Nigeria is a country in West Africa and it is home to over 181 million people. I think Nigeria has a lot of potential with its large population, rich history and culture. Some of Nigeria’s current issues include economic problems like poverty, corruption and ethnic conflict.
However, despite these issues there are many great things about Nigeria that make me proud to be Nigerian including Freedom!!!: Unlike some countries where freedom of speech and expression isn't celebrated, citizens in Nigeria are able to express themselves freely without fear. This isn't because our government encourages freedom, but because we have been taught freedom from an early age by our parents and peers.
This value for freedom is one reason why we remain so resilient as a nation through tough times. Our resilience also stems from a belief that anything can happen in Nigeria which means no matter how hard things seem today tomorrow may bring something better (the opposite could also happen).
Source
There are many things that I love about my country, Nigeria. The following are three of the reasons why I love it so much.
Diversity
From its impressive and unique cultural heritage to its great mix of people from different ethnicities and religions, Nigeria is one of Africa’s most diverse countries. With over 500 languages spoken by Nigerians and a variety of ethnic groups that each have their own customs and traditions, there’s a lot to appreciate about just how diverse our country is.
The variety within our borders also extends into our wildlife; with animals like giraffes, monkeys, elephants and zebras roaming around freely in some of Nigeria’s national parks. Sure, it may take a few days to get accustomed to life here but once you do you’ll never look back! There’s no place quite like home after all...
Ingenuity
One of Nigeria’s greatest assets is our creativity and ingenuity. We are not afraid to make do with what we have on hand; we use every opportunity at our disposal to foster growth and innovation in our country.
Whether it’s writing code that allows a business to serve customers without internet access or installing solar panels on top of homes as a low-cost solution for power generation—Nigerians are always coming up with creative ways to solve their problems. This attitude has made us highly sought after by organizations around the world that value creative problem solving and dedication.
Many Nigerians go abroad seeking greener pastures but many end up staying abroad after experiencing other cultures that lack our unique strengths like hard work, passion, resilience and resourcefulness.
History
The British proclaimed Lagos a city on August 21, 1861. The formal ceremony of transferring the territory to Great Britain was held at Eko (Lagos) on February 28, 1862. The colony was under indirect rule until 1893 when most powers were transferred to elected representatives in Lagos Colony and Lagos Colony Councils.
When southern and northern protectorates were combined in May 1914 as Southern Nigeria Governor’s Province (the northern part retained its name), a Resident Commissioner from Northern Nigeria served as ex-officio Lieutenant Governor of Southern Nigeria with responsibility for foreign relations with other countries.
In June 1922, Sir Donald Cameron became governor of both Northern and Southern Provinces.
In October 1946, these two provinces were merged into an independent federation called Nigeria.
On October 1st 1960, Nigeria gained full independence from Britain after 57 years of self government. This date is celebrated as Independence Day. Nigeria joined Commonwealth of Nations on December 13th 1961.
Since then, there have been three more handovers between military rulers and democratically elected leaders: Abacha handed over power to Abdulsalam Abubakar in 1998; Abdulsalam handed over power to Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999; and Umaru Yar'Adua handed over power to Goodluck Jonathan in 2010.
Also since 1999, Nigeria has witnessed one peaceful transfer of power from one civilian president to another through elections which is seen by many as a democratic milestone for Africa's most populous nation.
Now, we are free to be what we want and express ourselves how we want.
There are no rules set on us about how we should live our lives or where we should live it. We can freely do what we love without being persecuted for it.
There are many reasons why someone would choose to love their country. For me, one of the reasons is because my country has a history steeped in tradition and culture. This is especially true for those who have been living in different parts of our nation for generations.
In fact, even though each tribe has its own story on how they came to be where they currently reside; more often than not there is always something about common ground.
There's a reason people chose to stay within their borders as opposed to move on after settling in a place - because it's special and beautiful.
3 Changes I Would Love to See in Nigeria
I have lived in Nigeria all my life, and I can say that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, but when it comes to the economy, the government and corruption, our country is one of the worst there is.
However, I do believe that Nigeria can make changes to be more like a developed country. If we implemented these three changes, I think we would be much better off than we are now.
End Corruption
NIGERIA IS A RICH COUNTRY, with oil, gas and gold reserves worth $1 trillion. But too much of that wealth is siphoned off by corrupt officials.
Many people believe that in order for Africa’s largest country to thrive, it needs an anticorruption campaign at home and better relations with its neighbors—particularly oil-rich Angola. That would free up funds for domestic projects like building new roads, schools and hospitals.
It’s vital that Nigeria help build stability within its borders as well as on its borders; most countries cannot progress without strong leadership at home. But that can happen only if public officials are held accountable for their actions. (That will also encourage private companies to do business in Nigeria.)
Corruption has deep roots in Nigerian society, but there are steps we can take to reverse it. There must be consequences for corruption: Expel corrupt leaders from office (and ban them from future office).
Investigate allegations of corruption against all elected and appointed officials, including members of Parliament and local councilors. Improve financial controls over government spending.
Create independent agencies dedicated to investigating corruption charges against high-level government officials—and give those agencies real powers to investigate, arrest and prosecute those suspected of graft.
Make sure that everyone who files a complaint about corruption is protected from retaliation or intimidation. And don’t just target small fry; go after big fish, too. Make sure that when someone goes to jail for stealing money, he stays there. And when he gets out, he should have no access to his ill-gotten gains or any state resources whatsoever. That includes no pension, no post-office box and no health care benefits.
If you want to fight corruption in Nigeria (and elsewhere), start demanding accountability now! Demand your right as a citizen to know how your tax dollars are being spent – demand transparency! Demand accountability! Demand change!
Improve Education
The lack of good-quality education is one of our biggest problems. Although it's easy to blame teachers and parents, many schools are poorly funded and understaffed—particularly rural ones. As more parents in Nigeria choose private schools, public schools continue to suffer.
Many Nigerians also work overseas for years at a time, meaning that a child’s only chance for an education is if his or her parents take on extra jobs or pay for private lessons themselves.
If we want our future generations to compete with other countries and become global leaders, improving our education system should be priority number one. This can be done by increasing funding, better managing our schools and encouraging businesses to invest in their local communities by donating books and supplies. This would have a direct impact on children all over Nigeria who struggle daily just to get access to an education.
Encourage Startups
As a developing economy, it’s no surprise that small businesses are limited. If we want change and more options for entrepreneurs, we have to encourage startups in our country.
As unemployment rates grow, we can expect that many of those underemployed will look toward starting their own business to supplement their income or quit altogether.
As one of those potential entrepreneurs, it’s important for us to recognize that startups have multiple benefits for your community at large: they reduce crime by offering jobs and use local resources like services, materials and labor; they create opportunities for otherwise unemployed people; they foster job growth; they increase diversity as well as competition between companies—and so on. But do these companies start with our support?
Startups need access to startup capital, legal advice and help navigating regulations. They also need mentors who have been there before. So if you see an opportunity for improvement in your city, consider helping out where you can. You might just be able to make a difference.
Conclusions
As I end my post, there's nothing more that makes me prouder than being Nigerian. #NGR!
Hello, Nigeria is an incredible country, what I liked the most that you have explained is about the ingenuity of its inhabitants. It's great when people are creative and learn that everything can change from one moment to another, and be prepared for the changes that may come.
I would also love to experience what you have said about the animals roaming the places in the parks.
I hope you can see the changes you want in your country in politics, education.
Thanks for sharing.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for being here and finding this place beautiful. I also hope that things change here. Thhank you again, steem on!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I really enjoyed reading your entry @steemtopus, you have said nothing but the truth.
Remember what SC01 said about the formats of your post.
Please try to leave paragraphs so that your article can be enjoyed by others too.
Thanks again, keep steeming hot 🔥🔥🔥
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Than you for calling my attention to that. It's feels easier to read with more white spaces. I appreciate your commennt. Let us all keep winning, cheers!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It's nothing friend, that's why we are here, to help each other win ✅
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Que gran publicación amigo
Acá nos demuestras y te leo con mucho cariño todas las bellas palabras hacía tu país
Me encanta en especial de que hablas de que es un país con mucha diversidad, hablar 500 idiomas es muchísimo y que sean un país con una diversidad de fauna me dan hasta ganas de visitarte
Y bueno por como leo es un país con problemas similares a los que se viven acá en Latinoamérica. Hacer mención de corrupción, formar nuevas empresas para crear producción y una mejora de calidad educativa son puntos claves para el avance de un país.
Disfruté mucho tu publicación, te deseo éxitos en el concurso
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank for being here and actually liking my post. I have lived here all my life. There are beautiful cultures and diversity. While it has many problems, it is a great country to visit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
By reading your post I came to the point that you have a beautiful country and beautiful people. The diversity and the history are amazing. You people are blessed.
And yes you have mentioned corruption the same issue we are having in our country. All we need is a corruption-free country.
Thank you for sharing about your country.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Well, since everyone wish for a corrupt-free country, we need to check ourselves and change. Humans cause corruption and it keeps getting bad because of our greed. Although nothing changes overnight, i would love our nations to become better and beautiful. Thank you for visiting my post. Steem on!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It’s only a patriotic citizen who sees the good and definitely the bad sides of his our her motherland.
With all being said, I love the end corruption part.
Corruption is like a decay tooth, it spoils the utter state of your month. When corruption is able to be managed in this county like mine Ghana we would be great In sha Allah.
Thanks for sharing.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Everyone who's commented are pointing out corruption especially. Maybe it can be concluded that it's everywhere. I hope this can be changed in the nearest future so that we all have a better home to live in. Thank you for visiting my post.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nigeria as a countfy has enough potentials to be great and rival both America and china on the global scale.
All Nigeria needs is time.
It is evident that with good government, good education and love being shown to start up we would be able to make a better country.
I read on the news recently that Nigeria is rated one of the worst places for ease of doing business this is very disheartening as most times creative starts up never reach thier full potential before they are Crushed
With this alone it becomes evident as why Nigeria is still a third world country .
Like you have said we are all proud Nigerians
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It is so amazing to see love for our country dear friend @steemtopus
Well, i sincerly wish i could say same, all the best in the engagement challenge. I do not know if time will permit me to make entries for the challenge but definitely i will do my bits.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for having the consideration of joining the contests at least, i hope you are able to make out some times and join all of us at the engagement league. Steem on!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Can i get your whatsapp or discord?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Here, WhatsApp number:
09028049822
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
About creativity of people from Nigeria, this remember me the same aspect from the citizens of Cuba for sure. They do all the possibility for achieve anything with few resources and that's very admirable from their part. Of course it's needed more incentive to bull economy of nation through the support to startups that shows the mentioned creativity and good vibes to develop a great country like Nigeria. Regards. #venezuela #affable
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yea, Cuba is also a great country that works hard and look for solutions to thier problems. It is indeed an admirable character that requires mental toughness and resilience. Thank you for being here. I am now following you, you might as well follow back, cheers.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Sure 😊 the idea is create more feed back in the Blockchain. See you soon through the rest of contests.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are very correct when it especially in the area of poor funding of education I believe that has a negative impact on the leaders of tomorrow so to speak and looking at our country we are far behind on technological advancements all this could easily be corrected if our leaders mind are in the right place as I believe our country is a very rich and blessed country with many mineral resources and wonderful and jovial people
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The education system in Nigeria is a joke I would really like to see it improved also.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Funny you find it to be a jike. Nigerians are talented and doing well in every aspect of life and in different countries even with out poor educational system and Government's lackadaisical attitude towards improving things. Imagine having a good educational system then the sky will be our starting point, thank you for being here.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nigeria is a country with different culture just as your entry said i also wish that we can tackle the area of insecurity in the country
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Well-done bro, this is a very nice article on our country Nigeria. Ending corruption and encouraging start-ups is a great change I will like to see happen in Nigeria. Corruption is one factor that has to be dealt with in Nigeria, even if it can't be totally wiped out at least it should be reduced. It is actually what is eating up the country. I pray that we see these changes in Nigeria.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
The lack of good-quality education is one of our biggest problems. I support you bro that is a good points
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello dear @steemtopus, you have made a very wonderful publication about your country.
You've covered every aspect of the country in great detail. You have made some excellent proposals for improving the country.
I have also made my post about my country. Hope you will like to read my publication.
wish you good luck for the contest.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for taking part in the contest.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit