By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

In many Western societies, immigration remains a contentious issue. News headlines often paint a grim picture, associating immigrants with crime, economic strain, and cultural conflicts. However, beyond the stereotypes and political debates, there lies the real human struggle of individuals seeking to integrate, contribute, and belong.

For Nigerian writer Hope Oby Nwosu, who now resides in Finland with her family, the question isn’t whether immigrants should be accepted but how they can be empowered to thrive. In a recent thought-provoking LinkedIn post, Nwosu explored the fundamental issue of who is deemed worthy to live in Finland and who is not. Her reflections struck a chord, sparking an outpouring of shared experiences from immigrants navigating the complex realities of settling into Finnish society.

The Silent Struggles of Integration

While Finland is known for its world-class education system and high standard of living, many immigrants find themselves hitting an invisible ceiling—one that prevents them from fully participating in society.

“People receive high-quality education in Finland but are denied the opportunity to put their skills to use and contribute meaningfully,” Nwosu stated. This reality has led to an increasing trend where skilled immigrants, despite years of study and training in Finland, leave the country in search of better career prospects elsewhere.

This is not just a personal concern but a national one. Finland, like many European nations, is grappling with an aging population. The need for a strong international workforce is evident, yet the systems in place do not fully support immigrant inclusion.

Beyond Stereotypes: Practical Solutions for Integration

Hope Oby Nwosu does not merely highlight the problem—she offers solutions based on her personal journey from feeling like a “bad” immigrant to becoming a “good” immigrant who actively contributes to society. She outlines four key areas where Finland can improve immigrant integration:

  1. Two-Way Integration: Successful integration is not a one-sided effort. While immigrants are expected to learn the language and adapt, the native population also has a role to play. Nwosu stresses that learning Finnish in a classroom is not enough—immigrants need opportunities to practice the language in everyday life. Finns, in turn, must be open to engaging with immigrants beyond transactional interactions.
  2. Practical Language Learning: Too often, Finnish language education focuses on theory rather than real-world application. “Language is meant for communication,” Nwosu says, emphasizing the need for a more interactive and functional approach to language teaching.
  3. Equal Employment Opportunities: “I am yet to meet an immigrant who doesn’t want to work and contribute to society,” Nwosu remarks. Yet, many are denied opportunities, pushed into low-skilled jobs far below their qualifications. A fairer system that recognizes and utilizes immigrant skills would benefit both individuals and Finland’s economy.
  4. Representation in Decision-Making: Despite Finland’s growing multicultural identity, diversity is rarely reflected in leadership positions. Immigrants are overrepresented in low-income jobs but underrepresented in areas where policies are made. Nwosu believes that a truly inclusive society must embrace diversity at all levels, from politics to business leadership.

Creating an Environment Where Dreams Can Thrive

The conversation about immigration often revolves around “good” vs. “bad” immigrants—those seen as contributing versus those who are not. But Nwosu challenges this perspective. Instead of focusing on classifying immigrants, she argues that Finland should invest in creating an environment where people can thrive.

“The emphasis should not be on labeling immigrants but on fostering a society where everyone has the chance to succeed,” she asserts.

As Finland looks to the future, addressing these issues isn’t just about fairness—it’s about survival. With labor shortages and demographic challenges looming, the country cannot afford to overlook the potential of its immigrant population.

Hope Oby Nwosu’s insights serve as a wake-up call—not just for Finland, but for any society grappling with the question of who belongs and who doesn’t. Her message is clear: an inclusive Finland is a stronger Finland.

#Immigration #Workforce #EqualOpportunity #Representation #Multiculturalism

 

Stockfish: A Cultural Staple in Nigeria and Its Nordic Origins

 

Stockfish, a cherished delicacy for the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria and their Niger Delta counterparts, holds a significant place in Nigerian cuisine. Its popularity soared following the Nigerian Civil War, when it became a vital source of protein to combat malnutrition-related diseases such as kwashiorkor and beriberi, which plagued the region. This traditional fish, which has been a staple in Nigerian diets for decades, is often thought to be dried using modern ovens. However, the process of making stockfish is deeply rooted in age-old techniques from its Nordic origins, particularly from Sweden and Finland.

The Traditional Drying Process

Stockfish’s journey from the Nordic countries to Nigerian tables is steeped in history. The traditional drying of stockfish, especially in Norway, has been a time-honored practice for centuries. The process involves air-drying fish outdoors, a method that has been used for generations. Historically, the stomachs of sea lions were employed to store and dry the fish, though this practice ceased in the 1800s due to the need to kill the sea lions, which was deemed unsustainable.

 

The process of drying stockfish in Norway is notable for its simplicity and effectiveness. Fresh fish is hung on wooden racks and left to dry in the open air. This technique relies on the natural cold and dry climate of the Nordic countries to preserve the fish, ensuring that it remains edible for extended periods. The result is a product that retains its flavor and nutritional value, making it ideal for long journeys and storage.

Stockfish’s Introduction to Nigeria

The introduction of stockfish to Nigeria dates back to around 1880. During this period, the practice of importing stockfish became a vital component of Nigerian diets, particularly in the South Eastern regions and the Niger Delta. The protein-rich fish provided a crucial nutritional supplement in the aftermath of the Civil War, helping to address widespread deficiencies and improve the health of many Nigerians.

Today, stockfish continues to be a beloved ingredient in Nigerian cuisine, featured in a variety of traditional dishes. Its journey from the Nordic lands to Nigerian tables highlights a rich history of cultural exchange and adaptation. The enduring popularity of stockfish in Nigeria is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its people, who have embraced this import as a vital part of their culinary heritage.

As we reflect on the journey of stockfish from its origins in the cold climates of Scandinavia to its prominent place in Nigerian kitchens, we celebrate not only a culinary tradition but also a symbol of cultural connection and continuity.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

Victor Nwadinobi, CEO of Greenmouse Technologies, an innovative indigenous ICT firm based in Ikeja, Lagos, recently discussed the company’s latest web deployment project aimed at the Nigerian diaspora, particularly those residing in Europe.

In a recent media briefing, Nwadinobi elaborated on the significance of this initiative. “We have worked diligently on a web application project that unites all Igbo unions in Germany,” he stated. “This web portal, named Ndi Igbo in Germany, is designed to efficiently manage all members through a comprehensive backend dashboard.”

This platform is more than just a digital space; it represents a significant step in connecting the Nigerian community abroad, providing a seamless means for cultural and social engagement. Greenhouse Technologies’ efforts are breaking new ground, transcending geographical borders and reinforcing connections among Nigerians living in Europe.

Nwadinobi emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to foster unity and community spirit among Nigerians abroad. “Greenhouse Technologies is truly crossing borders with this initiative,” he concluded, highlighting the company’s vision to extend its digital solutions globally.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

This platform is more than just a digital space; it represents a significant step in connecting the Nigerian community abroad, providing a seamless means for cultural and social engagement. Greenhouse Technologies’ efforts are breaking new ground, transcending geographical borders and reinforcing connections among Nigerians living in Europe.

 

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