419 Reasons To Like Nigeria

Nigeria – The Country

36. Nigeria is blessed by all standards. 441 natural resources, more than 400 tribes, we are the happiest people on earth according to a 2003 world survey.

37. Nigeria has got diversity of everything on offer — language (more than two hundred), cuisine, landscape (mangrove swamps, rain-forests, savannah, mountains, and deserts), etc.

38. Nigeria is a country where there’s always something to laugh about. There are dull moments but they never last.

39. Nigeria’s business capital is the city of Lagos, where there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or you’re watching TV, there’s always someone to serve up some drama.

40. The Nigerian Green and White flag is a notable national symbol. The green colour symbolises agriculture, seeing that the country is endowed with masses of arable land, while the white colour signifies unity and peace. Other national symbols include the Nigerian Coat of Arms, which depicts an eagle on a black shield, trisected by two wavy silver bands, and supported on either side by two chargers. The national motto underlies the coat-of -arms: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.” Her national symbols convey great meaning to its people.

41. Nigeria is the land of the politics and the politically informed. Despite a large illiterate population according to statistics, most people listen to the radio and are well informed on things going on around the world. You could even run into a person who knows the capital of the American state of Nebraska. Almost everybody in Nigeria is very interested in politics, especially Nigerian politics. Nigerians are highly opinionated and passionate people. There is nothing lukewarm about being Nigerian.

42. The Nigerian accent is currently ranked by CNN Global Experiences as the 5th sexiest accent in the world.

43. Nigeria is blessed with natural resources, abundant solid minerals and huge potential for growth in the manufacturing industry.

44. Nigeria is described to have one of the most unique names ever for a president – Goodluck Jonathan.

45. Reflecting love for its young ones, Nigeria offers free immunisation under the National Programme for Immunization with an aim to eradicate childhood killer diseases.

46. With regard to preserving her most valued resource, people, the Nigerian National health insurance scheme was established and has enabled more accessibility to healthcare for people and their families at minimal costs.

47. Nigeria is home to Nollywood, one of the world’s biggest film industries.

Nigeria – The Culture, The Food, The Way of Life

48. The cultural energy: An amazing diversity and inventiveness. The ancient Nok, Ife, Benin and Igbo-Ukwu civilisations (with their sophisticated sculptures/metalwork) are all from Nigeria. Nollywood and Afrobeat are Nigerian inventions; the best-known African hiphop stars are Nigerian.

49. Something great to like about Nigeria is our cultural diversity. A strong affinity exists, despite our differences. Learning about other ethnic cultures in my country really helped me personally relate to other cultures when abroad.

50. Nigerian native languages are rich in nuggets of wisdom. The Igbo language especially is known for the massive use of proverbs in regular conversation. Chinua Achebe depicts this in his epic novel ‘Things Fall Apart’: ‘A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness’, ‘The sun will shine on those who stand before it shines on those who kneel under them.

51. Nigeria has a lot of diverse cultures, each with its own intriguing and complex dialect, cultural dishes, folklore, traditional ceremonies (a show of colourful attires), well choreographed dances, poetry and chants which are very entertaining and also comprise a subject of research.

52. Honestly the thing that comes to mind is the amazing variety we have when it comes to food. We are so good when it comes to harnessing the things given to us by nature to make food – Amala, Oka, Egbo, Agbalumo, Koun, Dodo Ikire, Orobo (jumbo Mirinda), Gbegiri, Kulikuli, ipekere (plantain chips), kundi (dried camel meat- tastes like fried beef), Fufu, Ole (beans cake), Abari-maize cake, Rice, Iyan-pounded yam, Kpukpuru-Ilaje food, Abula, Zobo, Bbaba dudu, Pomo, Ewedu, Kilishi all known to the diverse Nigerian communities but probably without easily identifiable English equivalents.

53. We never let an occasion pass without celebrating it. We have greetings for a new month, a new car, your new car; heck, even your new iPad can be a reason to celebrate in Nigeria.

54. Nigerians are very hospitable – to a Nigerian, you don’t have to get an invite to come visiting, you are generally always welcome. I have received warm welcomes from total strangers in different parts of the country from just showing up at their door.

55. Nigerians are very hospitable people. They always take the extra step to make people comfortable and valued. Nigerians are also very respectful people.

56. Respect! In Nigeria, respect for the elders is the norm. A young person will almost always stand up for an elder to sit in a waiting room. I love that.

57. There are not many countries in the world with such unique and diverse cultural heritage – about 400 tribes and languages, thousands of mouth watering and delicious cuisines and above all- a warm, friendly and welcoming people.

58. Whilst she is in need of development in terms of tourism, Nigeria has a rich heritage that goes way. The legends and histories all around the country are unmistakably mind-blowing.

59. Nigerians love partying and every weekend must as a matter of fact brings its own occasion for celebration. One generally does not need an invite to attend a party. One can gatecrash and still be properly received.

60. In most parts of the country, a traveller rarely lacks where to lay his head because the extensive network of family and friends would always throw up someone to provide bed and board even if it’s for a short period.

61. The Nigerian concept of family is wonderful. The care and sense of belonging and responsibility shared within families is very impressive. Family links are traced and valued as far as 2nd and 3rd cousins. In many cases you get to hear of “my town’s man” being equated to “my brother”.

62. Nigerians live a communal life style. The extended family is part of the immediate family in a Nigerian home”

63. Christmas in the village – where you can walk the earth your ancestors walked – Our roots, family life and the attendant joy.

64. A Nigerian major ethnic group, the Yoruba, is well known for a million greetings for every occasion – standing, sitting, going out, coming back, morning, noon etc.

65. Not many countries have the rich cultural uniqueness that Nigeria has, with over 250 ethnic distinctions.

66. The Nigerian brand of English, including Pidgin English and other special phrases that have somehow found their way into our every day lingo or as it trended on Twitter: #EnglishMadeInNaija. Recognizable anywhere in the world e.g. “they just brought light’”, “What’s your own?”

67. The warmth of Nigeria – the weather and the people. I suspect the scripture about mourning with those that mourn and rejoicing with the joyful was taken from a Nigerian proverb. We are not afraid to share our loud laughter with the next person.

68. Nigerian food! One of the perks of our multicultural Nigeria is amazing deliciousness on your tongue and goodness in your tummy. And I exaggerate only a tiny bit. From tuwo to efo riro, ofe nsala, and banga, there is a Nigerian cuisine you’ll love.

69. For Nigerians, reverence for Almighty God is the way of life, even for the very criminal minded.

70. The languages, traditions and culture are interesting.