Living in Nigeria can be fun, exciting and of course, challenging. It can also have mixed experiences for people, depending on how you see it. But a lot of people will easily agree that Nigerians are not only industrious, the country itself is one of Africa’s most culturally vibrant, diverse and rich nations.
Whether you’re in the bustling cities of Abuja, Lagos, Commercial cities like Onitsha, Kano or you’re in a remote village somewhere in Bornu or Bayelsa, living in Nigeria provides a blend of tradition, modernity, community lifestyle and everything in between.
But, do you really know what it means to live in a smaller town, outside the big cities in Nigeria?
In today’s post, we’re having an interview with Abimbola, where she shares first hand insights about what it means to live in Nigeria, outside the big cities including the challenges, opportunities, lifestyle and unique experiences that shapes everyday living from her own perspective.
If you’re curious about what it means to live and work in a smaller town in the African powerhouse, then this is for you!
What is it Like Living in Nigeria? An Insider’s Perspective
- What is your name, where do you stay in Nigeria and what do you do? Answer: I am Abimbola Ajisebutu. I live in Osun state, South Western Nigeria. I am an event planner and a Travel Agent
- How would you describe the living condition in Nigeria, what is it like for you? Answer: Recently, the living condition in Nigeria has not been favorable as it used to be, one just have to make more legit efforts to make ends meet.
- What is it like working with a traveling agency in Nigeria? Answer: Well, working with a travel agency has broadened my knowledge about the travel space. It has also helped in the development of my marketing skills
- What are the challenges you face in your place of work? Answer: One of the main challenges has to be our location! The location of our business is not exactly situated in an area where clients can easily walk into the office to carry out business transactions so we have had to depend on advertising like radio publications and other marketing options.
- If you could change anything about your work place, what would it be? Answer: I would prefer to have our office space in a more visible location so we can easily attract more walk-in customers.
- What would be something you want the government to change in Nigeria? Answer: So many sectors in Nigeria needs to be overhauled. Talk about the health sector, education, security, Agriculture etc. With the right systems in place, I believe Nigerians in smaller towns will live more comfortably.
- Would you love to leave Nigeria and go stay in another country? Answer: Yes, if the opportunity presents itself, I would gladly take it.
- What would you like to say to every Nigerian out there? Answer: Please stay safe. Be security conscious and make your health a priority. We hope for a better Nigeria, in our life time.
Final Words
Life outside Nigeria’s more popular cities can be shaped by simplicity, community and its own unique challenges. As Abimbola has shared, living and working in a smaller town in Nigeria offers a perspective that differs from what you’ll have in mind when you think about Nigeria’s big urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt etc.
While this may not tell the entire story about other Nigerian cities, this post adds a unique perspective and nuance to the overall picture of what it means to live in Nigeria, outside the major cities.