That Nigerians have a knack for new technology and inventions of the jet age is no news. Our grasp for inventions the world of information technology cannot be rivalled – at least by or neighbouring western African counterparts. It is, in fact, under estimated. It has been just over a decade that GSM was introduced to the country and it seems it has been here forever. One cannot imagine what it will be like without a phone today. I just finished a chat session with an old friend in the US, rewind 12 years and I would have had to queue up before making a call…naaaah!!! We had the privilege of a "land line", but I remember people scheduled dates and time so they could come in and speak to their loved ones abroad. All that is the past now. If one needs to speak to a friend or relation, one need not call. You can just “ping” and you’re on! Thanks to the Blackberry device. Those at Research in Motion “no know wetin dem don cause for Naija”. "BB", as they call it here, is the new craze.
RIM has probably hatched the best coup in mobile telephony as other mobile phone companies are scrambling with inventions to rival what a “BB” offers. The device itself offers a lot; for the business executive, it is the perfect assistant as it helps him/her prepare and network business deals. Also the random guy has a lot to benefit from its features and functions; email access, instant messaging, RRS feeds, e.t.c. Nigerians have, in our traditional way, caught the buzz as it’s no longer “fancy” if you using a N**** or a S*** E****** phone ( I bet you know what I mean, I no wan write am full…make I no downgrade dem…jasi?). The mobile phone operators also have, quickly, put in place the services they’ll require. It sometimes seem these services has long been in existence, but it is barely 3 years.
“Darling when are you going to buy me a BB?” is the common question thrown at the guys now. Almost every Nigerian girl wants a BB! Guys too are not left out, most people just want to “feel among”. There are many things people see as security. To some, it might be a Swiss bank account, a yacht, a mansion in Abuja, a pair of Gucci shoes….and, yes, to others security is owning a Blackberry. They feel complete with it. Life becomes better as they can now “fit in”.
It is, albeit unconsciously, a Nigerian culture - most of us live above our income! So a guy that is in school probably gets a BB for himself and the girlfriend goes crazy, so he gets one for her to not minding that it’ll cost ten thousand Naira for subscription. Most people do not subscribe - they use it as an ordinary phone. Our (pronounced: awa) girls don device means o… when they start being friendly towards the end of the month its subscription time. That “pingy pingy” pal on your Blackberry IM list…even with no strings attached….you know how the thing go?
Whatever happened to good old texting? Now the babe you meet at the movies asks for your PIN. Some even lie about the Blackberry thing…imagine a babe saying she bought hers but would get the PIN next week? Sheeesh! Fake status messages and all that crap. Some broadcast thrash and “threaten” ill finances to people who do not keep the broadcast going. I ask one thing; shey God no dey before we start dey use BB? Some unrealistic Pharisees no go let man rest!
The Blackberry “culture” has come to stay…like its predecessors: the internet and GSM. I remember vividly going to cafés with friends to watch new videos online and send emails. It was quite novel then and we “catched” our fun doing it. Then, the GSM wave took over, and one could literally get everything on a platter of gold if one could boast a phone. The offshoots info- tech breakthroughs are now deeply entrenched in nucleus of our society, and those who have utilized it 's business acumen have made serious profits. While others have just enjoyed the ease it has brought to their lives. It’s now the turn of the BB…Brace yourself, don't get knocked down while pinging....try also not to spend all your income on "pingment" (subscription). I wonder what's next? God help us all!
P.S. Can I get your PIN(g)?
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