In a recent Facebook post, SunJohn Nwose, a notable public figure, shared his thoughts on the similarities between Houston, Texas, and Lagos, Nigeria, claiming that the U.S. city is essentially a “modified Lagos.” Nwose, speaking from his perspective, highlighted the striking similarities between the two cities, particularly in terms of their Nigerian influence.
“When I said Houston is a glorified Lagos, modified Lagos, you guys thought I was bugging. You guys thought I was over-exaggerating things,” Nwose said, emphasizing the Nigerian presence and cultural impact in Houston.
He then pointed out that the Redeemed Christian Church in Houston, which he described as the largest church in the city, is Nigerian-owned. “This is the Redeemed Christian church here in Houston. The biggest church in Houston is a Nigerian-owned church. What’s going on?” he questioned, further drawing attention to the significant Nigerian influence in the area.
Nwose continued by comparing the size of the church in Houston to that of stadiums, saying, “Church is bigger than stadium. Church is bigger than stadium. What’s going on? Church is like a national stadium, bro.” His comparison illustrated his belief that Houston reflects much of what people experience in Lagos, but in a more modernized context.
He then added, “See church. Church is bigger than Nigeria. National stadium. Church in Houston, America.” Nwose appeared to marvel at the scale of the church, drawing parallels between it and national landmarks in Nigeria.
Nwose also challenged people’s perception of what it means to be in the U.S., stating, “This is not Lagos. This is Houston. Glorified Lagos. You are not in America. You are just in a modern Lagos. You run away from a traditional Lagos to a modern Lagos.” He further stated, “The difference between Lagos and Houston is just the modality you get from pointing out.”
The vastness of the church in Houston seemed to particularly capture Nwose’s attention, as he continued: “This church has more than 55 gates. Gates 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 50, Gate 55. What’s going on, bro?” He emphasized the impressive scale of the church, noting its resemblance to national sports stadiums.
In his reflection on life in Houston, Nwose remarked, “Listen, bro, you are not depressed. You are just in the wrong state. I’m telling you, son. Joe, there is no life in America, bro. You are just in the wrong state.”
He further underscored the connection between Houston and Nigeria, saying, “Coming to Houston is like traveling to an upgraded Nigeria. Like glorified Nigeria, Refine Nigeria, Structurize Nigeria.” Nwose went on to state that the Redeemed Christian Church in Houston is the second-largest of its kind after the one in Nigeria, reaffirming his belief that Houston is a reflection of Nigeria’s modernization.
“See compound,” Nwose added, suggesting that even the physical infrastructure in Houston bears resemblance to that of Lagos.
Nwose’s post paints a vivid picture of the influence Nigerians have had on Houston, as he draws comparisons between the U.S. city and Lagos, Nigeria. It also sparks a discussion about how cultural influence transcends borders and how cities can mirror each other, especially in the context of large immigrant communities.
Source: FB | SunJohn Nwose | https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KPo6wZC4d/
