23 Interesting things that make us proud to be Nigerians
Globally, Nigerians are known to be unrivaled, intelligent, enthusiastic, and hardworking. The hard work and creativity of Nigerians over the years and recently, are evident in the growth of its music, film, sports, and business sectors. A multicultural state, the various tribes in Nigeria, and their diverse cultures are essential to the growth, oneness, integration, and development of the country. As we celebrate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary today, we highlight 23 interesting things that make us proud to be Nigerians.
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- Nigeria, with a population of over 218 million, is the most populous country in Africa, and the world’s sixth-most populous country.
- Nigeria has a huge agricultural potential. Agriculture accounts for about 24% of the country’s GDP.
- Nigeria is a leader in various types of agricultural production, such as palm oil, cocoa beans, pineapple, and sorghum. It is the largest producer of sorghum in the world just after the United States and ranks fifth in the production of palm oil and cocoa beans. Nigeria is also a large global exporter in this sector. Oil, fruits, nuts, and seeds are among the ten best-performing export categories.
- Nigeria has a big and vibrant youth population. Nigerian youths are resilient, hardworking, and passionate. Some are entrepreneurs, athletes, investors, filmmakers, musicians, and employees excelling in their fields.
- Nigeria boasts of over 350 festivals celebrated across tribes. These festivals pay homage to religion, hard work, and traditions, and are often celebrated in ways that are unique to the country or the people of a locality. Some of Nigeria’s most prominent festivals include Eyo Festival, Argungu Fishing Festival, New Yam Festival, and Ojude Oba.
- Nigeria boasts an unrivaled cultural abundance. A multiethnic state inhabited by over 250 ethnic groups, with Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as the three major tribes – over 500 different languages are spoken. These ethnic groups also have diverse cultures, and traditions and exhibit unique arts including a rich array of attires, festivals, and food.
- Nigeria is home to the second-largest film industry, Nollywood, and the pioneer of Afrobeat music. Some Afrobeats superstars in Nigeria include Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, and others.
- Nigeria has produced top international actors in the United Kingdom and the United States of America including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Yvonne Orji, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje, Uzo Aduba, Nonso Anozie, David Oyelowo, and others.
- The country’s most internationally renowned genres are Apala, Fuji, Jùjú, Afrobeat, Afro-juju, Waka, Highlife and Igbo rap. These genres have produced many reputable musicians such as Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe and others.
- The 2006 Census found Nigerians to be the highest educated ethnic or racial group in America.
- With an estimated net worth of $13 billion, Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa, and the richest black man in the world
- Nigeria is a gold mine for tourism, with many historical sites and centres found in different states.
- Nigeria has its own variety of English known as Pidgin English. Words like “how you dey?” “how far?“ etc. are phrases that can only be understood by Nigerians.
- Nigerians are all over the world. Our proud culture can be found in places like Brazil, Cuba, US, Uk, and Haiti.
- Several surveys have shown that Nigerians are the happiest people on earth. Despite the challenges faced, Nigerians are often know to express joy and gratitude.
- Nigeria has produced some of the best writers in the world. Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, Wole Soyinka, Buchi Emecheta, Tomi Adeyemi, and others are internationally renowned.
- Nigerians are some of the smartest people in the world. Eugene C.X. Ikejemba, Faith Odunsi, Ufot Ekong, Dr Victor Olalusi, and Oluwatobi Olasukanmi, all set outstanding academic record.
- Nigeria has produced top players like Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, WTO-DG, and Obiageli Ezekwesili, in the economic and finance sectors.
- Nigerians have the best Jollof in the world. While other African countries have their kind of Jollof, Nigerian jollof has been rated best.
- Nigerians love to party. They also love fashion and style. This is evident in various social events held weekly such as weddings, birthday parties and general social functions.
- Nigeria has produced great inventors over the years such as Jelani Aliyu, who was involved in designing Chevrolet for General Motors and Ndubuisi Ekekwe who invented microchips used in surgical robots. Silas Adekunle is also known globally for creating the world’s first intelligent gaming robot.
- Nigeria has a thriving tech scene. The growth of several fintech, edtech and healthtech startups recently have been impressive
- Nigerians are loving, hopeful, and unified. The country remains indivisible and hopeful despite many challenges.
What makes you proud to be called Nigerian?