One of the interesting facts about Nigeria is that the country started out as a business strategy.
Oh, no? You want to disagree? Why do you think the British came to colonize the country? Out of the goodness of their large hearts? Lol. Where other countries were born out of shared ideas and common identities, Naija was a business venture.
So, you can see now say we get confirm information for you; no be by mouth. After reading, your thirst go quench (no need to say amen).
Biography of Nigeria
Interesting facts about Nigeria would be incomplete without a short story about the country before and after independence.
Before Nigeria, we had the Northern and Southern protectorates as distinct states. In 1914, Lord Luggard amalgamated these protectorates, birthing Nigeria. British Journalist, Flora shaw coined the name Nigeria due to the connection with the great River Niger.
During British rule, Nigeria began to gain global recognition for its endowment of natural resources. There was sequential growth in the country’s economy and business seemed to be going well for the British. At that point, many African countries were in the fight for freedom and independence from colonial masters. It was time for the Giant of Africa to awaken.
Three distinct people pioneered the fight for independence:
These fathers fought for Nigeria’s independence (not an actual fight like gidigbo, mind you, before you start thinking Awolowo was in the MMA). And on the 1st of October, 1960, Nigeria gained her independence.
At this point, the country had three main ethnic groups:
- Yoruba
- Ibo
- Hausa
Nigeria after Independence
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the first prime minister of Nigeria. And a quick question: is the proportion of land taken up by Hausa and Fulani a coincidence? (Answer it yourself).
As it turned out, the founding fathers were not the saints they initially appeared to be; they all had selfish intentions to monopolize power for themselves and their fellow ethnicities. This caused a ripple effect of corruption, mismanagement of funds, installation of power-hungry leaders, etc.
This incompetence of the civilian leaders led to the advent of military regimes. The military answered the cries of the nation because of the terrible voting processes. In no particular order, the names of these leaders include:
- Major-general Johnson Aguiyi
- General Yakubu Gowon
- General Murtala Mohammed
- Major General Olusegun Obasanjo
- President Shehu Shagari
- Major General-Muhammadu Buhari
- General Ibrahim Babangida
- General Sani Abacha
But, as it turned out, the military became the very evil they were trying to drive out of the country. Just as Obasanjo said, “Anyone who thinks it is possible to reform an evil man is deceiving himself; he himself will become evil”.
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Key Facts about Nigeria
- Nigeria is the most populous African country. As of 2020, the country counts up to 206 million individuals, hence the name “Giant of Africa”.
- It is the 13th biggest country in Africa according to land mass, covering about 923,768km/sq (I thought it would be higher).
- Abuja became the National capital in 1976. Lagos used to be the capital before and still remains Nigeria’s leading commercial and industrial city.
- Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and 500 languages.
- Yakubu Gowon founded the National Youth Service Corps to ensure graduates serve their country. It is one of the few benefits of military rule in Nigeria.
- The creation of the thirty-six states in Nigeria was not immediate. In 1967, Yakubu Gowon dissolved the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Mid-Western region into twelve states in order to achieve power separation, prevent anarchy and solidify his reign.
- General Murtala Mohammed then recreated a new seven states from the already existing twelve established by Gowon.
- General Ibrahim Babangida created two more tallying the total number of states to twenty-one. He proceeded to increase the tally to thirty states on August 27, 1991.
- General Sani Abacha created the thirty-six states we have presently in Nigeria.
The Nigerian National Anthem and Pledge
Pa Odiase composed the national anthem.
The lyrics depict service, loyalty, love, peace, unity, honesty, and justice, characteristics that make a great democratic nation. It’s safe to say Pa Odiase put his visions into songs.
Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin wrote the Nigerian National Pledge. In it, she pledged to be faithful, loyal, and honest and to serve Nigeria with all her strength and defend her unity. This should be the daily saying of a true Nigerian citizen.
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The Nigerian National Flag
In the fight towards independence, it became crucial to establish a “National Planning Committee”. This establishment commenced the search for a national flag. Over 3000 designs were submitted, each design seemingly more complex than the last.
Nigeria would settle for a more explainable and clear design by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi.
These colors were symbolic of the blessings nature provided Nigeria. Green represents Agriculture and White was Akinkumi’s prayer for the country – Peace and Unity.
The story behind Zuma Rock
Along the Abuja-Kaduna road lies Zuma rock, which is one of the biggest tourist attraction spots in Nigeria (literally). Nigerians call it “The gateway to Abuja”
The real question is, what makes Zuma rock so special?
There has been a myth about the landmark. Firstly, the rock has dents all over its surface that look like a crying human face. I was told as a little boy that two lovers fell in love but the community didn’t support their affair. The lovers were murdered and they grew to become Zuma rock as we know it today.
To be more realistic, Zuma rock served as a defensive retreat for the Gbagyi people against intertribal attacks. Natives believe the face represents ancestral powers protecting the community. They also believed the rock was the gateway to the afterlife (It’s not less chilling, uh?).
Whether it is the story of forbidden love or the gods must be crazy, Zuma rock remains a long-lasting tourist attraction in Nigeria.
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Music in Nigeria
In the old days, music was for specific occasions like weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies. It was also used for work; the country has a lot of fertile ground and excellent agricultural export, so the workers would appoint someone musically inclined to hype them up throughout the processes.
However, just like every other facet of life, Nigerian music has evolved through the decades. The diversity in our music ranges from; Jazz, Highlife, Juju, Afrobeat, Fuji and Reggae. The list goes on with combinations such as Afro-juju, and Afro-fuji.
Diversity in Nigerian music primarily stems from differences in ethnicities.
SEE: Top 10 Greatest Nigerian Artists Of All Times
Foods in Nigeria
We’ve all heard of Nigerian Jollof, and how it is better than Ghanaian Jollof.
It’s no news, though, that Nigerian food is a major tourist attraction and one of the best things about the country. Every ethnic group has a food that is peculiar to them. After all said and done, our food is incomparable.
One of the special things about Amala is the way each morsel, wrapped with ewedu and stew, just glides down your throat like Michael Jackson moonwalking.
Isi-ewu, also known as “Goat head” originates from the eastern part of Nigeria. You can never go wrong with isi-ewu when chilling with friends at the bar, or at a party.
I have told myself that no matter how rich I get, I would never top eating wara. You can eat it on its own or as condiments on your food.
This is the celebrity of Nigerian foods. It serves every occasion. You can never go wrong with jollof rice.
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