A Cry Of A Nigerian Man Poem by Doreen Mampani

Though my nationality is judged by those who lack knowledge
That many Nigerian men are drug dealers
Believe me, when I tell you my brother
A God-fearing law-abiding Nigerian I am

Trust me, my South African sister, when I say
My marriage to you is not a marriage of convenience
Tomorrow I'll fly you to Nigeria
That you meet my mama in my native land
To assure you that my yes is yes and my no is no

Let me teach you my mother's tongue
While I diligently learn your language, your culture
This I say from the depth of my heart
You are the wife I've asked God for
Far be it from me that I lie before my Creator; before my elders

So proud I am to be a responsible Nigerian
Prejudice against me is due to lack of knowledge
A trustworthy man I am
Today I stand to represent not only Nigeria
But Africa, as an African man

Oh, how I pray on my knees
That perception about Nigerian men be rectified in the world
For some suffered mob justice
For crimes they never committed