Yhem Speaks

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Nigeria isn’t just a dot on the map; it’s a living, breathing story. A nation bursting with vibrant culture, soulful music, and food that carries generations of history. Jollof rice isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration. Our music isn’t just rhythm; it’s life itself. Respect isn’t simply taught. It’s lived. It’s woven into the way we greet, the way we speak, and the way we carry ourselves.

That is the foundation I come from. It is deeply rooted in me. No matter where I go, it never leaves.

But the truth is, the world around us has changed and is still changing at lightning speed. Technology has turned our big world into what people call a global village. One click, and I can video call someone across the world. One flight, and I can eat breakfast on one continent and dinner on another. Social media has made us neighbors to people we may never meet in real life. Fashion trends go viral overnight.

Even music, I smile every time I hear Nigerian Afrobeats or Gospel music playing far from home. The world is truly connected now.

And in the middle of all this? There is Me, a Nigerian woman navigating life in modern times.

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Here’s the thing I’ve learned: traveling, meeting people, and adapting to modern living doesn’t change who you are. This is true only if you are grounded in your culture. My identity as a Nigerian is not something I can take off like a jacket. It is inside me, shaping the way I think, the way I act, and the way I see the world.

Respect, for example, is one of the most unique parts of our culture. We honor elders. We acknowledge others when we enter a room. We value community. These values are not outdated. They are treasures. Even in the modern, fast-paced, independent world we live in, I find myself carrying those values like a compass. And people notice.

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Of course, modern life has its influence. I love the convenience of technology. I enjoy the simplicity of modern fashion. I can order food online when I’m tired and don’t want to cook a whole pot of stew. I’ve learned to enjoy independence and the space to chase my own dreams. But none of this takes away from my roots. If anything, it makes me appreciate them more.

I’ve found joy in blending both worlds. I can step out wearing bold African prints styled with modern cuts and jackets. I can cook Egusi soup one day and try a quick foreign recipe the next. I can listen to global pop music now. Yet, I find myself moving differently the next minute. It happens when gospel musicians like Nathaniel Bassey, Sumisola Agbebi, Sinach, or Moses Bliss songs come on. People ask about my background. I share it with pride. I know I am bringing something unique to the table.

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So, here’s my message: You don’t have to let go of your culture to embrace modern living. You don’t have to choose between the old and the new. Your culture grounds you. Modern life stretches you. Together, they shape a richer, fuller version of you.

My Nigerian culture is the root that holds me steady. Modern living is the wing that lets me fly. I believe that combination is what makes us powerful in this global age. We are deeply rooted yet open to the world.

Because no matter how fast the world spins, I know who I am. And that is something technology, travel, or trends can never take away.

With stories always,

Yhem💞