A List of Popular Misconceptions in Nigeria

THE NORTH HAS A FEW ETHNIC GROUPS— ALMOST EVERYONE IS EITHER HAUSA OR FULANI

This is absolutely not true. As a matter of fact, it is the most ethnically diverse region of Nigeria. Some languages are even extinct, for example, Kubi .There are some states where Hausas are actually settlers or in the minority or both. A classical example is Yobe State—major ethnic groups are Fulani, Kanuri, Bade, Kare-Kare, Bolewa. And they all have their respective languages. To the best of my knowledge, none of the local government areas in Yobe can be considered to be ‘owned’ by Hausas. Though, there are Hausas in all the local government areas.

ALL PAST NORTHTERN NIGERIAN LEADERS WERE HAUSAS, THE FULANIS ARE JUST NOMADS

Just check the list below.

General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar  – Gwari

Late General Sani Abacha—Kanuri

Late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua – Fulani

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari – Fulani

Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari – Fulani

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – Bageri

General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida – Gwari

There are no Hausas even though it is the largest ethnic group in Northern Nigeria. On the other hand, there are 3 Fulanis on the list. Be careful how you look down on the Fulanis, they may be nomadic, they certainly know a little about politics and power.

AN OBSURE NIGERIAN OWNS THE COMPANY THAT PRODUCES INDOMIE

The parent company (Dufil Group) is in Indonesia and it is the largest manufacturer of instant noodles in the world. There are now 3 indomie plants in Nigeria—one in Port-Harcourt, another one in ota (reputed to be the largest in Africa) and the last in Kaduna (opened recently).

THE SMALLEST STATE IN NIGERIA IS AN IGBO STATE

This misconception arose because, of the 3 major ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Igbos occupy the smallest land area. But as a matter of fact, the smallest state is Lagos.

THE WESTERN REGION COMPRISED ONLY THE PRESENT OYO, ONDO, EKITI, OSUN STATES

Agege, Mushin, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry and some areas of Ikeja, all in Lagos States, were part of the Western Region.

THE ONLY OIL PRODUCING STATES ARE DELTA, RIVERS, AKWA-IBOM, AND BAYELSA.

No doubt, these states listed above are the big oil producers; there are other states that are also substantial oil producers. They are Ondo (the only Southwestern state), Edo, Imo, Abia. Cross River has been delisted and Anambra will enter the list soonest.

EXOTIC MEANS EXPENSIVE AND FASHIONABLE

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Exotic means ‘seems unusual and exciting, especially because they come from foreign countries.’ So, never you think that exotic is a fancy word for something dear.

OLOIBIRI (TOWN WHERE OIL WAS FIRST DISCOVERED IN COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES) IS IN RIVERS STATE

This actually was true; but with the creation of Bayelsa State by the bespectacled late General, it is now in Bayalsa.

THE NORTH IS JUST ONE BIG VILLAGE

Many still have this wrong perception. The North has many cities that can compare with the ones in the South. If the truth be told, after Lagos it is Kano (in terms of commerce). There are other cool places like Bauchi, Kaduna, Jos, and Maiduguri.