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None of My Business (NOMB) — A Nigerian Story
If optimism has a middle name, it’s likely to be called Nigeria. That was then.
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Am I my brother’s keeper?
~ Holy Bible (Genesis 4:9)
None of My Business — A Nigerian Story
Optimism, as defined by Meriam Webster’s Dictionary is an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.
In that case, if optimism does have a middle name, it’s likely to be called Nigeria.
Whaaat?
“You must be kidding me.” I can hear you say.
In a 2011 poll, Nigeria was tagged as the world’s most optimistic country.
That was back then. These days, and sadly so, Nigeria is a bye-word to even her citizens.
Hyper-religious as we are, these days, many of my fellow countrymen pray (seriously), “May Nigeria never happen to you.” And, irrespective of your religious or no religious persuasion, you must say amen to that. “Because, when Nigeria happens to you, you will know.”
None of My Business (NOMB) — A uniquely Nigerian problem
In Nigeria, nobody cares. NOMB is the pervasive body language in all actions, and interactions of most of our people. From the government to the common man on the street, the atmosphere is saturated with NOMB.
NOMB describes the reactions of typical Nigerians to unpleasant circumstances, situations, or actions of others that should normally elicit strong outrage or disapproval from those nearby or the community.
People typically react to any auspicious event that doesn’t instantly have direct or immediate impacts on them with the attitude of “it is None of My Business — NOMB.”
Here are two recent scenarios that best explain Nigerian’s nihilistic NOMB philosophy
