Lesson Learned From My Trip to Nigeria
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | November 2nd, 2015
I just came back from Nigeria yesterday. I went to Nigeria with my mother and spent two weeks. Although it was wonderful catching up with family, the time spent with my mother was priceless. If you have an opportunity to take a trip with your mother or a mother figure, please do. You, as the younger person will learn so much.
Nigeria is located in West Africa. It is a little larger than the state of Texas. It is the most populous country in Africa with approximately 170 million inhabitants. Although there are over 500 languages spoken, the official language is English and the other major languages spoken are Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. There are 36 states in country. The capital of the country is Abuja.
Prior to this visit, the last time I was in Nigeria was 13 years ago. What was extremely glaring at this visit was the income disparity. The rich were extremely rich and the poor were extremely poor. Although there were poor people everywhere, most tend to live in the villages or rural areas.
I had the opportunity to meet a group of women in the rural part of Imo State, Nigeria. The name of the group is ‘Osita di nma’ which means ‘it will start to be good from today’. My grandmother prior to her death belonged to this group. Most live in homes without electricity or running water. They wake up when the roosters crow and are in bed when the sun comes down. They sustain themselves by farming. They do not believe that they are poor. Poverty is in the mind. They believe that since you woke up this morning to see another day, it can only get better. They are grateful to be alive. They are not stressed and appeared genuinely happy.
As I get back to the swing of things, I will be thinking about them. There is definitely a lesson to be learned by approaching life with that mindset.
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful experience. It’s so easy to take life for granted and always wanting more. I wish everyone in the world had the mindset of the Osita di nma group.
Hopefully we can all work towards this. Thanks for your comment.
I think we can all benefit from this mindset and I will continue to process this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your comment.
Needed to hear this, thanks!👍🏽
We all need to be reminded. Thanks for your comment.
Welcome Home! Dr. Ngozi,
Here’s to ‘Ositadinma’!!!After reading your message I felt like I had vicariously traveled to Nigeria with you and your mother… How blessed are YOU to have actually been in the company of these honorable, graceful, wise and I bet really fun sisters.
Autumn Blessings
Thank you. It was truly a blessing.
Your visit to Nigeria sounds rejuvenating! Welcome back and thanks for sharing this inspiring post.
Thanks for your comments. It was definitely a wonderful trip.