Nigeria Through Her Eyes: An Outsider’s Deep Love for a Giant

For Nokuthula, Nigeria was never just a country on a map. It was a feeling before it became a destination, a cinematic dream that slowly transformed into cultural devotion. Born in Zimbabwe and now living in South Africa, she describes herself in three words: bold, diverse, evolving. Somewhere within that evolution, Nigeria quietly found a permanent space in her heart. Her earliest impressions were shaped by Nollywood films watched beside her mother. Grand entrances, confident fathers returning from work, expansive homes filled with life and colour painted Nigeria as ambitious and unapologetically expressive. As a young girl observing from afar, Nokuthula made a private promise that one day she would visit, build her own big house, and create a life that mirrored the excellence she saw on screen. What began as childhood fantasy matured into genuine admiration. Music strengthened that bond. The sound of Davido, especially his timeless record “Aye,” sparked what she fondly describes as obsession. Songs like “Hold Me Tight” by Peruzzi featuring Kcee, and “Easy Jeje” by Reekado Banks became emotional soundtracks to her daily life. Nigerian music, she explains, carries confidence, rhythm, and storytelling that feel both celebratory and deeply spiritual. Beyond entertainment, it is the Nigerian spirit that resonates most. She sees boldness without apology, humour that heals tension, and a people whose faith remains central to their identity. Where outsiders may see stereotypes, Nokuthula sees resilience and relentless drive. She admires how Nigerians protect their culture, celebrate their wins loudly, and pursue success with visible determination. “Do not judge Nigeria from a distance,” she insists. “Meet the people, feel the energy, and your whole perspective will change.” Though she has yet to visit physically, she speaks of Nigeria with familiarity, having visited in dreams countless times. Now her desire is intentional. She hopes not only to experience the vibrancy but to build, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully. She wants to walk through Lagos streets, hear the blend of languages in real time, taste authentic dishes, and witness firsthand the electric fusion of tradition and modernity that defines the country’s global rise. Beyond her admiration stands a woman grounded in faith and ambition. A devoted child of God, Nokuthula champions women’s empowerment, financial independence, and purposeful living. With aspirations to establish a real estate company and a law firm specialising in immigration and family law, she is constructing a legacy defined by structure, service, and impact. She envisions creating opportunities for other women to own property, understand legal systems, and navigate cross border transitions with confidence and dignity. Her vision also reflects a broader African interconnectedness. She believes collaboration across nations can strengthen the continent’s global voice, and she sees Nigeria as a central pillar in that conversation. To her, Nigeria represents scale, creativity, spiritual intensity, and unapologetic ambition. It is a place where dreams are spoken aloud and pursued visibly. Through her eyes, Nigeria is not merely a nation but a giant of spirit, influence, and culture. And in loving it so openly, Nokuthula reminds us that identity can expand beyond birthplace, admiration can bridge continents, and culture when embraced sincerely has the power to unite hearts across Africa and beyond.