Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the Nigerian God for Success in All Endeavors
"The Nigerian God is one. It may have various manifestations, but it is essentially different sides of the same coin."
Divine intervention is key. In Nigeria, success in any field—be it business, politics, or personal life—is often attributed to divine favor. The Nigerian God is seen as a powerful force that can bless one's hustle and open doors of opportunity. This belief system permeates all aspects of society, from the highest levels of government to everyday interactions.
Practical application of faith. To harness the power of the Nigerian God:
- Begin all meetings and endeavors with prayer
- Attribute all successes to God's grace
- Use religious language in business and personal interactions
- Seek divine intervention for mundane tasks and major life events
Balancing faith and action. While relying on divine intervention, Nigerians also understand the importance of personal effort. The saying "God helps those who help themselves" is taken to heart, encouraging a blend of spiritual devotion and practical hustle.
2. Master the Art of Nigerian Meetings and Communication
"A Nigerian meeting is not just an event. It is that sacred, multipurpose, indispensable tool for living the Nigerian life."
Meetings as social currency. In Nigeria, meetings are more than just a means of exchanging information. They serve as:
- Opportunities for networking
- Displays of social status
- Platforms for decision-making (or avoiding decisions)
- Rituals that reinforce social hierarchies
Key elements of Nigerian meetings:
- Always start and end with prayer
- Arrive fashionably late to demonstrate importance
- Use elaborate greetings and titles
- Include long, roundabout speeches before getting to the point
- Incorporate tea breaks and social time
Effective communication strategies. To succeed in Nigerian professional and social circles:
- Master the art of indirect communication
- Use proverbs and parables to convey messages
- Employ flattery and respect for authority figures
- Understand the importance of non-verbal cues and body language
3. Navigate the Complexities of Nigerian Politics and Power
"Attribute everything to the Nigerian God. So, if you diverted funds from public projects and you are able to afford that new Mercedes, when people say you have a nice car, say, 'Na God'."
Power dynamics are crucial. In Nigerian politics, understanding and manipulating power structures is essential for success. This involves:
- Cultivating relationships with influential "godfathers"
- Using religious language to justify political actions
- Mastering the art of deflecting blame and avoiding accountability
Key strategies for political success:
- Develop a strong public image through branding and media manipulation
- Use populist tactics to appeal to the masses
- Leverage ethnic and religious identities for support
- Master the art of making grand promises without concrete plans
Corruption as a system. While officially condemned, corruption is often an integral part of the political landscape. Successful politicians must:
- Learn to navigate corrupt systems without getting caught
- Use euphemisms and indirect language when discussing illicit activities
- Cultivate a network of loyal supporters who benefit from your success
4. Understand the Nuances of Nigerian Social Classes and Relationships
"Middle-class Nigerians, however, take pride in their travels. They invest in their travels. They talk about where they have been and show off items they bought from abroad."
Class indicators are crucial. In Nigeria, social status is often determined by visible markers of wealth and sophistication. These include:
- Ownership of a generator and ability to run it regularly
- International travel experiences and foreign goods
- Ownership of a car and ability to fuel it during scarcity
- Subscription to premium cable TV packages
Navigating relationships. Success in Nigerian society often depends on:
- Understanding and respecting hierarchies based on age, wealth, and social status
- Mastering the art of gift-giving and reciprocity
- Cultivating a network of influential friends and acquaintances
- Balancing traditional expectations with modern aspirations
The importance of appearance. Maintaining a successful image involves:
- Dressing well and displaying markers of wealth
- Speaking with confidence and authority
- Demonstrating knowledge of international trends and experiences
- Participating in high-profile social events and ceremonies
5. Excel in Various Nigerian Professions and Hustles
"As a Nigerian wife, you began your wifely hustle by going out of your way to show your dutifulness, things that would make him go online and thank God for blessing him thus — cooking, cleaning and never saying no to him."
Adaptability is key. Success in Nigerian professions often requires:
- Mastering the art of the "side hustle" to supplement income
- Understanding unwritten rules and social expectations in various fields
- Balancing traditional roles with modern professional aspirations
Strategies for professional success:
- In law: Master the art of "charge and bail" and cultivate relationships with police
- In journalism: Develop a network of sources and learn to navigate sensitive topics
- In business: Cultivate a powerful image and master the art of negotiation
- In religious leadership: Build a strong personal brand and master the art of persuasion
The importance of networking. Across all professions, success often depends on:
- Building and maintaining a wide network of contacts
- Understanding and leveraging power dynamics
- Mastering the art of asking for and granting favors
- Participating in professional associations and social clubs
6. Leverage International Connections and Perceptions
"As a good African, you must recognise that people appreciate the good work that you do. That is why they provide souvenirs and other freebies at events. You must collect as many of the freebies that come your way."
International perceptions matter. Nigerians often navigate a complex relationship with the international community, balancing:
- Desire for international recognition and respect
- Resentment of neo-colonial attitudes and stereotypes
- Aspiration for foreign experiences and goods
- Pride in Nigerian culture and achievements
Strategies for international success:
- Cultivate relationships with expatriates and international organizations
- Master the art of code-switching between Nigerian and international norms
- Leverage international experiences and connections for local prestige
- Balance critique of international interventions with appreciation for aid
The expatriate experience. For foreigners in Nigeria:
- Understand and respect local customs and hierarchies
- Navigate the complex relationship between privilege and cultural sensitivity
- Build relationships with both expatriate communities and local elites
- Leverage your "foreignness" while avoiding neo-colonial attitudes
7. Adapt to Nigerian Culture as a Foreigner
"You are here to work and live large, not contaminate yourself with the locals. You can enjoy this country while pretending to live in your own country."
Cultural sensitivity is crucial. For foreigners navigating Nigerian society:
- Understand the importance of respect for age and authority
- Learn to navigate indirect communication styles
- Appreciate the role of religion in daily life and business
- Recognize the complexity of ethnic and regional identities
Balancing integration and distance:
- Participate in local customs and celebrations
- Learn basic greetings in local languages
- Understand and respect local dress codes and etiquette
- Navigate the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation
Leveraging foreign status:
- Understand the privileges and challenges of being perceived as an outsider
- Navigate expectations of wealth and expertise often associated with foreigners
- Build genuine relationships while maintaining professional boundaries
- Contribute positively to local communities while avoiding a "savior" mentality
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FAQ
What is "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" by Elnathan John about?
- Satirical exploration of Nigeria: The book is a satirical manual that humorously dissects the everyday realities, contradictions, and peculiarities of Nigerian life.
- Guide to "Nigerianness": It presents itself as a tongue-in-cheek guide on how to "become" Nigerian, covering topics from religion and politics to social class and daily survival.
- Critique of institutions: Through parody and wit, the book critiques Nigerian institutions—religion, politics, law enforcement, and more—highlighting their dysfunctions and absurdities.
- Structured as how-to chapters: Each chapter offers a mock-instructional approach, such as "How to Be a Pastor" or "How to Be a Politician," revealing deeper truths about Nigerian society.
Why should I read "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" by Elnathan John?
- Insightful social commentary: The book provides sharp, honest, and often hilarious insights into Nigerian culture, politics, and daily life.
- Universally relatable satire: While focused on Nigeria, its themes of hypocrisy, corruption, and survival resonate with readers from other countries with similar challenges.
- Entertaining and thought-provoking: The satirical style makes complex issues accessible and engaging, prompting both laughter and reflection.
- Essential for understanding Nigeria: For anyone interested in Nigerian society, politics, or humor, this book offers an unfiltered, authentic perspective.
What are the key takeaways from "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide"?
- Satire as truth-telling: The book uses humor and exaggeration to expose uncomfortable truths about Nigerian society and human nature.
- Survival through adaptation: It highlights how Nigerians adapt to dysfunction—whether in religion, politics, or daily life—by bending rules and finding creative solutions.
- Institutionalized hypocrisy: The guide reveals how corruption, double standards, and performative religiosity are normalized and even celebrated.
- The power of appearances: Success in Nigeria often depends on appearances, connections, and the ability to "play the game" rather than merit or integrity.
How does Elnathan John use satire in "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide"?
- Parody of religious and political language: The book mimics the tone and structure of religious texts and official speeches to mock their emptiness and manipulation.
- Exaggeration for effect: John amplifies common behaviors—like the obsession with private jets or business cards—to highlight their absurdity.
- Irony and reversal: He often presents unethical or illogical actions as "advice," exposing the contradictions in societal norms.
- Direct address and mock sincerity: The author speaks directly to the reader, feigning earnestness to underscore the ridiculousness of the advice.
What are the main themes explored in "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide"?
- Religion and spirituality: The book satirizes the commercialization and performativity of religion in Nigeria, especially among pastors and worshippers.
- Politics and power: It dissects the mechanics of Nigerian politics, including godfatherism, shamelessness, and the use of religion for political gain.
- Social class and survival: John explores the markers of middle-class status, the hustle culture, and the lengths people go to maintain or improve their position.
- Corruption and complicity: The guide exposes how corruption is woven into the fabric of daily life, from law enforcement to NGOs.
How does "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" portray religion and spirituality in Nigeria?
- The "Nigerian God": The book introduces the concept of a uniquely Nigerian God, who is transactional, male, and partial to loud, public displays of worship.
- Performative piety: It mocks the emphasis on prayers before all activities, regardless of morality, and the use of religious language to justify questionable actions.
- Pastors as entrepreneurs: John satirizes the lifestyle of Nigerian pastors, focusing on their wealth, sexual scandals, and political connections.
- Miracles and money: The narrative highlights the obsession with miracles, the monetization of faith, and the lack of concern for genuine spiritual growth.
What advice does Elnathan John give on "How to Be a Politician" in Nigeria?
- Use God strategically: Politicians are advised to invoke God to legitimize their power and deflect criticism, but to avoid promising what they can't deliver.
- Branding and godfatherism: Success requires visible branding (e.g., branded rice, caps) and unwavering loyalty to a political godfather.
- Shamelessness as a virtue: The book suggests that a lack of shame is essential for survival and advancement in Nigerian politics.
- Handling scandals: Politicians are told to ignore scandals, as public memory is short and supporters will rationalize any wrongdoing.
How does "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" address social class and the "middle class" in Nigeria?
- Generators and DSTV: Ownership of a generator and a DSTV subscription are presented as key markers of middle-class status.
- Consumption and display: The middle class is defined by the ability to consume (cinema, travel, branded goods) and to display this consumption.
- Connections over merit: Social mobility is shown to depend more on connections and "hustle" than on hard work or qualifications.
- Lower vs. upper middle class: The book humorously distinguishes between lower and upper middle class by their behaviors, anxieties, and generosity.
What does "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" reveal about law enforcement and the legal system in Nigeria?
- Police as hustlers: The book satirizes the police force, focusing on bribery at checkpoints, poor conditions, and the normalization of "bail is free" as a myth.
- Lawyers as opportunists: It portrays lawyers as hustlers who must aggressively seek clients, often through dubious means, and supplement their income with side businesses.
- Corruption as routine: Both police and lawyers are depicted as complicit in a system where corruption is expected and necessary for survival.
- Justice as performance: The legal process is shown to be more about appearances and negotiation than about actual justice.
How does Elnathan John critique NGOs and "saviours" in Nigeria?
- NGOs as hustles: The book presents NGOs as another avenue for personal gain, with a focus on securing donor funding rather than effecting real change.
- Proposal over impact: Success is measured by the quality of proposals and networking, not by tangible outcomes for beneficiaries.
- Black vs. white saviours: John mocks both white and black saviour complexes, highlighting the performative and self-serving aspects of "saving" others.
- Gratitude and optics: The narrative emphasizes the importance of gratitude from beneficiaries and the need for visible, photogenic interventions.
What are some of the most memorable quotes from "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" and what do they mean?
- "Never, ever, explain satire." – Elnathan John, 2019: This sets the tone for the book, reminding readers that the humor is meant to provoke thought, not to be taken at face value.
- "God helps those who help themselves." – Used throughout: This phrase is used ironically to justify self-serving behavior and corruption.
- "The Nigerian God loves money. Because money answereth all things." – Satirizes the materialism and transactional nature of religion in Nigeria.
- "To die is human but to die properly is divine." – Mocks the obsession with status, even in death, and the way society values certain deaths over others.
How does "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" address the experience of foreigners and international relations?
- Expat privilege: The book humorously describes how white expatriates enjoy privileges and respect in Nigeria, often living in a bubble separate from locals.
- Travel advisories: It parodies official travel warnings, flipping the script to warn Nigerians about dangers in the US and UK, highlighting global double standards.
- Foreign friendships: John offers satirical advice on how to befriend foreigners, emphasizing packaging, conversation skills, and avoiding "bush" behavior.
- Stereotypes and expectations: The narrative exposes the stereotypes both Nigerians and foreigners hold about each other, often to comic effect.
What is the overall message or impact of "Becoming Nigerian: A Guide" by Elnathan John?
- Exposing uncomfortable truths: The book uses humor to force readers to confront the realities of Nigerian society, from corruption to complicity.
- Encouraging self-reflection: By presenting familiar behaviors in a satirical light, it challenges readers to question their own roles in perpetuating dysfunction.
- Universal relevance: While deeply rooted in Nigeria, the themes of hypocrisy, survival, and adaptation are relevant to other societies facing similar issues.
- Satire as resistance: Ultimately, the book demonstrates the power of satire to resist, critique, and imagine alternatives to the status quo.
Review Summary
Becoming Nigerian is a satirical book that humorously critiques Nigerian society, culture, and behaviors. Readers find it hilarious and thought-provoking, praising the author's wit and ability to address serious issues through humor. Many relate the content to their own experiences or other African countries. While some found it underwhelming or offensive, most appreciated its honest portrayal of Nigerian life. The book's short length and glossary of phrases were noted positively. Overall, reviewers recommend it for those interested in Nigerian culture or fans of satire.
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