Two American tourists, Liza Gatsby and Peter Jenkins, recently shared their remarkable journey of spending over 36 years in Nigeria, despite originally arriving on 10-day transit visas in 1988.
Their story was featured in an interview with content creator David Nkwa, which our correspondent monitored on Wednesday.
Initially, Gatsby and Jenkins had no intention of extending their stay in Nigeria. However, they became inspired to contribute to wildlife conservation efforts, particularly in saving drill monkeys. They were captivated by the abundant opportunities in science and conservation, the warm hospitality of Nigerians, and the comparatively favorable living conditions at the time.
“I’ll tell you what I like about Nigerians. They would say, ‘Hey! Oyinbo, come in, sit down, let’s talk. Let me buy you a drink.’ That’s what sets Nigeria apart from other countries in Africa,” Gatsby remarked.
The couple founded a nonprofit organization called Pandas, dedicated to ranching drill monkeys in Bano and Calabar, Cross River State. “I believe no species is more important than another. The drill is a rare species, one of the most endangered animals in Africa, and it’s a privilege to work with them,” Gatsby added.
Jenkins explained their choice of Calabar, noting that it was a key area for drill monkeys. Their research revealed that no scientists or tourists had documented the presence of these animals until 1987, prompting them to engage with local communities and secure funding for conservation efforts.
“I love Nigeria; it’s a great place. When we arrived, Nigeria’s population was around 65 million. The natural resources were abundant, and the wildlife density was remarkable compared to today,” Jenkins reflected. He noted that diesel was incredibly affordable at the time, making their life in Nigeria comfortable.
However, Gatsby voiced concerns about the lack of patriotism among many Nigerians, emphasizing the need for pride in the country’s cultural heritage. “There’s a wealth of knowledge in traditional healing and herbs that is at risk of being lost. Many herbalists lack apprentices, and once they’re gone, that knowledge might vanish,” she warned.
Gatsby also highlighted the influx of imported herbal products, questioning their efficacy compared to Nigeria’s own traditional remedies. “What’s wrong with our traditional ones?” she asked, underscoring the importance of valuing indigenous knowledge and resources.
Their reflections serve not only as a testament to their unexpected journey in Nigeria but also as a call to action for preserving the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
