16 th of November, 1904 welcomed a crying baby to the world, into the arms of Rachel Chinwe Azikiwe and Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe in the land of Zungeru, Niger state. Hausa is the most widely spoken of the three main languages spoken in Nigeria itself. Babangida survived the 1990 Nigerian coup d'état attempt, then postponed a promised return to democracy to 1992. Nigeria backed the African National Congress (ANC) by taking a committed tough line with regard to the South African government and their military actions in southern Africa. However, the Igbo rejected attempts at constitutional revisions and insisted on full autonomy for the east. Under Britain's policy of indirect rule and validation of Islamic tradition, the Crown did not encourage the operation of Christian missions in the northern, Islamic part of the country. [288] JuJu music, which is percussion music fused with traditional music from the Yoruba nation and made famous by King Sunny Adé, is from Nigeria. [78] In May 2010, the Nigerian government learned of Yar'Adua's death after a long battle with existing health problems and an undisclosed illness. The Ibadan School began to decline in importance the 1970s. [135] To the southwest of the Niger is "rugged" highland. Nigerian criminal groups are heavily involved in drug trafficking, shipping heroin from Asian countries to Europe and America; and cocaine from South America to Europe and South Africa. On 1 October 1954, the colony became the autonomous Federation of Nigeria. It produced life-sized terracotta figures that are some of the earliest known sculptures in Sub-Saharan Africa[38][39][40][41][42] and smelted iron by about 550 BC and possibly a few centuries earlier. Observers generally praised the election as being fair. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo, together accounting for more than 70% of the population, while the Edo, Ijaw, Fulɓe, Kanuri, Urhobo-Isoko, Ibibio, Ebira, Nupe, Gbagyi, Jukun, Igala, Idoma and Tiv comprise between 25 and 30%; other minorities make up the remaining 5%. Nigeria is trying to reach the Sustainable Development Goal Number 1, which is to end poverty in all its forms by 2030. Any totals for last names are the number of people with the last name as of the last US census. Nigeria was also a founding member of the Organisation for African Unity (now the African Union), and has tremendous influence in West Africa and Africa on the whole. [47][48] Nri was ruled by the Eze Nri, and the city of Nri is considered to be the foundation of Igbo culture. [238][239][240], The Nigerian health care system is continuously faced with a shortage of doctors known as 'brain drain', because of emigration by skilled Nigerian doctors to North America and Europe. [88], He legalized the formation of political parties, and formed the two-party system with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC) ahead of the 1992 general elections. [28] They are called the Banza Bakwai meaning Bastard or Bogus Seven on account of their ancestress' slave status.[28]. The chiefs of Akwa Akpa placed themselves under British protection in 1884. The mouth of this head is slightly open. [65], Following the civil war, the country turned to the task of economic development. ", "World Bank Country and Lending Groups – World Bank Data Help Desk", "Nok Terracottas (500 B.C.–200 A.D.) | Thematic Essay | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art", "Iron and its influence on the prehistoric site of Lejja", "Nigeria: A Country Study – The Slave Trade", "Slow death slavery course abolition northern Nigeria 18971936 | Regional history after 1500", "Wiwa et al v. Royal Dutch Petroleum et al", "Ruling party named winner in disputed Nigerian election", "Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan sworn in as president", "National Assembly confirms Sambo as Vice President", "Nigerians Vote in Presidential Election", "Nigeria election: Muhammadu Buhari wins", "Obama praises Nigeria's president for conceding defeat", "APC praises Jonathan for conceding defeat", "Anyaoku Praises Jonathan For Conceding Defeat", "Buhari beats Atiku to secure re-election as Nigeria president", "Legislation and the Electoral Process: The Third Term Agenda and the Future of Nigerian Democracy", "Nigeria has lost $400bn oil revenue to corruption since Independence – Ezekwesili", "Ethnic Politics in Nigeria: The Realities of Regionalism", "Collins Edomaruse, how Obasanjo cut UK, US to size", "Egbe Omo Yoruba, National Association of Yoruba descendants in North America", "Which Countries Are For or Against China's Xinjiang Policies? [35][36] He has been characterized as having first given societal order to the people of Anambra. [57] The dominant northern NPC went into a conservative alliance with the new Yoruba NNDP, leaving the Igbo NCNC to coalesce with the remnants of the AG in a progressive alliance. The oldest signs of human settlement at Ife's current site date back to the 9th century,[50] and its material culture includes terracotta and bronze figures. When was Nigeria named Nigeria? 34 which sought to unify the nation. In the 14th century, however, dynastic conflict forced the then-ruling group and its followers to relocate in Borno, whereas a result the Kanuri emerged as an ethnic group in the late 14th and 15th centuries. He remained incommunicado for 50 days, by which time rumours were rife that he had died. [279] Yet husbands continue to dictate the votes for many women in Nigeria, which upholds the patriarchal system.[280]. Gobir, located in the west, was the "Chief of War" and was mainly responsible for protecting the empire from the invasive Kingdoms of Ghana and Songhai. By the end of 2017, there were around 4,000 players in more than 100 clubs in the country. Nigeria achieved independence in 1960.[63]. Many late 20th-century musicians such as Fela Kuti have famously fused cultural elements of various indigenous music with American jazz and soul to form Afrobeat which has in turn influenced hip hop music. General Yakubu Gowon (1 August 1966 to 29 July 1975) Another unforgettable leader of Nigeria is … The Yoruba pay tribute to a pantheon composed of a Supreme Deity, Olorun and the Orisha. Most of Nigeria's oil fields are small and scattered, and as of 1990, these small fields accounted for 62.1% of all Nigerian production. [199], Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups, with varying languages and customs, creating a country of rich ethnic diversity. The word "Yoruba" was created by foreign Muslims and it was later adopted by the British. In a move towards greater autonomy to minority ethnic groups, the military divided the four regions into 12 states. [35] Eri's origins are unclear, though he has been described as a "sky being" sent by Chukwu (God). The accused were tried before a Gen Victor Malu military tribunal in which Diya and five others- Late Gen AK Adisa, Gen Tajudeen Olnrewaju, Late Col OO Akiyode, Major Seun Fadipe and a civilian Engr Bola Adebanjo were sentenced to death to die by firing squad. Almost immediately, the revenues from oil began to make Nigeria a wealthy nation. With the spread of Islam from the 7th century AD, the area became known as Sudan or as Bilad Al Sudan (English: Land of the Blacks; Arabic: بلاد السودان). [15], The Nok culture thrived from approximately 1,500 BC to about 200 AD on the Jos Plateau in north and central Nigeria and produced life-sized terracotta figures that include human heads, human figures, and animals. As a consequence, Borno lost many northern territories to the Tuareg whose mobility allowed them to endure the famine more effectively. The Congolese government, under President Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, took an early stand on the Biafran secession, voicing strong support for the Nigerian federal government[72] and deploying thousands of troops to fight against the secessionists. Britain annexed Lagos as a Crown Colony in August 1861 with the Lagos Treaty of Cession. This is a figure that seems to be in the midst of a conversation. Members of the clan trace their lineages back to the patriarchal king-figure Eri. Tourism in Nigeria centers largely on events, due to the country's ample amount of ethnic groups, but also includes rain forests, savannah, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.[168]. We think Gowon will have great difficulty in staying in office through the period which he said is necessary before the turnover of power to civilians. Between 1990 and 2000, Nigeria lost an average of 409,700 hectares of forest every year equal to an average annual deforestation rate of 2.4%. After calling off a threatened strike in July the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) reconsidered a general strike in August after the government imposed conditions on Abiola's release. On 27 July 2007 Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua urged the country to embrace nuclear power in order to meet its growing energy needs. By tradition, the territory was conferred on the heir to the throne to govern during his apprenticeship. Opposition leaders formed the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned to reconvene the Senate and other disbanded democratic institutions. The early independent kingdoms and states that make up present-day British colonialised Nigeria are (in alphabetical order): During the 15th century Oyo and Benin surpassed Ife as political and economic powers, although Ife preserved its status as a religious center. Local authorities take responsibility for implementing policy for state-controlled public education and state schools at a regional level. In the middle of the 19th century, a number of ex-slaves of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian descent[205] and emigrants from Sierra Leone established communities in Lagos and other regions of Nigeria. The Onitsha Kingdom, which was originally inhabited by Igbos from east of the Niger, was founded in the 16th century by migrants from Anioma (Western Igboland). After negotiations by the Nigerian authorities, in October 2005 Nigeria and its Paris Club creditors reached an agreement under which Nigeria repurchased its debt at a discount of approximately 60%. Over the cause of time, the word Niger Area, transformed into Nigeria. The Kano Chronicle highlights an ancient history dating to around 999 AD of the Hausa Sahelian city-state of Kano, with other major Hausa cities (or Hausa Bakwai) of: Daura, Hadeija, Kano, Katsina, Zazzau, Rano, and Gobir all having recorded histories dating back to the 10th century. Jaja Wachuku replaced Sir Frederick Metcalfe of Britain. [160], Nigeria has a total of 159 oil fields and 1,481 wells in operation according to the Department of Petroleum Resources. Different stress factors such as droughts, low soil nutrients and susceptibility to pests has contributed to Maize plantations being an integral part of agriculture in this region. [233], HIV/AIDS rate in Nigeria is much lower compared to the other African nations such as Botswana or South Africa whose prevalence (percentage) rates are in the double digits. The French spoken in Nigeria may be mixed with some native languages but is mostly spoken like the French spoken in Benin. [190] Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and accounts for about 17% of the continent's total population as of 2017; however, exactly how populous is a subject of speculation. [82] Aware of the danger of alienating northern Nigerians, Obasanjo brought General Shehu Yar'Adua as his replacement and second-in-command as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters completing the military triumvirate, with Obasanjo as head of state and General Theophilus Danjuma as Chief of Army Staff, the three went on to re-establish control over the military regime and organized the military's transfer of power programme: states creation and national delimitation, local government reforms and the constitutional drafting committee of the Second Nigerian Republic.[83]. During the 1950s prior to independence, oil was discovered off the coast of Nigeria. Apparently, those who advocate for this process know something they wish to hide. A colonial editor of The Times suggested this name as a combination of “Niger” and “area”. As Africa's most populated country, Nigeria has repositioned its military as a peacekeeping force on the continent. Despite these revenues, the military government did little to improve the standard of living of the population, help small and medium businesses, or invest in infrastructure. The situation is uncertain, with Nigeria, ..is sliding downhill faster and faster, with less and less chance unity and stability. Its last period of military rule ended in 1999 following the sudden death of former dictator Sani Abacha in 1998. However, in 1962, a faction arose within the AG under the leadership of Ladoke Akintola who had been selected as premier of the West. seventh most populous country in the world, pacifying the heartland of the Sokoto Caliphate, National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, Igbos in Northern cities suffered persecution, February 1976 coup against Nigeria's government, Nigerian military juntas of 1966–79 and 1983–99, Nigerian military juntas of 1966–1979 and 1983–1999, Ethnic violence for control over the oil-producing Niger Delta, Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Economic Community of West African States, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, Nigerian Space Research and Development Agency, Nigeria is the seventh most populous country in the world, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The median age in 2017 was 18.4 years. The Benin Empire (1440–1897; called Bini by locals) was a pre-colonial African state in what is now modern Nigeria. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}8°N 10°E / 8°N 10°E / 8; 10. It is a federal republic comprising 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where the capital, Abuja, is located. [173][174][175], Nigeria in recent years has been embracing industrialisation. Independent Nigeria's founding government was a coalition of conservative parties: the Northern People's Congress (NPC) led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, a party dominated by Muslim Northerners, and the Igbo and Christian-dominated National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) led by Nnamdi Azikiwe. ", "Nigeria now generates 13,000mw of power, says Minister – Chukwuma", "Chapter XXVI: Disarmament – No. In a national television address in 2007, he added that if Nigerians did not like the victory of his handpicked successor, they would have an opportunity to vote again in four years. Nigeria's national basketball team made the headlines internationally when it qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics as it beat heavily favoured world elite teams such as Greece and Lithuania. It is influenced by the Westminster System model[citation needed] in the composition and management of the upper and lower houses of the bicameral legislature. It is also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa and it was established in Abeokuta, Ogun State by a Christian missionary, Rev. General Yakubu Gowon, head of the Federal Military Government (FMG) is the accepted national leader and his popularity has grown since the end of the war. Throughout the 16th-century much of northern Nigeria paid homage to Songhai in the west or to Borno, a rival empire in the east. Nigeria is also a member of the informal MINT group of countries, which are widely seen as the globe's next emerging economies, as well as the "Next Eleven" economies, which are set to become among the biggest in the world. Nigerian feasts are colourful and lavish, while aromatic market and roadside snacks cooked on barbecues or fried in oil are plentiful and varied.[299]. Suffice to say Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first civilian president of Nigeria, the first president of Nigeria. Below you’ll find an extensive collection of Nigerian baby boy and girl names with meanings by MomJunction. A significant Shia minority exists (see Shia in Nigeria). Witnesses or anyone who helps gay couples marry will be sentenced to 10 years behind bars. Akwa Akpa became a center of the slave trade, where slaves were exchanged for European goods. The use of slave labor was extensive, especially in agriculture. The railways have undergone a massive revamping with projects such as the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway being completed connecting northern cities of Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos. These players include Basketball Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, and later NBA draft picks Solomon Alabi, Yinka Dare, Obinna Ekezie, Festus Ezeli, Al-Farouq Aminu, Olumide Oyedeji and others. Immigrants also include those from other West African or East African nations. Nigeria's most expansive topographical region is that of the valleys of the Niger and Benue river valleys (which merge and form a Y-shape). General Mohammed replaced thousands of civil servants and announced a timetable for the resumption of civilian rule by 1 October 1979. The entire territory of the Royal Niger Company came into the hands of the British government. Until 1975 it was the capital of Lagos state, and until 1991 it was the federal capital of Nigeria. Library of Congress – Federal Research Division Country Profile: Nigeria, July 2008 1 COUNTRY PROFILE: NIGERIA . [108], Ethnocentrism, tribalism, religious persecution, and prebendalism have plagued Nigerian politics both prior and subsequent to independence in 1960. The weakness of a popular theory that Igbos were stateless rests on the paucity of historical evidence of pre-colonial Igbo society. NIGERIA’S ORIGINAL NAME. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) announced creation of new Owerri mission in Nigeria in 2016. From 1880 to 1936, all births may not be included in the original data set. Nigeria provides free, government-supported education, but attendance is not compulsory at any level, and certain groups, such as nomads and the handicapped, are under-served. English as a first language is used by only a small minority of the country's urban elite, and it is not spoken at all in some rural areas. Lugard. [61] The Ironsi government's efforts to abolish the federal structure and the renaming the country the Republic of Nigeria on 24 May 1966 raised tensions and led to another coup by largely northern officers in July 1966, which established the leadership of Major General Yakubu Gowon. [66][67] This declaration precipitated the Nigerian Civil War, which began as the official Nigerian government side attacked Biafra on 6 July 1967 at Garkem. Lagos is the largest city in Africa, with a population of over 12 million in its urban area.[131]. [19][20] Nigeria's economy is the largest in Africa and the 24th largest in the world, worth almost $450 billion and $1 trillion in terms of nominal GDP and purchasing power parity, respectively. The Federation of Nigeria was granted full independence on 1 October 1960 under a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country's three regions. The Songhai Empire also occupied part of the region. Report for Selected Countries and Subjects", "Remittances from diaspora Nigerians as lubricant for the economy", "Agriculture – Nigeria – export, growth, area, crops, farming, sector", "Nigeria closes part of border with Benin to check rice smuggling", "Stakes in four Nigerian oil fields being sold by Shell", "Africa's Booming Tech Hubs Are "Backbone of Tech Ecosystem" Having Grown 40% This Year", "Nigeria: Gold mine waiting to be tapped", "5 Advantages Of Driving An Innoson Vehicle", "Nissan to role out 1st made in Nigeria cars in April", "Industrial hub: Why more companies are moving to Ogun", "Ogun State: Nigeria's new Industrial hub", "Innoson cars will sell for N1 million in 2014 – Chukwuma", "Zinox Introduces Tablet Range of Computers, Plans Commercial Launch", "Will the new automotive policy give us affordable made-in-Nigeria car? In some areas of Nigeria, ethnic groups speak more than one language. Fuji music, a Yoruba percussion style, was created and popularised by Mr. Fuji, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. This process advocated that any candidate needed to pass through adoption for all elective positions from the local government, state government and federal government. A process of voting was adopted, referred to as Option A4. Most Sufis follow the Qadiriyya, Tijaniyyah and/or the Mouride movements. Kanuri, spoken in the northeast, primarily in Borno and Yobe State, is part of the Nilo-Saharan family, and Hausa is an Afroasiatic language. [258], Between 2011 and 2018, Boko Haram has been responsible for more than 37,000 deaths in the region. Upon independence, it was widely expected that Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna of Sokoto, the undisputed strong man in Nigeria[54] who controlled the North, would become Prime Minister of the new Federation Government. By the end of 2013, the film industry reportedly hit a record-breaking revenue of ₦1.72 trillion (US$11 billion). [112] Following the bloody civil war, nationalism has seen an increase in the southern part of the country leading to active secessionist movements such as the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), though these groups are largely small and not representative of the entire ethnic group. [213] The majority of Quranists follow the Kalo Kato or Quraniyyun movement. The destruction of Songhai left Borno uncontested and until the 18th-century Borno dominated northern Nigeria. [236], In 2012, a new bone marrow donor program was launched by the University of Nigeria to help people with leukaemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell disease to find a compatible donor for a life-saving bone marrow transplant, which cures them of their conditions. The mai (king) of Kanem and his court accepted Islam in the 11th century, as the western empires also had done. The school was characterised by its overt Nigerian nationalism and it was geared towards forging a Nigerian identity through publicizing the glories of pre-colonial history.