2024 October 1st—Independence Day, Happy New Month, Public Holiday.
But wait… what exactly did we celebrate? A country born from struggle or a never-ending loop of chaos disguised as ‘freedom’? Sure, we got our independence in 1960, but here we are in 2024, and freedom? It feels like that distant cousin we never hear from anymore. Technically, we’re free, but in reality? Well, freedom is looking more like that impossible dream we’re still chasing.
The economy is on life support, insecurity lurks around every corner, and don’t even get me started on the leadership circus. Tinubu’s presidency is serving up drama with a side of confusion, but beneath all the headlines, what’s left? Fuel queues, insecurity, unsustainable policies, inflation… Is this the Nigeria we fought for? And let’s not forget the National Grid—dying and resurrecting more times than I can count.
Hey, I’m Temi—just your average Nigerian trying to make sense of this roller coaster we call life. Living here? It’s like being in a boxing ring with an invisible opponent—you survive one hit, and another comes flying out of nowhere. And then, there’s the Japa wave.
If I had a dollar for every friend who’s left this country, I could finally afford to buy bread at these ridiculous prices. Now I scroll through photos of the good old days, wondering where all that carefree laughter went. It’s like throwing a party, but everyone’s left—and I can’t even blame them. I miss them. I miss us. But they’re off chasing greener pastures, and I love that for them.
But you know what? Despite the madness, we keep moving. Lagos, that wild and unpredictable beast of a city, still has its magic. This month, I’m finding my spark at TEDxUNILAG. I snagged my tickets here: Link and trust me, you don’t want to miss out. This event is like a tiny pocket of hope, filled with brilliant minds and progressive ideas—everything we dream Nigeria could be. Maybe, just maybe, we can catch a glimpse of the independence we’re still waiting for.
So yeah, October 16th and I’m still here—caught between being pissed off and hopeful, wrestling with the highs and lows of this crazy country. Independence Day? Sure, let’s toast to it. But we both know the real independence we’re fighting for hasn’t arrived yet.
Until then, we’ll keep pushing, because if there’s one thing Nigerians know how to do, it’s survive—and we do it with style. I’m Temi, and while I want to thrive, I’m determined to make it happen, regardless of this country called Nigeria.
Oh, and before I sign off and continue working on the task I need to deliver to my boss in 30 minutes despite the power shortage and poor network, I’ve got something you NEED to read: “How I Blew My Entire Budget on Fun and Why You Should Too.” Read here.
Because let’s be real, in this economy, saving is overrated.
Talk soon,
Temi.