My Nigeria

My Nigeria showcases friends of Nigeria who have either been to the country or have interest in Nigeria. It is an avenue for them to tell the world their thoughts and views about Nigeria and her people. This edition of My Nigeria features

BJÖRN OYIBO RENDERS

Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Bjorn Renders. I have been a lecturer at the University College of Ghent in Belgium for over 15 years. During this time, I met my wife as she did her masters in the UK. I travelled every other weekend to Oxford... and like all beautiful stories end... we got married. We did the traditional and white wedding in Nigeria in July 2011. After our marriage, I changed my job, and now I am an electrical engineer at DEME for the past six years. We are blessed with two children. As we say in Belgium “the Kings wish”: a boy and a girl. What do you think about Nigeria and her people, and would you advise

anyone to visit? Nigerians are friendly. At my working place, I have to work together with locals all the time, and I managed to work with Nigerians very well. We have to be honest that some areas are “no go” for the Oyinbo’s. Although I have seen some changes over the last few years. Some people are really trying to make it a better place. Unfortunately, some others are just doing the opposite and scaring visitors away. Is Nigeria ready for tourism?

I don’t really know if Nigeria is ready for tourism. I never came here as a tourist. What do you think about Nigeria as a giant of Africa?

Nigeria

is real, a giant. It needs strong governance to control this vast nation. Besides the government, people also need to understand that there is more than only natural resources. Tourism can and should be a part of the economy. They often say that Nigeria is not on the tourism belt, what do you think Nigeria can do to change this?

Nigeria needs a big clean up. Although you can find lovely beaches in Lagos, around Bonny, it is something else. Security is a significant issue in some areas all over Nigeria. What do you think about about this project - Cometonigeria.com and the website?

It is a beautiful project. I cannot imagine how much energy and time is spent to make it work and keep it running. I have a deep respect for all the efforts to make Nigeria known for other things than the “problems” we see on CNN, BBC World and other news channels. How often do you visit Nigeria?

Until the last two years, I was taking most of my leaves from work in Nigeria, meaning every rotation of 6 weeks. What are the most important things you miss when you are away from Nigeria?

Okro soup, fried plantain, jollof rice, but luckily my wife and our Nigerian friends don’t forget about this when we are in Europe. What do you miss when you travel away from your country of origin?

I miss my wife and children and my mom. Apart from the Belgian beer, chocolates and (French) fries, I don’t really miss things.