Howdy Y'all and How Many Nigerians Does Houston Hold?
Texas, a land of big hats, bigger steaks, and apparently, a whole lot of Nigerians! That's right, Houston, the Bayou City itself, boasts the largest Nigerian population outside of Nigeria. Now that's a mouthful, but trust me, it's delicious gossip like gumbo.
So, how many Nigerians are we talking about? Buckle up, partner, because the numbers get crazier than a rodeo clown on a sugar rush.
- The Official Count: The 2020 census clocked in at 34,937 Nigerian-Americans calling Houston home. That's a heaping helping of jollof rice worth celebrating!
- The Unofficial Buzz: But hold on to your Stetsons, folks. Whispers on the wind (and by wind, we mean the internet) suggest the number might be closer to 150,000 in the Greater Houston area. Now that's a stampede of Nigerians!
Why the Lone Star State for Nigerians?
Why all the love for Houston? Well, it ain't just for the sweet tea (although that probably helps). Here's the lowdown:
-
The Oil Connection: Nigeria's a big exporter of oil, and Houston's a major energy hub. Makes perfect sense, Nigerians and oil go together like cowboys and boots.
-
Hakeem's Magic Touch: Remember Hakeem Olajuwon, the legendary Houston Rockets basketball player? Turns out, he might have unknowingly started a trend. Some folks say his success put Houston on the map for Nigerians.
-
Opportunity Awaits: Houston's booming economy and job market are like a giant welcome sign for ambitious Nigerians seeking a brighter future.
-
The Sunshine State...of Texas?: Okay, so Texas doesn't exactly border the beach, but Houston's warm climate sure beats shoveling snow, right?
A Nigerian Oasis in Texas
So, what does this mean for Houston? A vibrant and growing Nigerian community! Alief, a Houston neighborhood, is practically Nigerian central, with shops, restaurants, and a cultural scene as rich as a pot of okra stew.
Houston's got its cowboys, sure, but it's also got a strong Nigerian flavor. And you know what? That's a mighty fine thing.
