"Body no be firewood" is the Nigerian argument for rest, pleasure, and self-care. It is said by the worker who wants to skip overtime. By the spouse who wants to eat out instead of cook. By the student who wants to sleep instead of study. By the parent who wants to attend a party instead of a PTA meeting. The phrase says: I am human. I have limits. I deserve enjoyment. The argument is necessary because Nigerian culture glorifies suffering. The person who works 18 hours is praised. The person who never takes vacation is "dedicated." The parent who sacrifices everything is "selfless." The "body no be firewood" plea is the rebellion against martyrdom. But the guilt! When you say it, you feel lazy. You feel selfish. You feel like you are failing some unwritten code of Nigerian endurance. The culture says rest is earned, not deserved. You must suffer first. You must prove exhaustion before you are allowed to recover. And the hypocrisy! The same people who judge your rest are resting secretly. The "hard worker" takes naps. The "dedicated" parent watches Netflix. The "selfless" spouse has hobbies. Everyone is firewood pretending to be steel. When did you last say "body no be firewood"? And did you get the rest, or just the guilt?
