
As Nigeria prepares to celebrate another independence anniversary, we have put together some interesting facts about Nigeria which have shaped its development over the last six decades.
1. Nigeria is the 7th most populous country and the world as well as the most populated country in Africa with an estimated population of 200 million people. The country’s citizens also make up 1/5th of the population of black Africans.
2. Seven years after Nigeria’s independence, there was a civil war as the easterners wanted to break away to form Biafra State. The civil war lasted for 3 years and resulted in the death of 2 million people, most of them being women and children that died of starvation.
3. Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999 after a brief civilian government in 1993. Power was transferred to Olusegun Obasanjo from General Absulsalam Abubakar. Nigeria’s current 21-year democratic rule is the longest uninterrupted in the country’s history.
4. In 1983, more than one million immigrants, mostly Ghanaians were ordered to exit the country. This was on short notice due to the bad economic situation of the country. The red and blue bag used by the Ghanaians to carry their belongings was regarded as “Ghana must go”.
5. Among the interesting facts about Nigeria is a change in capital. Lagos was the capital of Nigeria until 1991 when it was moved to Abuja. Lagos remains one of the commercial hubs of the country and one of those most developed states.
6. Nigeria remains a member of the British commonwealth despite gaining independence in 1960. They are in this association with 53 other countries.
Although the country still has some way to go, these interesting facts about Nigeria show that the country is resilient and is capable of great things. Happy Independence Nigerians.
In other news: https://www.naija.fm/naija-news/independence-day-buhari-opts-for-open-air-address-over-national-broadcast/
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