Back to the Frozen Tundra: From Tropical to Subzero Weather!
February 5th, 2007 | Published in Africa, Diaspora, Governance, Nigeria | 3 Comments
After experiencing some 14 days of nice tropical weather, and interesting circumstances peculiar to the Nigerian nation, I’m back to the frozen tundra state of Minnesota, in North America - a not so pleasant transition weather-wise: from 85 degree F to subzero temperatures. This is enough to make even the most ardent and optimistic blogger shut down, and I did just that. I want out of the cold! Nigeria will always be home, that is the truth.
There are some many stories to tell. First, if you are one of the several Nigerians with the phased-out passport, you must have this changed ASAP. If those overseas can get it changed from their embassies abroad - without incurring significant charges - please go this route. Otherwise, be ready to invest some days navigating the bureaucratic maze of the passport control offices in Nigeria.
I had mine changed in Lagos, and even though the process has been drastically computerized and streamlined - with fewer touts running the show, and even fewer bribe-seeking immigration officials, a very commendable improvement from what it used to be - a lot can still be done to improve the process and respect the dignities of the applicants, and also minimize the time invested, or wasted, in the process. It simply doesn’t make any sense investing a whole working day (at least) into getting/renewing a travel document. Time is money, but it always appears that this doesn’t count very much when dealing with Nigerian bureaucracies.
In subsequent writings, I will attempt to address the comments/questions raised in the preceding post(s) and offer more narratives/opinion on my journey. Thanks guys! While it sure feels good to have access to the conveniences of life, once again - computer/broadband Internet, constant electricity, orderliness, etc, the ‘temperature differential’ erodes the advantages of these goodies, well, at least for the time being.
As the airplane was hovering over the frozen mass of the city before it landed, I wondered if circumstances in Sub-Saharan Africa would have be more positive if there exist a freeze-and-thaw weather cycle - the kind unique to north Europe and America? Hmmm!
February 5th, 2007 at 1:07 pm (#)
Welcome back Imnakoya. I’m a bit confused — has there been another change or are you talking of the shift to the dark green passports (of which I have one)?
February 5th, 2007 at 1:19 pm (#)
Coincidentally, someone raised this point recently that if Africa had a climate as harsh as the West it would be more developed than it is right now, ‘cos it would be a situation where you either develop or lose your life.
February 6th, 2007 at 12:38 am (#)
Could not have said it better. Even in Georgia it’s freezing right now, can you believe it?
I’ve heard those points about climate and development made before too…there could be some truth there…but here’s something-since our lifespans are so short we may never know, but in a few thousand years someone in the Americas could be asking themselves if climate is the reason for Africa and other “southern” hemisphere nations being in such an advanced state.
As this question may have been asked by those in the northern regions a few millennia back.
Seriously, Imnakoya, it’s good to have you back am glad that you were able to make the trip!