Places I've Seen

Zuma Rock:

It is a large monolith, an igneous intrusion composed of gabbrol and granodiorite that is located in Niger State, Nigeria. It rises spectacularly immediately North of Nigeria's capital Abuja, along the main road from Abuja to Kaduna, and is sometimes referred to as the "Gateway to Abuja." Zuma Rock is 725 meters above its surroundings. Zuma is also depicted on the 100 Naira Note. It was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people against invading neighbouring tribes during inte-tribal warring. 

On our journey to Suleja, Nigeria

National Mosque:

Also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is the national mosque of Nigeria, a country with a substantial Muslim population. The mosque was built in 1984 and is open to the non-Muslim public, except during congregational prayers. 

The mosque is located in the capital city, Abuja, and is situated on Independence Avenue, across from The National Christian Center. It includes a library and a conference room. The complex includes a conference center capable of serving 500 persons. 

The National Church of Nigeria:

Is the primary Christian place of worship in Nigeria. It is located in Abuja, the capital city. The National Church of Nigeria is an inter-denominational church. The church was designed by Nigerian architectural firm, Darchiwork Group; located in Lagos, Nigeria and built by Italian construction firm Gitto Costruzioni Generali Nigeria Ltd. The project, which was started around 1989, lay dormant for several years until 2004, when the Christian Association of Nigeria organized a committee to ensure its speedy completion. The dedication, on 2 October 2005, coincided with the celebration of Nigeria’s 45th anniversary as an independent nation.

Other Beautiful Visions:

People I Have Met:

Had a chance to meet Eugenia Abu. A wonderful and inspiring women of Nigeria.

Eugenia Abu, for 17 years she has been a news anchor on national television. She is one of Nigeria's most recognizable faces. She now divides her time between writing books, teaching and mentoring. 

My Cultural Experiences

THE FOOD: The food may look strange to some people, but I will say it was so delicious, fresh, and fulfilling. I tried many things while visiting. 

Moi Moi:

(Also Moin Moin) is a great dish accessory in Nigeria. It is commonly seen accompanying Jollof Rice, Fried Rice, Fried Plantain, Custard, Akamu (Pap, Ogi) etc. It can even be eaten alone as a snack with a soft drink to wash it down. 

Due to its popularity it is often served in parties, dinners and other special occassions. 

Ingredients:

• 3 cigar cups or 750g Beans (Brown/Black eyed)
• 5 tablespoons ground crayfish
• 4 big stock cubes
• 1 habanero pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 3 tatashe peppers or 800g watery tomato puree (sold outside Nigeria)
• 2 big onions
• 20cl vegetable oil
• 2 litres of cool or warm water
• Salt (to taste)

Moi Moi Served with Chicken

                                                         

 Fried Plantains:

Fried plantain is one of the easy and fast Nigerian food recipes. It can be eaten with fried egg, omelette, Moi Moi, Custard, oat meal, rice, akamu (ogi) etc.

Plantain with fresh fish and rice

Shawarma:

Shawarma has got to be the most popular street snack almost everyone enjoys. It’s also pretty easy to make at home. The only hitch you might encounter is finding a good place close to your vicinity where the pita bread (Shawarma bread) could be bought. There are various types of shawarma such as Beef shawarma, Chicken shawarma, Fish shawarma, e.t.c and each shawarma has its own unique taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sized Carrots
• 1 small Cabbage
• 2 medium Sized Green bell pepper
• 1 medium sized cucumber
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• 10 pieces Pita Bread(Shawarma bread)
• 14 chunks beef (You could also use Chicken or fish)
• 2 Scotch bonnets (Yellow/Red pepper)
• 1 small onion
• 2 seasoning cubes
• ¼ bulb Ginger
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Curry
• ½ tsp. thyme
• 3 tbsp. Vegetable oil

A small place on the street outside where we bought the most delicious Shawarma

Fish:

Another thing that I had never experienced was ordering fish and it coming out on my plate with the head still attached. I will say though, this Tilapia was delicious. 

The Hotel:

The hotel was very interesting. It was an apartment building that had been turned into a hotel. It had 6 rooms on each floor and it had 3 floors. Every 3 rooms shared a common area with sofas, television, air conditioning, a half bath, and balcony so that you may have company over and entertain without having to invite them into your bedroom where you sleep. It was gated and had security and the people who worked their were extremely nice, accommodating and helpful. 

Traveling to Abuja, Nigeria

Preparation: In order to travel to Nigeria from the United States I needed to obtain my Nigerian Visa, get a yellow fever shot, and malaria medication.Once I obtained all of this and the trip had finally become more real. 

Flight: The time difference was something that I was definitely NOT prepared for, nor the length of the flight. Can I say it was one of the longest flights of my life.... I departed from Washington, DC. USA and had a connected flight in Frankfurt, Germany. I arrived in Abuja, Nigeria at 5:15pm in Nigeria which was 6 hours ahead of Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

I will say that the view of Frankfurt, Germany from the plane in the sky was absolutely breath taking. The land was beautiful colors of greens, reds, browns, and orange. The view of Nigeria from the plane in the sky was brown and dusty with little green. 

Upon Arrival: I was welcomed by staff of Synapse Services outside in front of the airport. They held a sign that read... Welcome Ms. Hewitt. They had arrived in a car with a driver and they immediately took my bags and walked me to the car. I can say I felt IMPORTANT, like a CELEBRITY! It was very interesting. 

So many people where outside of the airport picking people up but also young children offering to carry your bags for money or trying to sell you items, food or drink. Along the drive to Synapse Services in Wuse 2, Abuja Nigeria I saw many people standing along the street and every time we would stop the car they would run up to the window trying to sell items to us. 

The Beginning....

Lets start from the beginning: Social Workers do difficult work, often with challenging patients, but they provide much-needed services and can make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. As a Social Worker with an interest in International Mental Health and Substance Abuse I began on a search for organizations providing these services in Nigeria in October 2013. Along my journey and searching I located a company by the name of Synapse Services in Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria. 

I began communicating with the CEO/Medical Director, Dr. Vincent Udenze, of Synapse Services about my interest in Nigerian culture and my desire to learn more about the services provided to individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in Nigeria. Throughout our discussions I learned that individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues in Nigeria do not have a voice, that they are stigmatized, frowned upon and the resources provided to them are extremely limited. This was saddening to hear.

As we continued our communication I built a friendship and working relationship with the CEO/Medical Director, Dr. Vincent Udenze. His passion to help others was contagious. His strong desire to better mental health and substance abuse services in Nigeria and his huge heart helped me with my decision to make the trip to visit Abuja, Nigeria for the very first time. I planned my visit for April 2014 to Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria. On my  I planned to tour the facility, meet the patients, provide training for the staff, and provide any assistance needed while in the country.  

I  wanted to be a part of the mission and desired to make a huge impact. I wanted to make changes on an individual and societal level. I want to be a part of the movement, to empower others, make society aware of the issues, and provide services to assist individuals in getting better. I strive to maximize the development of human potential, enable people to achieve the best possible levels of personal and social well-being; and assist them in achieving social justice through social development and social change.  I have a strong desire to help those who are less fortunate and I believe this is what God has lead me to do. I  will continue to make a conscious effort in promoting diversity, advocating, educating, and providing services to those individuals less fortunate.