“We’re Bleeding, Not Laughing!” Nigerians Slam U.S. Over New Skit Competition
.......As U.S. Mission Nigeria Unveils “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria” Skit Contest to Celebrate U.S.–Nigeria Creativity, Innovation
By Passman Akpos
The U.S. Mission Nigeria has rolled out a nationwide digital campaign titled the “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria Social Media Skit Contest,” a fresh initiative aimed at showcasing how American products, brands, technology, and ideas inspire creativity and drive progress across Nigerian communities.
Running from December 1 to December 8, 2025, the contest calls on Nigerian youth to produce 90-second vertical skits that creatively highlight the positive role U.S. innovations play in business, education, technology, entertainment, and community development.
Participants must post their original videos publicly on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, tagging @USinNigeria and including the campaign hashtags #MadeInAmericaLovedInNigeria and #TradeThatTransforms. Entries are required to be original, accompanied by a completed official entry form, and submitted with a signed eligibility and release form
Eligibility and Judging
The contest is open to Nigerian citizens aged 18–45 residing in Nigeria. Submissions will be pre-screened to ensure compliance and judged on creativity, relevance to the theme, storytelling strength, technical quality, and audience engagement.
Winners will be announced on December 12, 2025, via the U.S. Mission Nigeria’s social media platforms.
Prizes
Top creators will receive high-end production tools, including:
Sony A7 IV Creative Bundle
Sony A7 III
iPhone 16 + Handheld Gimbal
Beyond equipment, winners will also enjoy creative mentorship opportunities and features across U.S. Mission Nigeria’s social media channels.
According to the Mission, the project aligns with its commitment to deepen cultural and economic ties, support Nigeria’s growing creative economy, and celebrate the bold, innovative energy of Nigerian youth.
Full contest rules and submission details are available at madeinamericalovedinnigeria.com, with inquiries directed to enquiries
madeinamericalovedinnigeria.com.
Mixed Reactions From Nigerians
As the announcement circulated online, Nigerians expressed a storm of diverse opinions — from excitement and patriotism to sharp criticism and frustration over national challenges.
Some questioned the concept entirely:“How about Made in Nigeria and loved by Americans?” one user asked, arguing the exchange should be mutual.Another said, “This is ridiculous. Are Nigerians only good for making skits? Why not tech competitions?”
Others embraced the idea with enthusiasm:“This is very innovative. Many Nigerian creatives will participate. I’m a brand strategist — happy to offer ideas,” a commenter wrote.
Patriotic and emotional sentiments also emerged:One respondent praised American craftsmanship:“My tie is made in America and reminds me of America’s readiness to defend oppressed peoples. Trump’s promise to save Christians in Nigeria gives me hope.”
Another added:
“This perfume was sent to me from America. Once it’s from America, it’s 100% original. America spec is real.”
Some shared broader reflections on global trade:A former worker in a Chinese firm in Ghana recounted how U.S. companies outsource manufacturing to China, urging America to invest more directly in African labour opportunities.
Others shifted attention to Nigeria’s insecurity:“Benue is bleeding. Kogi is suffering. Nigeria needs real help. Who is even happy enough to make skits?” another wrote, expressing frustration that a creative contest was being announced at a time of national crisis.
And among the humour, confusion remained:“U.S. Mission Nigeria and you didn’t tell us what to win? I already have my video ready!”(Though the Mission did — with top-tier gadgets and mentorship opportunities.)
The skit contest, while designed to be lighthearted and uplifting, has clearly tapped into deeper debates about identity, innovation, insecurity, creativity, and the evolving cultural relationship between Nigeria and the United States — ensuring the conversation around it will continue long after the winning videos are uploaded.
