The words of Nigeria

Nigeria — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Nigeria, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten.”

Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)

“When a man says yes, his chi (personal god) says yes also.”

Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)

“The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did.”

Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)

“A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.”

Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)

“When the moon is shining the cripple becomes hungry for a walk.”

Source: Igbo proverb, recorded in Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (1958)

“A single tree cannot make a forest.”

Source: Traditional Igbo proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source.”

Source: Traditional Yoruba proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Wherever a man goes to dwell, his character goes with him.”

Source: Traditional Yoruba proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come.”

Source: Traditional African proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“It is not only giants that do great things.”

Source: Traditional Nigerian proverb, public-domain oral tradition