The Sun newspaper recently interviewed one of our very own IJGB-ers, Vivian Nwakah on her experiences moving back and adapting to Lagos lifestyle.
Check out the conversation below:
http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=55554
BY KATE HALIM
Though Nigerians in the United States have always surrounded Vivian Obiageli Nwakah, living in Nigeria is a great new experience for this young, fast paced business executive. Vivian was born and raised in the United States , but relocated to Nigeria last September and she has found joy living in this country. Currently, the Head of Sales for Kaymu.com.ng, an online ecommerce startup, Vivian reveals that one lesson she has learned is that Nigerians know exactly what their problems are and that so many people profit from these disorders and inadequacy. In her own little way, she wishes to do everything within her power to make a difference in Nigeria, because her presence alone won’t change a thing. She told Sunday Sun in a recent chat that she hasn’t adapted to the hustle and bustle that characterizes Lagos lifestyle. Inasmuch as she misses her friends and family, her deep-dish pizza and ease of life in the United States, Vivian has no regrets for coming back to Nigeria. The lessons she learns here are invaluable to her future. Excerpts: How long has it been since you relocated to Nigeria and how has the experience been like for you? I moved to Nigeria for the first time in September 2013 even though my parents were born and raised in Nigeria. My attitude is to keep an open mind and I am non-judgmental, I enjoy the simple things in life and humanity. For these reasons, I have had a great time in Nigeria and I have been able to find the joy of living in this country. I have been able to overcome the negatives of living here such as infrastructural problems by finding the humour in the challenges and creative ways to overcome them. Why did you come at the time you did? I spent the past year in business school where I lived and studied in Brazil, France as well as the United States with an extended stay in China. Throughout my travels, I found that emerging markets are the key to future economic and social growth. China and Brazil were so exciting while France and the US felt like they were on the decline in comparison. For this reason, I decided to finish my business school internship in Nigeria. I not only wanted to be in an emerging market but I also wanted to learn more about my parents’ homeland. What was your first impression of Nigeria? It was an amazing feeling for me. It was an overwhelming experience of pride when I arrived in Nigeria. Although, I have always been surrounded by Nigerians in the United States, living in Nigeria is a great new experience. What thrills you about being back in your fatherland? The people. Nigerians have to be the most interesting people on earth. We are innovative, creative, passionate and eternally optimistic despite all obstacles. Could you tell us about yourself and what you do? I am currently Head of Sales for Kaymu.com.ng. Kaymu is an online marketplace ecommerce startup. In my spare time, I like hanging out with friends and exploring new places. I enjoy dancing salsa, singing, theatre art and deep intellectually stimulating conversations among friends. As Head of Sales at Kaymu.com.ng, what are your challenges? Kaymu is a no-brainer to me. I’m very passionate about e-commerce and forward thinking industries that change the playing field and rules of engagement in Nigeria. The biggest challenge is teaching others this future vision. I have lived in the US, so I know what I am missing. Some storeowners have never been online before. How do you teach someone how to leverage the power of the Internet to change the face of their business if they have never been online? This is a challenge. How best can you describe the purchasing power of Nigerians? Nigerians are powerful. If Nigerians would start to value and focus energy on homegrown industries and products instead of spending billions of dollars on foreign products, then the world would also see the combined purchasing power of Nigeria. Already, companies are setting up shop in Nigeria to harness this potential. Nigerians collectively need to flow with the programme. What future do you see for the Nigerian market? The future is bright, but Nigerians get in their own way so we have to decide what we really want as a people. What did you enjoy about your professional life overseas? I most enjoyed being able to easily communicate exactly what I think and feel and have an immediate understanding. Here, I have to adjust, adapt and figure out hidden agendas and figure out if a yes is really a no, which takes a lot more energy. At what point did you decide you have to invest in your country too? I ran a political campaign in Chicago and the candidate I managed is Nigerian- American. One of our strategies was to involve the Chicago Nigerian community in the election. During this time, I became heavily involved with organizations geared towards the advancement of Nigeria. The oil subsidy removal crisis happened and I felt very strongly that I needed to invest in the future of Nigeria. I also attempted to put on a major book signing for Nasir El-Rufai in Chicago. While researching his book, I learned much more about the political crisis in Nigeria. This started the journey. How did you prepare for such move as you have never been to Nigeria? There was no preparation. I have an uncle that I grew up with in Chicago living in Lagos. I asked if I could stay with them and they agreed. I just bought my ticket to Lagos and that was it. How did your family react to your relocation? They thought it was a good idea but they were very scared for my safety. They were worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the differences between the United States and Nigeria. What do you miss most about your life over there? I miss my friends and family, deep-dish pizza and ease of life. There were so many simple things I always took for granted that I miss so much. I just keep telling myself that I am here for a bigger reason. How has it been dealing with Nigerians professionally? Well, there are massive differences between the way Nigerians operate and the way Americans operate. I have always been in American companies that emphasized youthfulness as an asset, the highest value on ability and individual success for the greater good of the company and intellect. In Nigeria, the companies tend to be much more hierarchical, relationship-driven and protocol is important, but individuality is not an asset. Do you have any regrets about coming home to Nigeria? No, I always have a ticket back to the US. If it doesn’t work out, what do I have to lose? Nothing. I have only gained an amazing experience that can only catapult me into the next thing. I just see life as one big adventure. So, I never regret, I only learn. How have you been able to adapt to Lagos lifestyle? I haven’t really adapted to the Lagos lifestyle. I will always be a Midwestern American girl. We love to smile, like the simple things in life and we are pretty much nice to the people we meet and welcome new friends and acquaintances. Lagos is much more like New York and Miami in that people are closed off, and there is a lot of glitz and glam that might not be real. That said, Lagos lifestyle is all about who you know and I am blessed to know people that I treasure. How challenging has it been adapting? I won’t pretend like it’s been easy. I have definitely had my days when I wanted to go back home. Luckily, people I know have been very supportive and have allowed me to vent and help me get through the tough times. Every time I face a hurdle and get over it, I become a little bit stronger though. Given all these hurdles, what would you love to change about Nigeria and Nigerians? One lesson I have learned is that Nigerians know exactly what their problems are and that so many people profit from these disorders and inadequacies, so coming here thinking my sheer presence will change something is futile. I just want to do what I can do within my power to make a difference. Change can begin from one person at a time. What’s your favourite Nigerian food? I love goat meat pepper soup and plantains. I could eat that every day. Have you learnt how to prepare any? Yes, my mother taught me to cook at a very young age. What’s your advice to anyone planning to relocate to Nigeria? I would say make sure you have a lot of money, support, and adequate housing if you are coming from the West or you will most definitely have a hard time adjusting. Would you say you find it easy adapting to life here because you already have a structure on ground? Absolutely. If I had come here by myself I would have left the first week. Where do you love to relax in Lagos? I love the beach and the Wheat-baker Hotel, because it’s the only place in Lagos where the customer service makes me feel like I’m back in the United States. How often do you go out? I go out sometimes. I’m really busy these days and I hate the clubs, so I will be out less and less. I really just enjoy hanging out with friends in their homes. What kind of man would steal your heart? I need an open minded, wise, fair, lover of life, well traveled, spiritual, and highly educated man who is constanly seeking self-development and growth, who knows how to lead, so I can follow. I would marry this guy in a heartbeat.
){kind=link}
« VoQ Talking #SM and #Africa with @BloggingGhana VOQ Sounds: Show Dem Camp, “Happy Weekend” »