After sixteen years of research and observing Nigerian social life in the Diaspora, it has come to my attention that many of us in an overzealous attempt to achieve the American dream, which was the reason of leaving our country in the first place, fall into certain predetermined traps that many immigrants fall into and sometimes end up in worse financial and economic situations than some of their peers back at home.  Some of these traps are: 

Credit Card & Debts:  Many immigrants get credit card easily even as students because they have no damaged credit record.  It gives many an opportunity to look rich and accomplished with the material things they can buy, but unfortunately for them, they do not understand the nature and ways of money, so they spend lavishly.  Some actually try to be wise by staying away from these credit cards and relying on the cash system they understand.  Unfortunately, in a credit system, you have to meet up with the joneses to be accepted and they soon find themselves using the credit card to pay their bills, especially when unemployment and bad economic times kick in.     

Literacy: At the other college where I work, I deal with a lot of international students, especially Nigerians and Africans, and it has come to my attention that despite the fact that we pride ourselves to be the “smart ones” in Africa, there is a serious level of illiteracy in our collective thinking.  Not only is illiteracy high in many African countries, but due to lack of manufacturing, production, technical-know-how, and hands-on experience, even the brilliant ones amongst us tend not to see the big picture.  Many intelligent Nigerians can pass any exam on the face of this earth and have the highest scores, but they usually fail to see the economic, political, historical, and social relevance of the exam or the actual application of its content to their daily lives.  This is one reason why the average Nigerian, if not all of Africa and the Black race, is very religious.  We want God to do for us what we could have done for ourselves and our children.  The time that should be used to understand, appreciate, and apply God’s wisdom is used to spend the whole week in some place of worship shouting and rolling on the floor in the Spirit (I hope it is the spirit of God).   So many people struggle to improve themselves by acquiring degrees, but unfortunately, do not even get to use them, because their degree does not match who they truly are.

Wife (Spouse): The most common thing in many Nigerian men’s mouth, even as early as college level, is “Wife”.  I guess they came with big hopes of hitting the American jackpot early, but racism, immigrant status, inability to get a descent paying job, and education became a hassle.  As age becomes a factor and the burden becomes too heavy for one head, they soon realize that they need a partner; it is time to settle down, and plan life properly.  It becomes obvious that some personal goals must be redefined.  With a wife, both can work and they save the allowance of one, or one can go to school while the other works.  At this point, the new problem becomes where the good wife will come from.  Some feel that the Nigerian girls are now too demanding, to liberated, have been everywhere, no longer accepts their place, or simple can’t be trusted for faithfulness.  Many think about going back home to bring their “obedient princess”, but she usually ends us becoming the “legalized master” or running off to be with her long lost boyfriend who could not sponsor her trip abroad.  

So what must we do to ensue that we accomplish what we came abroad for by staying out of debt, ensuring that our education is achieved easily, and building a stable home early by finding that good wife we have always prayed and wished for?  Edofolks.com has come up with 3 motivational CDs that were designed to put an end to this nonsense that Nigerians and the Black world are going through.  I personally believe that if we as a people can tackle these 3 major problems (amongst many) effectively that we would not only be fulfilled in accomplishing our hearts desires early and legally, but we will also become an economic force to reckon with globally.  Below are the main ideas of these CDs:

How to use a credit card and erase all debts:  It will show you the 5 strategic steps you must take to lay the foundation of how to use your credit card and erase all your debts.  Never be scared to spend money or your credit card, as long as it is to improve your talent, skill, or trade.  Never be scared of being in debt, as long as the money was spent in an attempt to generate income through service.  Money is a messenger that is sent to bring more money.  It is a seed that is planted strategically to give money as harvest.  Always spend money generously and wisely to advertise your talent, as long as the talent will serve people and generate income.  You become debt free when the money coming in surpasses any kind of debt, bills, or expenses, if any at all.  In fact, a time may even come when your supposed business and daily expenses are even part of your income instead of borrowing it from a credit card or a bank.   

How to be an excellent student:  It will show you the 6 beneficial habits you must possess and understand about life before acquiring the title of an excellent student.  The purpose of being a student is not just to pass or graduate, but to be of service to others in order to generate income.  Some people know how to make lots of money without adequate education, while others have numerous degrees but lack the talent to generate good income.  An excellent student is a knowledgeable and informed individual that processes the wisdom and understanding to serve and generate income in the process of gathering and utilizing information. This is the value of being educated, informed, and intelligent. 

How to find a good wife: It shows you the 6 laws you must abide by before you can actually seek and find a good wife.  A good wife is not just the mother of your children, a model that makes your friends envious of you, a great cook and homemaker, one that enjoys reading the Bible or going to church, or is smart and educate.  A good wife can have all or some of these qualities, but most importantly, must keep her family together and give her husband a peace of mind.  To get such a woman, there are things you must do years before you even meet her.  This is what attracts a good woman to you.  It is not your dressing, looks, or money of today, if so, is she not a good woman.  

These CDs are available at: http://edofolks.com/words/edocd.htm .  Please let us strive to lay a good foundation, be strategic about how we achieve God’s destiny for our lives, and achieve our goals early.  Please remember that God’s time may be the best, but we must eradicate procrastination and be punctual for our success.