Humanity
NIGERIA,MY COUNTRY
Nigeria, the land of my ancestors; the nation where I was birthed. Nigeria is a beautiful country endowed with abundant human and natural resources. With a population that exceeds 200 million people, there are ample opportunities, especially for international trade. Nigeria is abundantly blessed with natural resources, boasting as the largest producer and exporter of oil in Africa, and the 11th largest in the whole wide world. With the resources at the country’s disposal, it’s no surprise that it has the largest economy in Africa. In a utopian world, Nigeria would’ve been one of the most powerful countries on earth and a desirable investment spot. However, that’s sadly not the case. It’s been 61 years since the nation gained her independence, and she’s still far off from reaching her full potential. In 1960, when Nigeria became independent, the world had its eyes on the most populous black nation, and for the right reasons. At that time, Nigeria boasted excellence in intellectual and educational pursuits, business, international diplomacy, as well as military and political leadership. When Congo was in tumult, the UN peacekeeping forces relied upon Nigeria for leadership and military support. This occurred when other countries needed help too; they turned to Nigeria. Nigeria spearheaded the anti-apartheid struggle in Southern African countries such as South Africa, Northern Rhodesia (Zambia), and Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). The West African nation also supported and funded liberation movements in Namibia, Angola, and Mozambique, amongst others. The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regarded Nigeria as their lifeline, and to a great extent, they still do. While this might seem like an impressive outlook, Nigeria’s affairs aren’t in order indoors. The country faces several problems. Home to over 250 different ethnic groups, the country’s progress has been stumped by incompetent leaders and uncommitted citizens. With all the resources at the nation’s disposal, Nigeria is still plagued by high unemployment rates, poor infrastructures, and an ever looming threat of dissolution. Another issue is insecurity, which has become an ever-growing problem over the past decade. While Nigeria has been combating a lot of problems on various fronts, the rapid deterioration of security is threatening to break the nation apart at the seams. Recent research into the effects of the insurgency in the country’s North-Eastern parts reveals that it has dented Nigeria’s stability, development, and sovereignty. The country’s armed forces are underequipped and overworked, and it’s been a struggle to battle the terrorist unit- Boko Haram- and defend the nation’s borders. The case is similar for the Nigerian Police Force. The substandard equipment and poor training have made them underdogs when fighting against criminals. One can’t help but wonder if there’s a way to stop and reverse Nigeria’s downward spiral. Inscribed on several yellow commercial buses, synonymous with the bustling city of Lagos, are the words “No condition is permanent.” This is proof that there’s resilience in Nigerians. It’s one of several reasons why I believe change is possible. The grit and hope displayed by Nigerians, from the slums to the average class citizens, are admirable. People are holding out hope for a better future, for themselves and their children. There’s evidence in a bright future as even with the past woes, Nigeria is breaking new strides in terms of success. A few months ago, the Federal Government approved a $5.8 billion hydroelectric project, with a capacity of 3,050 megawatts. This is the nation’s largest ever in the electrical power sector, it is done in collaboration with China, and the project should be completed by 2027. The objective is to provide stable electricity to at least half of the nation, something that has been a pipe dream until now. Agriculture is another sector that’s recording growth. The government, in an attempt to reduce total reliance on oil, has encouraged grain farming. This will create diversity in the economy, an essential ingredient for growth. In this line, the Federal Government of Nigeria launched the Anchor Borrower’s Program in 2015. This initiative is a multi-billion dollar program geared towards agricultural development by aiding small-scale farmers in raising their production capacity. As Nigerian highways have been deteriorating in functionality over the years, there’s a new attempt to relieve strains on them. This is embodied by the investment in rail transit, which hasn’t been in proper use in the nation for a long time. A 186 km train route connecting Abuja, the federal capital, with Kaduna, a key northern city, was built for $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, a $1.5 billion train project will connect Lagos, the country’s commercial capital, and Ibadan, 150 km away. In general, the investment climate in Nigeria has improved significantly. It’s proven by Nigeria’s rising 24 places in 2017, on the World Bank’s “Ease of doing Business” rating from 169th to 145th. It’s undeniable there’s more to do if the country is to reach great heights. However, one can be optimistic, as reports have touted Nigeria as one of the top ten countries improved by recent reforms. One of the sectors that have experienced massive growth over the past decade is the Telecommunications industry. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission, there are more than 150 million active users amongst service providers. An impressive statistic, considering it’s the largest in Africa. As with any place with opportunities, both foreign and domestic investors have been cashing in massively on this. In 2016, Nigeria’s Telecommunications authority revealed that mobile phone subscribers spent a total of $6.6 billion. The previous year, the figure was at $5.6 billion. This implies steady growth, and even bigger ones, as the industry is expanding even until 2021. As a developing country, Nigeria has its share of inconsistent political history. Even with corruption being a constant roadblock for growth, Nigeria is improving. I, and many Nigerians, have hopes in the future of our country. Citizens have started demanding accountability from their leaders and considering the past decades, Nigeria’s democracy is relatively stable now. Without a doubt, our hopes for a better future shall be rewarded. Nigeria, my homeland, will rise.
By Raymond Reddigton 3 years ago in Earth
"The Guardian of Shadows: The Tale of Nobody Owens"
Once upon a time, in a small town nestled among rolling hills, there was a mysterious graveyard. It was an ancient place, with weathered tombstones and towering trees that whispered secrets to the wind. People said that spirits roamed the graveyard at night, but no one knew for sure. It was a place where the living feared to tread after dark.
By Sonia khan 3 years ago in Earth
Lost Lands
In this article, the focus is on understanding the various countries that used to exist in the area that now comprises the United States, why they were created, and why they eventually ceased to exist. My aim is to cover the history of at least 12 to 13 countries that existed in the territory of the present-day United States. These countries included states that were incorporated into the United States, as well as those that were destroyed. Some were created by native nations, while others were established by colonizers. Some were serious attempts at establishing sovereign nations, while others were short-lived, lasting only a few months due to historic events.
By Bob Oliver3 years ago in Earth
Discover the Most Unbelievable Locations on Earth You Never Knew Existed
The world is filled with strange and unusual places, some of which are natural, while others are man-made. These locations can be fascinating or downright bizarre. In this video, we will explore some of the most perplexing places that we have discovered. I'm Sam, your host for the Geography Bible. If you're not already a subscriber, please consider subscribing. It's free, and you can always unsubscribe at any time. Let's start by talking about Poniente Amerience. If you're a European who shops for groceries, you'll notice that roughly half of the produce available at supermarkets comes from Spain. This is because Spain's Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal location for year-round farming. However, what many people don't know is that the majority of this produce comes from a small area of just under 1,000 square kilometers called Poniente Amerience, or the Garden of Europe. This flat coastal territory is located just south of the popular resort town of Almería. Intensive farming began here in the 1960s, and by the year 2000, plastic greenhouses had completely covered the area. However, this practice is controversial due to the alleged slave-like working conditions of the African workers and the resulting plastic waste that pollutes the Mediterranean and harms marine life.
By Bob Oliver3 years ago in Earth
"The Rise of Sustainable Living: A Blueprint for a Greener Future"
Introduction: In recent years, there has been a significant shift in global consciousness toward sustainable living. People from all walks of life are increasingly recognizing the urgent need to take responsibility for our planet and make conscious choices that benefit not only ourselves but also future generations. From individuals to communities and even entire nations, the interest in sustainable living has reached an all-time high. In this article, we will explore various aspects of sustainable living and delve into the reasons why it has become an essential topic of interest for people around the world.
By AHMED BUTT3 years ago in Earth
Deforestation: Unveiling the Causes and Unraveling the Effects on Our Planet
Introduction: Deforestation, the deliberate removal or destruction of forests, is a critical environmental issue that affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and the global climate. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the causes and effects of deforestation, examining the underlying drivers behind this destructive practice and exploring the far-reaching consequences it has on our planet.
By AHMED BUTT3 years ago in Earth
UNSOLVED MYSTERIES AND THE WONDERS OF THIS WORLD
Let us embark on an exciting expedition through some remarkable wonders of the world and universe. Brace yourself to be completely mesmerized as I unveil enigmatic secrets that have left scientists, historians, and stargazers perplexed. Along with supernatural videos, these subjects are among my top favorites to discuss, and if you crave more, I urge you to delve deeper into them. My objective is for this piece to serve as a gentle reminder of just how extraordinary the world and the universe are and that we should pause to appreciate the magnificence that surrounds us.
By Emereole Francis3 years ago in Earth
