Study Session 10: DIASPORIC CULTURE AND NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT

Study Session 10: Diasporic Culture and Nigeria's Development

This study session explores the historical trajectory of diasporic culture and its impact on Nigeria's development. It defines the Nigerian concept of Diaspora and highlights the significant role Nigerians abroad have played in the development of their homeland.

10.1 Introduction

The term "diaspora" originates from the Greek word diaorropa, meaning "scattering or dispersion," and describes the movement of people from their ancestral land for settlement elsewhere, often involving a historical exodus of people of the same origin. It is typically associated with the dispersion of a specific group to foreign countries, where their culture may evolve differently from the original population. This session focuses on the origins of diaspora culture and the contributions of Nigerians in diaspora to the country's development.

Learning Outcomes for Study Session 10

At the end of this session, you should be able to:

• Discuss the genesis of the Nigerian Diaspora.
• Highlight the role of Nigerians in Diaspora in the development of the Homeland.

10.2 The Nigerian Diaspora

Nigerian emigration intensified during the colonial and post-colonial periods due to various factors:

• Push Factors: Political unrest, environmental concerns, religious conflict, economic issues (high unemployment), land alienation by colonial government, political instability (military intervention), civil war, and social tension.
• Pull Factors: The allure of "greener pastures" in advanced countries (North America, Europe), emerging economies in Asia, and some African countries (e.g., South Africa, Ghana).

Nigerians are now found globally, evidenced by the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Number of Nigerians Abroad

The exact number remains controversial due to a lack of reliable census data. Estimates vary widely, with one submission in 2006 suggesting at least 20 million, including those with one Nigerian parent, based on "shady estimates" for populations in Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, UK, and America. This significant population merits intellectual inquiry alongside other major diasporas like the Jewish.

Nigerian Cultural Presence Abroad

Nigerian culture significantly manifests abroad in language, religion, dance, music, dress, food, and other aspects. This is often sustained by:

• A strong ethnic group consciousness, common history, and shared fate.
• Intra-marriage relationships, friendships, and community associations.
• Maintenance of traditional attire, Nigerian names, and native languages.
• A challenge of "double identity" for generations born in new lands.

Composition of the Nigerian Immigrant Community

Nigerians are present in all walks of life, particularly as professionals in the West (medical and healthcare workers, bankers, engineers, academics in the US and UK). They also occupy other roles like police, cab drivers, and small business owners. Unfortunately, some engage in criminal activities (e.g., commercial sex work, advance fee fraud or "419") which can tarnish Nigeria's image.

Relations with Host Communities

Relations with host communities generally follow typical immigrant-host patterns, with instances of both excellent cooperation and occasional disagreements or conflicts, reflecting "in-group and out-group attitudes."

10.3 The Role of the Diaspora in the Development of the Homeland

The diaspora's positive attitude towards and attachment to Nigeria ("homeland nostalgia") has significantly influenced its development. The concept differentiates between the "old" and "new" diaspora:

• Old Diaspora: People of African descent involuntarily enslaved and shipped to Europe and the Americas from the 15th to mid-19th centuries.
• New Diaspora: Africans who voluntarily emigrated post-independence in search of opportunities ("golden fleece").

Contributions of the "Old" Diaspora

Repatriated slaves and their descendants made immense contributions:

• Brazilian Returnees: Settled mainly in Lagos and Abeokuta, impacting culture and social development.
  • Introduced Brazilian-style architecture, prominent in Central Lagos from the late 19th century.
  • Introduced the Brazilian carnival to Lagos, a fusion of African and Brazilian elements, which has been revived and influences social development.
• Sierra Leone and Liberia Returnees (Creoles): Descendants of liberated slaves from England (1787), Nova Scotia (1792), and Jamaica (1800), settled in Freetown (Sierra Leone) and Liberia (1822).
  • Developed a unique 'Creole' culture, a fusion of diverse peoples, embracing Christianity and Western education.
  • Engaged in trade, exploiting links with Europe and the Americas.
  • Educational Impact: Established Fourah Bay College (1827), affiliated with Durham University (1876), which became a hub for professionals (Law, Medicine, Engineering, Administration) across West Africa. Many returned to Nigeria.
  • Founding of Nigeria's First Secondary School: CMS Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos (1859), founded by Thomas Babington Macaulay, trained in Sierra Leone and England. Supported by ex-slaves from Sierra Leone.
  • Literary Contributions:
    • Ajayi Crowther wrote the Grammar and Vocabulary of the Yoruba Language (1843).
    • Samuel Johnson wrote his famous History of the Yorubas (1897).
  • Christian Missionary Activities: Returnees spread the gospel. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican Bishop (1864), led a missionary revolution, especially in the Delta area (Bonny). Educated Nigerians were favored for evangelical work due to familiarity with local customs.
  • Anti-Colonial Struggle: Ex-slaves and others were at the forefront of the anti-colonial struggle in the late 19th century, using print media like the Lagos Weekly Records and Lagos Observer to mobilize against European colonial rule.
  • Islamic Contributions: Muslim Creoles also advanced Islam. Muhammed Shitta Bey funded a mosque in Lagos (1890s) and encouraged Western education for Muslims.

Contributions of the "New" Diaspora

Their impact is seen through individual and collective development efforts:

• Organizational Efforts: Nigerians worldwide organize into groups like NIDO, identifying needs in education, health, and infrastructure.
• Support to Government: They provide information and resources for projects, improving the quality of life.
• Intellectual Linkages: Nigerian intellectuals abroad establish ties and share valuable information with counterparts at home, benefiting scholars and institutions.
• Economic Investment: Some return to Nigeria to invest in manufacturing and business, contributing to economic development, or encourage foreign direct investment.
• Policy Advice: Through meetings with Nigerian leaders, they offer constructive advice on improving development, influencing government policy on import/export, investment, and external debt.
• Financial Remittances: Nigerians abroad remit billions of Naira annually to family members for construction or business, providing a significant financial stimulus to Nigeria's economic development over the past three decades.

10.4 Summary of Study Session 10

This session established the significant Nigerian cultural presence abroad in various areas like language, religion, and food. The genesis of the Nigerian Diaspora predates the 1914 amalgamation, with millions forced out by the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Colonial and post-colonial emigration was driven by political unrest, environmental concerns, religious conflict, and economic issues.

Both Brazilian returnees and recaptured slaves settled in Sierra Leone and Liberia made immense contributions to Nigeria's development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since the 20th century, many Nigerians abroad have profoundly impacted Nigeria's social, economic, and political landscape.

10.10 References/ Suggestions for Further Reading

• Dioka, L.C. (2001). Lagos and Its Environs. Lagos: First Academic Publishers.
• "How many Nigerians Live Outside Nigeria?" http://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic
• Onwudike, E. (2006). The Question of Diaspora in Nigeria's International Relations Occasional Paper 2. Lagos: Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
• Osuntokun, A. and Olukoju A.A (1997). (eds), Nigerian Peoples and Cultures. Ibadan: Davidson Press.
• Uya, Okon. (2005). African Diaspora and Black Experience in New World Slavery. 3rd ed. Calabar: Clear Lines Publications.
• Uche Nworah, “Global Politician- Study on Nigerian Diaspora." http://www.globalpolitician.com.