As the fateful day the Oyinbo’s will leave Nigeria draws nearer and nearer, the number of send forth parties gets higher and higher. Our Yoruba Flagship Center hosted a party for us on Wednesday. The party was a typical Yoruba function with a high table with distinguished guests, lots of prayers and people who spoke on forever about the importance of speaking Yoruba. Kayode and I gave short speeches in Yoruba and the five of us even sang a song that went :
O digba, O dabo
Ki Olorin sho pade o
Ka rira pe layo
Ka maa ma sunkun ara wa
An incredible cultural troupe from Ibadan performed astonishing bata dances and Kayode joined in with his own Yoruba drums.
People told us a local television station broadcast the party on TV but unfortunately-like all of my prior television appearances here- I never catch them.
The send forth parties still continue in a non-formal setting with us and our Nigerian friends. Saying goodbye is a long process here because I am bombarded with questions from random people such as: Will you take me back to your country with you? When are you coming back? The prior question I get almost everyday. I have started giving responses like “No, because I am not a customs official and cannot give you a visa,” or “I can take you if you can fit in my luggage.” And to the latter question, I simply say “Mi i ni pe/I will not be long.”
Tell me it isn’t so?! you were beginning to look like a landmark in Ibadan. Wishing you all the best in your future.
I have so loved reading your articles! How much better to have a “send forth” party than a “going away” party. A completely different thought about leaving friends. We’ll be glad to see you here at home!
You’ve got good genes and you glow!
From all the pics and videos you’ve posted, I’ve noticed our weather hasn’t affected your skin & complexion negatively. Can’t say the same about the others especially Lauren (Abike) though.
I’m assuming this blog will be closed when you get back to the U.S? It was one of my favourite blogs and I bookmarked it on my phone and PC and checked it out everyday (although this is the first time I’m posting a comment).
Anyway, safe journey as you fly back to the U.S.
Cheers. . . .
The outfit is nice and very unique, keep up the good work..:=)
Proud of you beyond words! What an amazing experience and opportunity!
Hugs!
have a safe. always remember naija luvs u. bye.
I really love reading your posts and am proud of you and admire you for the brave and great work you are doing. I understand that you are showing the experiences of the people in the area of Nigeria where you are staying but I really wish you would try to give a broader “picture” of Nigeria than just focusing mostly on the spectacle—the stuff that fascinates the West. These are indeed fascinating and real. And I’m sure you’re fascinated by them. But focusing on them gives a single view—tells a single story in a land of many stories. There are other real experiences even around the area you are now that I strongly believe you should try to show in the short time that you have left. Show more of the ingenuity of the people. Show more of the progression of the people. This is important because this blog is read by a lot of people in the West who are used to reading similar, albeit less in-depth, stories. Don’t be trapped by the spectacle. You will find that the other stories are indeed unique and equally fascinating. But then again, maybe that is for when you return. Checkout this video on the danger of the single story: http://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
LOLOLOL at the title of this post
so, any loots yet?
It was a great blog. I hope when you come back to the US. Maybe you do more news investigation of the Nigerians in Dispora. There are so many of us in dispora in the US. It would be nice to interview some us to get our stories. Thanks for sharing a lot of good things about the country.
wow, cara, how amazing!!! you look like a diplomat!
all this are really nice.keep it up
E yi poju…ewo gele ati fila skentele….overload leyi…head gear
Great post…keep up the good work!
Peaches
Inu mi dun lati ri aworan wonyi. Good job, and God bless.
You guys rock !
I’m wondering what you were saying to Kayode in the last pic, and the language you were speaking…
I’m wondering the same thing as well. I imagine it’s easier for you guys to speak english to each other…sneak in a break. lol