TREVOR NOAH CELEBRATES NIGERIANS

When Nigeria is mentioned, many people tend to echo the tired negative stereotypes that mainstream media portrays about its 237 million people, such as corruption and credit card fraud, rarely pausing to acknowledge the structural forces behind these crises or the brilliance that persists despite them.

In a March 2025 podcast, South African comedian and commentator Trevor Noah (@Trevornoah on X) commended the resilience and self-confidence of Nigerians, stating that they have motivated him to believe in himself. 

Noah's comments highlight a deeper truth: In a country wracked by neo-colonial governance, foreign economic manipulation and elite misrule that causes economic instability, Nigerians are continually launching new businesses, showcasing remarkable adaptability and innovative solutions. Nollywood, as the country's booming film industry is known, ranks as the second-largest film industry by output, just behind India's Bollywood.

Nigerians have also made significant contributions to education, sports and business. A recent highlight includes 30-year-old chess player Tunde Onakoya (@tunde_onakoya on IG), who set a Guinness World Record for a 60-hour chess marathon in 2024, breaking the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes and 37 seconds. He returned in 2025 to set another record: 64 hours.

We join Noah in honouring everyday Nigerians who persevere despite facing the most severe economic downturn in a generation and long-standing neo-colonial governance that feeds the imperialists.

Video credit: @WhatNowPodcast (YouTube)