In this article, withinnigeria will highlight certain events that shook the country or made Nigerians happy. Firstly we will like to briefly talk about the history of Nigeria.
HISTORY OF NIGERIA
The history of Nigeria can be traced to prehistoric settlers (Nigerians) living in the area as early as 1100 BC. Numerous ancient African civilizations settled in the region that is today Nigeria, such as the Kingdom of Nri, the Benin Empire, and the Oyo Empire. Islam reached Nigeria through the Borno Empire between (1068 AD) and Hausa States around (1385 AD) during the 11th century, while Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal. The Songhai Empire also occupied part of the region. Lagos was invaded by British forces in 1851 and formally annexed in 1861. Nigeria became a British protectorate in 1901. Colonization lasted until 1960, when an independence movement succeeded in gaining Nigeria its independence. On this note it is clear that Nigeria is a heterogeneous society, hence it will take a worthwhile event to either shake or give joy to her citizens.
Withinnigeria presents to you 11 events that made Nigerians happy or gave Nigerians shiver in no particular order.
1. Mobile Phone a.k.a G.S.M
The emergence of GSM changed the behavior of not just Nigerians but the world but Nigerians took it to another level as it was then terned “general street madness”. GSM brought a mixed feelings of both closure and madness, yes i said it madness!
2. 1960 Independence
After the long struggle for independence, it finally came on the 1 October, 1960. Making Nigerians somewhat free from the colonial masters and thereby happy.
3. BBM
BBM is the acronym for blackberry messenger. This one was directly more advantageous to the Nigerian ladies, however, if the Nigerian ladies are happy…my brother the guys are also happy.
4. Abacha
Here i don’t mean the eatable abacha, i mean the military one. This one is a bit tricky but to be honest with you dear reader, i won’t sweet talk it. Nigerian were happy when they lost there dictatorship of a ruler in the person of late Gen. Abacha.
5. UP NEPA
Nothing makes the Nigerian man (man and woman, boy and girl, young or old) more happier than the sight of electricity…up NEPA!!
6.Nigerian Party Jollof
Nigerians like party like crazy and what other party than a Christmas party, enough meat, drink and the ultimate Nigerian jollof rice to go round.
7. Obasanjo
After 20 years of suffering in the rigid hands of the military dictators, Nigeria finally got a break in May 29,1999 when a released prisoner was elected into office as the democratic President. You and I know who i am referring to.
8. Garri
Its funny but true. Have you ever heard of the statement or perhaps seen it in an image form; “garri saving nigerians since 1963″.
9. 3G Network
With the birth of smart phones / smart technology came the demand for good broadband network. MTN was the first to introduce cellular network into the Nigeria market but Globacom, an indigenous owned telecommunication service provider brought succor to Nigerians. Nigerians are happier and better for it.
10. End of the Civil War
The Nigerian civil war is commonly referred to as the Biafran War. It was fought between 6 th of July, 1967 to 15 th of January, 1970.Purpose of the war was to quell the secession of Biafra from the original Nigeria.
Biafra is a part of Nigeria covering the old eastern region of the country. This part has now been divided into the South South and South East regions.
The leadership of the old eastern region came to the conclusion that they just could not continue to coexist with the rest of Nigeria, especially because of the ill treatment meted out to people of the old eastern region in the Northern part of Nigeria by northern military men, especially during the counter coup of June 1967, in which many eastern military officers were murdered.
The whole processes started with a military coup headed by Aguiyi Ironsi, a counter-coup headed by Murtala Muhammed and finally the persecution of people of Igbo extraction, especially in the northern part of Nigeria. The war was actually as a result of religious, cultural, ethnic, economical and political tension that prevailed during this period. The end of the war made both parties happy.
11. Nation’s Cup
The Nigeria national football team, also known as the Super Eagles, represents Nigeria in international association football and is controlled by the Nigeria Football Federation. They are three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners, with their last title in 2013, after defeating Burkina Faso in the final. In April 1994, the Super Eagles was ranked 5th in the FIFA rankings, the highest FIFA ranking position ever achieved by an African football team.
In our own little way withinnigeria compiled this list of things / events that made Nigerians happy. PLEASE leave your comments in the comment section below telling us what you feel we should have included in the list. You can also share this post so we know what your friends think really made Nigerians happy.