There is no gainsaying that the image many Westerners have of Nigeria is that of a country of fraudsters.
So low has the nation’s image sunk that the expression “Nigerian prince” describes a type of scam on the internet, even though research has shown that Indonesia, Venezuela, South Africa, India, Brazil, and Pakistan also have a high rate of internet-based scam artists.
However, the tide appears to be turning in favour of Nigeria as many Americans have reported positive experiences with Nigerians they have interacted with either in formal or informal settings.
It all began when a Twitter user, James Zimmermann attested to the amiable personality of his three Nigerian co-workers.
Zimmermann wrote, “I work with three Nigerian Americans, and while I detest generalising, I’m certain these are the three least woke people I’ve ever met. I promise you they’re laughing harder at the absurdity than anyone else; It’s plain to see why this immigrant group thrives so effortlessly.”
See tweet:
I work with three Nigerian Americans, and while I detest generalizing, I’m certain these are the three least woke people I’ve ever met. I promise you they’re laughing harder at the absurdity than anyone else; I t’s plain to see why this immigrant group thrives so effortlessly.
— James Zimmermann (slimzim) (@jameszimmermann) April 2, 2022
Most of those who reacted to the tweet attested to the good-naturedness and entrepreneurial drive of the Nigerians they had come across.
Read comments monitored by this reporter:
