As an International Student in America, going back home to your country can be quite hard; due to the expenses that come with it. This summer I was opportune and blessed to return back to my motherland. There are 36 states in Nigeria, I visited only my home state, Lagos. Lagos is the business capital of Nigeria. It is the New York of Nigeria. The main reason I went back home was to surprise my mother on her birthday and it was definitely worth the expense. Memories were created to last a lifetime. That was my main reason for coming back, but as soon as I was back, I found many other reasons why I love and have missed my beloved country, Nigeria. Nigeria is a country blessed with so many natural resources and beautiful and talent individuals. I am so proud to be called Nigerian and I want the world to know how special and beautiful my country is. There are so many bad stereotypes about Nigeria. I feel like it is my duty as a Nigerian to portray my country in a good light. These are my reasons why I love and miss Nigeria.

1. Family and friends.

This is probably the first and most important reason for missing and loving my country. Going back home gave me the opportunity to see my beloved family physically again. Family time is very important in one's life. I saw all my cousins, uncles, aunts, Grandaunts and My immediate family. I got to also see all my childhood friends that I have grown a strong bond with. Going back home, made me realize that in life, we are all on a journey and so matter how far we go in that journey, we should never forget those that made that journey begin.

2. The History

Nigeria is a country blessed with so much history. Although the country gained its independence from Britain in 1960 , Nigeria was formed in 1914. So it has a lot of interesting history attached to it. I'm privileged to stay in an estate that was the reasons why Nigeria was formed. I stay in a house where the colonial masters stayed in and my house is over 80 years old. I also got to a explore a museum at Railway Compound, Lagos, Nigeria called the Jaekel House; this museum is over 120 years old and has a lot of rich history attached to it.

3. The Food

OH! The food. I have missed Nigeria delicacies so much. Staying in a place like Cleveland, Tennessee, it is easier to find a needle in a haystack than to find an African food market. The first thing I did after I got down from the plane was to order one of the various Nigerian food options that were available. Nigerian food does not just satisfy your want for food but it satisfies the soul. I love Nigerian food!!

4. The People

Nigerians are one of the most unique, talented and intelligent people i have ever come across (no bias), Nigerians despite the economy and the several issues we have going on, we are one of the most happiest people on earth. We know how to change a thing of sorrow into a thing of joy. We are the future of the world and we are going to take over the world with our talents. We are talented in music, in art, in technology, in comedy and much more. Mark Zuckerberg recently came to Lagos, Nigeria and said the same thing. Watch out for us because we are coming.

5. We are rich in culture and Art

Nigeria is one the most diverse countries you would ever come across. Nigeria has three major ethnic groups (Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa); which are further divided into over 521 languages and over 1150 dialects and ethnic groups. Each language comes with its own culture and practices. So no, there is no language like Nigerian, and we do not all speak the same language. The main Language is English. This diversity in Nigeria makes us very rich in culture and we showcase through different Art and culture showcases.

6. Alone time for relaxation.

Being able to go back home, I finally had time for myself, time away from school and noise. A time to reflect and think about my life and plan on how to improve myself all around. The beautiful weather made the relaxation easier, with all the breeze and leaves blowing and signing to me. My home was a beautiful place to recoup.

If Nigeria is not already on your bucket list of places to travel, then I think you should look at the list again. Nigeria is where the future is going to be built. It is going shine when it must shine, shine brighter than any other nation. There are so much more reasons why I love and miss Nigeria but these are top six reasons why I really missed home.