Contemporary Yoruba Life

as seen by Emmanuel Jegede

political constitution & social divide • economic & social development - a child's view • the Obas

Economic and Social Development

"Africa is not a museum."

Emmanuel points out that he is talking about Nigeria, not the whole of Africa.

A child's view of Nigeria

He talks of his children's perceptions when they visited Nigeria for the first time.

They were expecting to see people in bare feet, jungles and wild animals and were "shocked" to see that the standard of life in 'Emmanuel's village' is similar to that in London.

"The place I live in Nigeria is far superior to the one I'm living in London here."

Wealthy Nigerians have body guards, servants and drivers.

"It's a completely different way of life."

His children were surprised at being allowed to roam free in two acres of land without fear of being kidnapped (unlike in England) and, as a father, Emmanuel's only fear for his children in Nigeria is traffic.

Nigeria's wealth comes from oil and corruption.

This wealth breeds corruption at higher levels ("old boy's tie") rather than a more violent 'mafia' type of corruption.

The 'ordinary people' trade within Nigeria. Nigeria is the only country in Africa that can trade satisfactorily within its own boundaries. With some capital and the right connections there is no need to trade beyond Nigeria.

There are poorer people and no benefits system in force. Traditionally the family share and take care of relatives less fortunate. Patriarchal values are strong. On the death of a father the most wealthy son becomes head of the family. The mother is then answerable, to some extent, to that son and must, for example, ask his permission to remarry.

There is also a tradition for the head of the family to 'marry' a widowed relative, to take care of her and her children and keep the family together. This arrangement is purely economical.

Traditionally Africans have more children to ensure they are taken care of in old age, although a state pension system is being put in place.

These traditions are stronger in villages but changing in the cities. Society is becoming more materialistic.

"They've lost the spirit of giving, they just want to grab, grab, grab, grab, take, take, take."

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Produced by The Telematics Centre at Exeter University © 2001