Life Of A Naija Girl

Hey, I'm Dara

THIS INTROLOGUE HAS BEEN REVISED & EDITED: 19th of October, 2019.

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Darasimi Alade

Nothing much is ever said about the Nigerian Teenager.

Our parents and the adult society believe our only priorities are to be obedient and respectful to our elders, focus on school and be the best, and choose successful career opportunities as either doctors, lawyers or engineers. Then, once we are finished with school, we are to get profitable jobs, settle down with our partners and provide them with grand children.

Our parents don't believe in "feelings." It something they assume we don't have. You can't have depression, anxiety or any mental health issues without them blaming it on social media and electronic devices.

And developing feelings for the opposite sex? It's a big NO. As a girl, you are told not to get close with any boys or you'll end up pregnant. You can't participate in "the work of men either." As a boy, you can't follow your true passion. You must do something generally acceptable to the society. Something that would you groom you as the "man of the house."

Luckily, in my case, my parents support my decision in becoming a journalist and not a doctor like they both are. As for friends, they are fine with me having one male friend. His name is Noah.

Noah and I's other best friend is Ogeh. We are a trio; an unbreakable one.

We grow and go through almost everything together. And I mean everything. Yes, we also have problems. Surprising? Maybe you haven't heard of Nigerian teenagers sharing their own life crisis. It isn't your fault though, I blame the Nigerian society.

We are supposed to automatically be happy and satisfied with whatever is laid down to us. To never break, to never give up, to never express ourselves because that's "rude."

Well, I'm sorry to break it to you but this story isn't going to be one of those.

This is going to be our story.

Noah, Ogeh, mine and yours.

This is going to be about real life. About what society never shares about us. It's going to prove that no one is ever really alone.

And even though this is the story of my life, the Life Of A Naija Girl, I hope it can be about yours too and that you learn from it.

Goodluck my fellow Nigerians! I'll see you at the end.

Are you ready for it? You're sure abi? Okay oo, let's go!

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This book is dedicated to every student eagerly awaiting the day of their exit, fancily put as 'graduation,' from secondary school. May God see you through.

While you're at it though, ensure you have fun in everything you do! Bad times will come but learn from them so your good times can be the ones you live to the fullest!

School is crazy, I know.
Always tell yourself at every difficult time, 'one more day,' till that very 'one more day' comes.
It helps, trust. 😉

- baymee.