My Nigeria showcases friends of Nigeria who have either been to the country or have an interest in Nigeria. It is an avenue for them to tell the world their thoughts about Nigeria and her people.
The 13th edition of my Nigeria features Kate Hallet. Enjoy!
CTN: PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS
KATE HALLET:
My name is Kate Hallet and I am originally from New Prague, Minnesota in the United States. I’ve spent almost five years in Nigeria now. I have lived in both Yola, Adamawa State and Abuja. Recently, I moved back to the US with my husband. I left my job at a School in Abuja called, Aduvie Montessori International School and I was also the Manager for the Afromysterics Art Gallery in Abuja. I am married to a wonderful Nigerian man and we have a daughter. I have a passion for politics, cooking, writing and traveling. I write a blog (www. thisnigerianlife.blogspot.com) that tells my tales of my life in Nigeria which also advises people about life in Nigeria.
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CTN: What do you think about CometoNigeria magazine and the website?
Kate Hallet:
Regularly. I read the magazine as often as I see it on the shelf. I like to collect such magazines for travel information within Nigeria for myself and when I have guests from back home who come and visit. It’s a great source of information. It’s very useful.
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CTN: What do you think about Nigeria and her people, and would you advise anyone to visit?
Kate Hallet:
I love Nigeria. I consider Nigeria my home now and I think it’s a great country in Africa to come and visit but I think if you come to Nigeria, you must go to some place other than Abuja to experience life in Nigeria. Nigerians are very friendly and hospitable. They expect you to try new things and you definitely will have an experience outside of your comfort zone. There is so much to see and do here, and there is so much more than meets the eye. The markets, the festivals, the music, the scenery and nature are so different and glorious. Nigeria is much like the US because there are so many parts and regions and each is so different.
CTN: They often say Nigeria is not on the tourism belt, what do you think Nigeria can do to change this?
Kate Hallet:
They can make tourist visas easier or make them available when you land. They can encourage tourism by doing ad campaigns in other countries or even encourage domestic tourism amongst Nigerians and those in the Diaspora who come home to visit. They can host more festivals or events to encourage those from outside as well. For example, Farin Ruwa is the tallest Waterfall in West Africa yet it is very difficult to reach because of the terrain. Even with the difficult terrain it’s only a four-hour drive one way from Abuja. If they fixed the road and tarred it, it would take far less. It’s amazing there and very people go to visit and I think the cost for an entire group of people is only a couple thousand Naira. If you have never been, you should go. Also, events like the Ake Festival in Abeokuta are something that could attract a lot of visitors and shine a great light on Nigeria.
Read more of Kate Hallet’s interview inside 13th edition of CometoNigeria Magazine
To feature on our website and magazine, please email us at cometonigeria@googlemail.com