Growing up in Nigeria.

In buying and selling, common name refers to the actual name that defines the item while the brand name refers to name given to that item by the manufacturer for identity purposes.
In Nigeria, some brands have become so popular that their brand names are now being used as the common name of items. This is not necessarily because the said brand is better than all other brands manufacturing the item. It may be because the said brand was the first to launch such a product in the market, therefore the citizens have gotten used to it before its contemporaries became available in the market. This behavior of Nigerians has passed on from one generation to another to the benefit of the favored brands.

Some Nigerians do not even know the common names of some items simply because of how they have become so used to these brand names. Even when they don’t want that particular brand, they still refer to it with the name of the brand they desire attached to it.

I have listed a few items which their common names have been switched with that of these ‘successful’ brands below. This is how they are referred to by most Nigerians when they walk into a shop or store and in the market.

Instead of saying:	Most Nigerians say:
Petroleum jelly	Vaseline
Tea	Lipton
Noodles	Indomie
Diaper	Pampers
Sanitary pad	Always
Antiseptic disinfectant	Dettol
Paracetamol	Panadol
Deodorant	Sure
Bleach	Jik

It’s funny right? There are lots more and they will be welcomed if you mention them.

If you are a Nigerian and have at one point or the other referred to an item with a brand name instead of its common name say “aye”, if you haven’t say “nay”.

Love In Awkward Ways. (The concluding part).

“The woman…” Sandy stuttered.

“Whatever Sandy, I’m not interested in that woman. She’s dating a man young enough to be her son” Ella hushed her angrily; “I just have to see Brenda”.

“Ella calm down,” Sandy pacified, “besides, it not the woman that’s pushing for the relationship, it’s David. He’s so in love with the woman and from what Brenda told me, he might just get married to her any time soon”

“Are you kidding me? What kind of yeye love is that one?”

Ella became so irritated and made for her bags, “Sandy, I’m going please. This gist has spoilt my mood seriously. How long has he even been dating the old thing?”

“Ah –ah, why are you leaving now? I haven’t even told you the main thing and you are already leaving angrily. They’ve been together for about four months now” said Sandy.

“Four months? Why am I just hearing it now?” Ella asked as she walked towards the door.

Ibadan Flood in Pictures.

Just as Nigerians were still mourning the bomb blast in Abuja, another disaster struck in Ibadan, this time a natural disaster. A heavy rainfall on Friday 26^th August, 2011 that started at night and lasted till the early hours of the next day has caused much sorrow to the residents of Ibadan as a result of a massive flood. Sadly, there has also been loss of lives due to the flood. I pray God comes to Nigeria’s rescue soon, the troubles are becoming too much.
Some pictures below.

Quote for the week!

Trust God totally this week and He will make a way for you, where there seems to be no way. :D

Mercy Johnson weds Odianosen Okojie: Pictures from the wedding!

A lot of drama has been surrounding this wedding, but thank God it has come to pass and we hope the drama is over.

Church service: Christ Embassy, Oregun.

Reception: 10 Degrees

Chief bridesmaid: Yvonne Nelson

Bridal train: Goldie, Chika Ike, Waje, Queen Nwokoye and Empress Njamah

MC: AY

DJ: DJ  Jimmy Jatt

Pictures from the Bomb Blast at the UN House in Abuja.

This is a heartbreaking, sad story.

My heartfelt sympathy goes to all those who lost family, colleagues,  friends and relations in the bomb blast that took place on Friday 26^th August, 2011 at the UN mission building in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja. I pray that the innocent souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, Amen. I pray for a speedy recovery and healing for all those injured in Jesus’ name, Amen. God help Nigeria.

Below are some pictures from the scene.

Warning: some of the pictures you are about to see are disturbing, viewer discretion is advised seriously!

Who says...? Nigerian exams are easy?

I doubt if any good mathematician can solve this but I guess all the students in this College know the answer...lol!!!

Thank God for peace.

Growing up in Nigeria: Candlelight Dinner.

Growing up in Nigeria is going to be a regular feature on this blog on certain experiences that almost everyone who grew up or is growing up in Nigeria can identify with.

Candlelight dinner like we understand from the foreign novels and movies is a glorified, self-inflicted power outage in which the lighting is limited to candles, usually intended to be romantic, during which two individuals stare across an elaborately decorated table at one another and giggle while exchanging flirtatious clichés and expensive alcoholic beverages may be consumed as well as a light, fancy meal. Lowering the lighting in this manner helps to make the atmosphere more relaxed, and is reminiscent of simpler times before the electric light was available.

 This is obviously not an everyday experience.

But in Nigeria, it’s totally different!

Love In Awkward Ways.

"Hello Sandy"

"Hey girlfriend! How are you?"

"Fine o. How is the weekend going?"

"My dear, you know it’s the best time for business now"

Ella sits on one of the cushioned cane chairs in the salon. She hadn't come to Sandy's Beauty House for over two months but always kept in touch with Sandy who sent her service girls to Ella's home whenever she needed beauty services. They were friends brought together by NYSC and their friendship grew stronger as the days passed by.

"How is work?" Sandy asked. "Fine my dear. That bank no go kill me. I thank God I’ve moved from marketing back to CS."

"Hmm, I just don’t envy you corporate workers" Sandy says as she wipes her hands on a towel and sits on a small stool in front of Ella "this hair Carol did for you fits you so well and you’ve carried it well"

"Thank you" Ella replied to the compliment as she brushed some imaginary straying hair strands back in place "you’ve really stepped up your beauty house, lots of good upgrades" she looks around.

"Yes o, it's became necessary so that those big big customers would always want to come back. What drink do I offer you?"

"Sandy leave drink first, I didn't come to drink, besides I dey looking my weight" Ella said and both ladies laughed cause that was one of clauses their platoon commander used during the morning drills at the NYSC orientation camp whenever some corpers on the big side were slow to obey orders.

MIKEL OBI'S FATHER FOUND ALIVE!

The father of Chelsea and Super Eagles star John Mikel Obi has been found alive in the Nigerian City of Kano.

Michael Obi who runs a fledging transport business was last seen in Jos, the Plateau State capital on August 12 and his car was found there last Wednesday. His abductors are now in police custody in the northern Nigerian city.

There was no word on whether some ransom was paid before he was released.

Thank GOD that he is alive. Cheer up Mikel! :D

Quote for the week!

If ordinary "eba" can smile, Why are you frowning???

Keep a smiling face this week! :)

From The Nigerian Kitchen.

Sometimes, some of us may really want to eat some very local delicacies but can’t, either because we can’t prepare them or because we can’t go to where it’s sold to buy & eat it them.

I would be bringing you some easy to do recipes on how you could prepare and enjoy some Nigerian local foods in the comfort of your home.

Today, a friend told me he wanted to eat boli (roasted ripe plantain) but felt too shy to stop at the road side to buy some. I understood his feelings and know a lot of people would identify with him. In order to assist people in such situations I’d recommend this simple recipe.

Get ready your plantain (ripe or unripe, which ever you prefer), your barbecue or oven.

 Wash and peel your plantain. Set up your barbecue on medium heat because the plantain has to be roasted slowly. Place your peeled plantains on the barbecue grids to roast and turn from time to time in order to have an even roast. If using an oven, place your plantain on the grill rack closest to the heat source. Set oven to grill at 150 – 200°C and check from time to time to turn the plantains till it’s perfectly roasted.

Enjoy your boli with roasted (fried) groundnut or peppered fish sauce and a cold drink in the comfort of your home!

The Facebook President of Nigeria.

Our president’s facebook status on Saturday, 20 August 2011.

Goodluck Jonathan

Last month, I reported to you that inflation had dropped to 10.2% and many expressed a desire to have it further reduced. I heard you and we went to work and today our Consumer Price Index records that inflation in Nigeria has dropped to 9.4% which is the lowest rate recorded in over three years as verified by sundry independent local and international agencies. Please be assured that I read your comments here and take them into effect in decisions this administration makes. GEJ.

....Hmn....he read the comments for real??? And takes them into effect???

I think I'd have to start making comments on his status updates o, maybe I can even make a special request to be an S.A or P.A on blogging affairs...lwkm!!!

 

Who says…? Nigerians aren’t patient people and good listeners?

If you have ever thought that a Nigerian is an impatient person that wouldn’t listen to whatever you wanted to say, I guess this picture will help clarify that thought. Even mad men receive rapt attention…..lwkm!

The Nigerian National Pledge.

A pledge is described as a solemn oath of loyalty. In Nigeria, before the national pledge is said, the national anthem must have been sung though it mustn’t be at all occasions. The Nigerian national pledge was written by Prof (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin in 1976.

Today, only a few Nigerians can confidently say the pledge by heart. Though it is recited at every assembly gathering in our primary and secondary schools, many soon forget it once they move to the next level in their academic pursuit and most often than not, never say it again till they die.

Sadly, a good percentage of the Nigerian elite do not remember the content of the pledge, all they can say is “I pledge to Nigeria my country” and that’s all.

I think it’s time we put the anthem aside a little (yes, I said it) since it’s a call to compatriots (who may not be willing anyway), and let us say more of the Nigerian national pledge because it’s a personal oath “I pledge” on what is expected of every individual Nigerian “to be faithful, loyal and honest” and what each of us should do ” to serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity”. Thereby we would have taken all possible measures in playing our roles “to uphold her honor and glory” and because it’s an oath that must be kept in loyalty, every individual would be kept bound by God who is greater than we all are to be the witness and guide “so, help me God”.

Say the pledge today and mean it!

THIS IS MY NAIJA!!!

Welcome!

My naija lifestyle, a place to share with the world some heard and unheard, seen and unseen & known and unknown lifestyles of the Nigerian, just how it is.

Gear up for the good, the bad and the Nigerian!

Let’s see the nation, Nigeria, through my lens. :D

Again I say,

Welcome!

Sannu de zuwa!

Nno!

Ekaabo!