There are some things I don’t apologize for or even think of hiding, regardless of where I find myself:

1. Being a Christian
2. Being a Black-African
3. Being a Nigerian

These are part of my core identity and who I am. I respect every faith and those that have none, but

When I come into the room, my identity as a Christian also comes with me. This means that there are some things I’ll never do, and some ideas I will never subscirbe to, simply because of my faith. For instance, I’ve never been involved in corrupt practices, it’s against my faith.

As a Christian, it also means that there are parts of the world that I may never be able to live and walk freely in, because of persecution. And if I damn the consequences and live there, I may end up paying with my life; as I will rather die than deny my faith as a Christian

Being Black and African means that there are regions of the world that I go into, and I am automatically seen as a threat. I already know that I may be discriminated against, so I don’t act surprised when it happens but I prepare myself to answer and educate racists and bigots.

Being a black MAN, also adds another layer to it. To some, by me, simply dearing to aspire to have the same privileges, access or happiness as a white man means that I am too ambitious and coming off too strongly. I can only imagine what black women deal with.

Being Nigerian complicates my life with another layer of complexity to identity. In african countries, we are seen as aggressive and “a little too much”. In other parts of the world, we are seen as corrupt. I know this and I am prepared for it as I enter a new country.

I’ve had countless opportunities to give up my green passport for other more attractive ones but I’ve never been tempted to do so. I cannot deny my Nigerianess, same way it is impossible for me to deny being black or being Christian. I cannot help being Nigerian, it is who I am!

Whether we like it or not, identity plays out in everything we do. It plays out even in Nigeria. If I were to go deeper, I’d have told you that I am a Yoruba man from Ondo, living in Lagos and married to a half Itsekiri woman. In politics that could create its challenges.

Even in my own country, I may appear too Southern for some, even though many of my good friends are Northern and Muslim, and that’s never been a problem for me.

The point of this thread is, whether you like it or not, you will be defined by your identity; prepare for it!