If you grew up in Nigeria, then you already know that electricity can disappear at the most unexpected moment. One minute everybody is enjoying fan, television, or charging phone peacefully, and the next minute everywhere suddenly becomes silent. The funniest part is how people react immediately. Some people will shout “Up NEPA!” when the light finally comes back after many hours, like they just won an award. Others quickly rush to charge every device in the house because nobody knows when the next blackout will happen again. Nigerians have mastered survival because of this. Many people can iron clothes, cook, charge phone, pump water, and even watch movies all within a few hours of electricity. Generators have also become part of daily life. The sound of “I better pass my neighbor” generators is almost like background music in many streets. Some people even know the exact time their area usually loses power. During hot nights, when light suddenly goes off, everybody starts looking for hand fan or moving outside for fresh air. Children who grew up in Nigeria understand the happiness that comes with hearing the sound of electricity returning late at night. Even neighbors who were angry with each other before may suddenly become happy because light has returned. It is one experience that connects many Nigerians together. No matter how stressful it feels, Nigerians still find ways to laugh about it. Social media is always full of jokes whenever power supply becomes worse. It has become one of those shared experiences that almost every Nigerian can relate to without explanation. Living in Nigeria teaches patience, adaptability, and the ability to find humor in difficult situations. Somehow, despite the constant struggle with electricity, Nigerians continue pushing forward every single day with strength, creativity, and endless hope that one day stable power supply will finally become normal for everyone.
