in top five. Yet, people relate cybercrime and internet fraud with Nigerians even in the international space. If you do your research on google, you would find out USA has the most cybercrime perpetrators and even on some list, Nigeria isn't on the top 10.

Then why is Nigeria regarded as Number one internet fraudsters even when they are not? It's simple, we are a loud people!

And what do I mean by 'loud'?

A cybercriminal in the US and China, defraud someone or a company online, he gets his money, lay low, invest in something worthwhile or put the money into another company or a tech company or anything at all that can bring him more money. A cybercriminal in Nigeria, scams someone, get his money, buys a car, an iPhone, flaunt his wealth, oppress his peers on social media, date the biggest girls, goes broke and start the cycle all over again. We find ourselves in a society that measures success by how much money and material things you have, so even when your money comes from a dirty source, as long as you have money and you're loud enough to show it, you're deemed successful. 

Take Hushpuppy for example, many Nigerian youths see him as a role model or some kinda badass hacker and fraudster that can defraud anyone. Hushpuppy made his money from cybercrime and he was loud enough to show it. Nigerians who make money from selling hard drugs in South Africa, are loud enough to show it. It's like success to them, it makes them feel badass. To an average South African, being a Nigerian means you're into drug, why? Because of those guys who are loud and proud enough to see narcotics trafficking as success. You might ask yourself? How then am I a loud Nigerian? That moment when you buy a car and you can't keep your keys in your pocket, you're loud! When you get a new phone, and you are eager to post it on social media, you're loud. When you get something really expensive and you just can't do without flaunting it, you're loud. When you raise your voice in an argument and you're like 'Do you know who I am?' you're loud! When you walk into a room full of people and you want them to notice you, you're loud!

Hey, I have the 'loud gene' too, we all do. It's the Nigerian thing. it can be of good use sometimes, yunno. It means you have a good self-esteem and your confidence level is high and all that, but the average Nigerian has always shown the negative side of his 'loudness'. I have, and I know people who have.

That's why in Nigerian, people tend to respect you with the type of phone you use, the car and the chains you put on your neck. So, if you want respect, my dear Nigerians, get an iPhone and be loud enough to show you own one (sarcasm intended).

A.J from the Campus Letterman

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And yes! Happy Ramadan guys!