An experience in diversity

Africa's most populated country,Nigeria is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Africa’s most populated country,Nigeria is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. A potpurri of cultures and traditions,the country takes its name from the river Niger,that is central to its civilisation.

Twenty-three-year-old Anthony Adeyanju,who is currently pursuing his Masters’ in economics from Fergusson College,has been in India for three years he also did his Bachelor’s here and he has made many observations about the country. It is amazing,but both Nigeria and India are very similar the cultures,the philosophies,the way of life, both countries are akin to each other. Both countries are host to many different ethnicities,languages and religions,all living peacefully under the same national flag.

Anthony,or Toni as he is called by his friends,finds certain aspects of India puzzling. Cricket is almost a religion here,while back home,football is everybody’s game. But I don’t feel so out of place here football is slowly catching up, he says.

He does have a few complaints with this country though. It’s very hot and uncomfortable here. It’s much more pleasant back at home, he says,though agreeing that the weather is something that cannot be controlled. However,he has faced other problems too. As a foreigner,one faces a lot of difficulty and discrimination. Extending one’s visa is also a common problem. But the biggest problem is the amount of money I feel I am cheated out of,just because I am not an Indian, he says.

Despite all this,he still likes India a lot. I don’t feel too homesick either most of my family is here, he says. But at the end of the day,he still considers Nigeria his home. It’s difficult to describe. Africa is something that flows through my veins, he says.

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories

Tags:
Nigeria

Loading Taboola...