It was fun, the last post, with the hypothetical response to a Nigerian scam. Don’t worry though, it’ll never be sent. I avoid quicksand whenever I can.
But today I want to speak up on behalf of most Nigerians, certainly all I’ve ever met.
Nigeria is a country made up of the lawful and the unlawful . . . pretty much like another country we know. One difference is they see America as a whole country of one-percenters, while they’re very much in the ninety and nine–and the lower part of that. So the temptations may be greater to even the score.
I’m not defending. These scammers are a criminal element, bent on identity theft. They see us as rich and gullible. That’s what I read in an article where one was interviewed. In the same article, however, I read how mothers down the alley were very concerned that their sons would get pulled into these devious doings against God and country.
It’s lamentable that a whole country gets a bad name because of a few. Just like America that way, by what we export in cyber media. etc.
But I found a lot to love when I was in Nigeria. I’d gone for some writing, reporting on the work of a multi-language, nationally-staffed Bible translation effort which was going gangbusters (and somehow that term fits well here). While there I met one Nigerian who, since then, I’ve seen every day. His photo is the screen saver on my computer.
(Above) My screen saver, a commercial artist’s studio in Nigeria. Even his work shirt looks like mine, and his jeans a good bit cleaner. Click the picture to view larger, and again.
His name is Ambi and in him I see something of my counterpart in Nigeria . . . a fellow artist and entrepreneur getting by on his wits and his works. I was invited to impart to him some basic figure drawing, knowledge he needed from time to time as a commercial artist in a small city in Nigeria’s outback. He was Muslim and a man of noble character.
I was most impressed with what he was able to do with basically no art training and only rudimentary materials. That hole in the wall is his complete studio. His paint comes in large cans, the kind from which we paint houses. From that he painted the portrait behind him. If he gets an order for an address stamp, he carves the tiny letters and numbers out of a piece of rubber tire with an x-acto knife! He makes any kind of sign. If you need a three-dimensional display, he builds it out of scrap anything.
Before I left, he wanted a photo of us together saying he’d felt he’d met a great man. But I wanted a photo of him because I KNEW I’D MET A GREAT MAN. With my screen saver I’m continually reminded of something significant, and humbling. It’s how my life might be, born and living in another part of the world . . . and what somebody who was and is, is doing with it.
So, that’s what I have to say today. My announced topic will have to wait.
Today I propose a toast:
To the good people . . .
Yes, particularly the good people . . .
of Nigeria.
Will you drink with me to that?
____________________________
Currently writing and working in Toledo, Oregon.
PS For more about Nigerian scams, including the account of one person who really did respond to one of these, see websites offered by Emma Clark in Comments, “Letter to Nigeria,” upper right.
Next: Light is Sweet. Coming Sunday (maybe).
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:04 am
I’m raising my cup of tea….. :D
9:32 am
And I my green smoothie as well…..thoughtfully said Hyatt. Wish you’d been blogging ages ago!
12:06 pm
Your story of the Nigerian artist is inspiring and humbling. We all live so well and spoiled here yet, I for one, can always find 100 things to complain about. This story reminds me of how very little is wrong with my life. :)
Thank you for sharing….toasting you with a tall, non-fat, no whip white mocha latte from Starbucks. :D
Please say hello to Anne. Miss Saturday mornings in your studio with Kent, Pill, and crew.
Enjoy and see you soon!
12:51 pm
And I my single-malt – love the story Hyatt – and all the other posts as well – this is really getting fun!
3:58 pm
Well said for those on the up and up and doing with what they have and not scamming others. I am glad you discussed both side and agree wholeheartedly.
It is fun to read your thoughts.
6:00 pm
Beautifully put Hyatt. All of us are blessed to be in a country, that we can live out our dreams, worship the way we want, have freedom that didn’t come free. Many shed blood for our freedom. Seeing life beyond our OC bubble, makes us more grateful for what we have.
6:24 pm
Thank you for sharing your first-hand experience and thoughts about the Nigerian people and their country and especially about your artist friend Ambi. Yes, I believe good people are in every corner of the world no matter what their particular situation is. It seems that you definitely found a good person in Ambi and he in you.
7:23 am
Thanks for the reminder. I actually went to Nigeria years ago, partly to check on one of those scams that majored in bilking ministries. Lots of good laughs when you see these hip, faking, gold-chained imposters who think you’re buying their religious jive. ON THE OTHER HAND, the one you paint with, I met some really enjoyable, deeply devout believers who reminded me that even in the roughest setting, those who walk with God and who show Jesus in their lives can transend poverty and evil.
8:51 am
Good morning, Hyatt! Loved this blog but cannot toast with mocha lattie laca chuca laca because I don’ t have those but fun to hear all of those that do and the funny names of those beverages! Hahahaha! Love it! I would be cheering with a calcium magnesium Vit. C fizzy drink taken with my morning vitamins! Now that was a mouthful too! :) Yes! We are all Soooooooo blessed to be here in the great one percent, our outstanding and blessed USA of America! To be born here’s simply a blessing I don’ t take lightly! But again, God meets us anywhere, any place, and in any circumstance we are placed in or find ourselves living in and how wonderful that this lovely young Nigerian man has found his True Daddy there too! God’s blessings on you and everyone here blogging together! Thank you Hyatt! You are always such a profound writer and speaker. Also of course painter too! Hugs!
5:13 pm
Thanks for this, Hyatt. It reminded me of places we have lived and worked and the remarkable Nationals we have met and related to. It is a blessing to have that opportunity.
I have been ushering at the Segerstrom Concert Hall for the last four years. Aside from the opportunity to hear a lot of good music, I have been impressed with the many volunteers who have come from other countries. Some refugees from the Nazis and Russian communists as well as others like my friend who was the daughter of a professor at American University in Beruit. Rich stories if you have the time and patience to draw them out.
I enjoy the letters in response to your articles.
Blessings.
12:25 pm
It is so refreshing & proper to good things about the people of Nigeria… It would seem all the media wants to present are the negative aspects. Thanks!
12:27 pm
Wherever we go we are reminded that we are all made in His mind-blowing, multi faceted image! Ken