The Strait Times Interview of Pastor John Ekundayo

NIGERIAN PASTOR John Ekundayo (second from right), 47, came to Singapore about three years ago to pursue a master's degree in organizational leadership and do mission work. He says all Nigerians share a hopeful attitude about their lives and future. With him are his wife, Mary, 43, and children (from left) Samuel, 22, Gloria, 11, Grace, eight, and Elizabeth, 14. -- ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG Jan 6, 2008 EXPAT EYE It's hard to keep a happy Nigerian down By Tan Dawn Wei JOHN Ekundayo never used to look people in the eye when he was talking to them. In his home country, that would have been considered rude. But his Singaporean friend told him the opposite was true here. And so the Nigerian has been slowly training his eyes to not look elsewhere while in conversation with someone. 'I'm still getting used to it, but that was a culture shock to me,' said the 47-year-old with a laugh. The youthful-looking African is a pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Katong, where he leads the African Fellowship, which has grown from a handful of church-goers to nearly 100-strong in two years. Nigerians make up the largest number, but there are also South Africans, Ghanaians and Cameroonians in the congregation. Most are students here. The Lagos native - who first came to Singapore nearly three years ago to pursue a master's degree in organisational leadership and do mission work - does not just share God's word with them. He gives his congregation an orientation of Singapore and practical tips like: Don't overstay. 'Many Nigerians hear about Singapore being a First World country and they just want to come. They'll sell their car, house and come with their savings, expecting to find a job and get a new life,' said the father of four whose home is a four-room HDB flat in Ubi. The former civil engineer's appeal to Singaporeans: Give Africans equal opportunity here, especially when it comes to work. 'There are some jobs Singaporeans don't want to take, like those that require physical strength. Employ the Africans!' Q What's the best line to use on people who say all Nigerians are scammers? A I think they're naive and uninformed and I'll tell them that a few bad apples do not make the whole pack bad. In any case, in every society and nation, there are always a few bad examples. Q Tell us a little-known fact about Nigeria. A Nigerians were once voted the happiest people on earth. There is that hopeful attitude in every Nigerian even when the situation is really nothing to write home about. Most Nigerians are realists who also firmly believe that they can make it even under adverse circumstances. Q The Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, produces over 2,000 movies each year. What kind of film gets Nigerians flocking to the cinemas? A Most movies in Nigeria are actually home videos and they basically address the family and society both at home and abroad with some humour. This is one of the reasons why Nollywood is making waves in the United States and Europe, where many Nigerians are residing. Nollywood is the third-largest film industry in the world after Hollywood and Bollywood. Q With an estimated population of 140 million and rising, how do you suggest the country cope with this explosive growth? A There was a time when we had a government that promoted a campaign of four children per family. This really worked then as the economy was in a downturn. People in traditional Nigerian society love to have many children, especially males. A marriage that produces no child is considered cursed! What I think the present government under President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua - who is doing well - should cap it at three children per family and impose a tax on anyone wanting more. Q How do you tell a Nigerian apart from other Africans? A An average Nigerian is full of life and likes to express himself boldly, confidently and cheerfully. Most Nigerians won't keep to themselves. They like to interact, ask questions and may talk loudly. We like also to banter and exchange jokes. Q There's a proverb in Nigeria that goes: 'The frog does not jump in the daytime without reason.' Please enlighten. A It is like saying, there's no smoke without fire. dawntan@sph.com.sg TIP If you need help settling into Singapore, visit Cornerstone Community Church at Odeon-Katong shopping Complex.