Hello @bestofbangladesh, I am happy to do my ever first contest in this wonderful community. I hope you enjoy reading through.
My Country
I am from Nigeria, a West African Country was named by Flora Shaw. The name Nigeria emanated from Niger River Area, with "Unity and Faith, Peace and Unity" as it's motto. It consists of 36 states and their capital. The Nigeria capital is located in Abuja, with President Muhammadu Buhari presiding with his vice president Yemi Osibanjo. Nigeria shares borders with Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east and Benin in the west.
Nigeria's major languages are Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. We have over 500 languages, though some are extinct.
Though we have English as an official language, Pidgin is now know as Lingua Franca, the unofficial language of Nigerians, it is very rare to go to a place and not see someone not speaking Pidgin language.
One thing I love about my country is the diversity of Nigeria Culture. Nigeria has over 520 languages, 150 dialects and ethnic groups. The most popular groups are the Hausas found in the Northern part of Nigeria. The Yorubas that dominate the South West and the Igbos dominating the Southeast. Other ethnic groups include that is recognized are the Kanuris in the Northeast, the Tiv found in the North Central and the Ibibio/Efik/Annang occupying the South South. That is not to say that other groups are not noticed but they are mainly in the minority.
Why do you love it?
The fact that each ethnic group has its own uniqueness that it carries. From its languages/dialects, to their African attires, the foods. Their festivals that features different dance steps and singing in their different arrays of asoebi attire. Their displays of the crafty power. The Yorubas train their male children to prostate and the females to kneel on the floor when greeting an elderly person
[Image Source]
(https://m.guardian.ng/life/traditional-marriage-rites-in-nigeria/)(Marriage Dowry presented by the groom to the bride's family)
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(Yoruba Wedding Prostration)
Is this something that has a long history in your country?
From ages past, Nigeria is and always will be in existence, known for their party nature. Nigerians love having fun and you will see it in the way the women must appear in their asoebi attire each different groups looking colourful and men in their flowing agbadas. The Igbos are popular for their "Omugwo" which happens when a married woman gives birth, she is treated to a special treatment of dishes and pampering to freshen up the mother and her baby. The New yam festivals which is usually celebrated from June to September depending on the village to celebrate the bountiful yam harvest.
Popular festivals include
- Traditional marriage (Igbankwu)
- Traditional Retirement (Igbankwu Uche)
- Ikeji Arondizuogu
- Ofala Festival
- New Yam festivals
- Argungun fishing festivals( Africa's largest fishing celebration)
- Ayo Festival
- Calabar carnival
- Felabration
- Lagos Black Heritage Festival. To name but a few.
Image Source
Argungun Fishing Festivals
Can you enjoy it?
If I don't enjoy it, who will? It is part preserving the culture handed over from our fore-fathers. It gives one the opportunity to be noticed for persons displaying their works to being recognised all over the world. It is worth experiencing.
Thank you @bestofbangladesh and @steemit once again for this wonderful contest.