Nigeria Nigeria is a key nation for all of Africa. There are many efforts from politics, humanitarian and missions that are developing approaches to unify this great nation.
People Population estimates are from 2008 151 million (UN) with a 3% growth rate. Included in these figures are over 426 ethnic groups all with languages. Life expectancy for males is 52 years and females it is 54 years.
Country Nigeria is a developing West African nation. Bordered to it's west with Benin, to the north Niger, to the east Cameroon, and to the south the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean). The official language is English, although there are hundreds of other languages spoken, the major ethnic groups with a influential language are Hausa in the north, Yoruba in the west, and Igbo in the east.
Political The area of Nigeria is roughly twice the size of California. It became independent from Britain on October 1, 1960. It was established to govern democratically the thirty various states, which consisted of different ethnic and linguistic groups, as well as religious differences. It was slated to be the hope of Africa in it's new found independence, but that was short lived when rioting broke out in 1966 and a series of military overthrows.
Pleasing the entire country of Nigeria was seemingly impossible and in 1967, unhappy with the direction of the leadership and the persecution of the Ibo people, by mainly Hausa Muslims from the north, the Ibo people united under the banner of persecution. They declared independence and took refuge in the east and declared their new government as the Republic of Biafra This republic lasted for over two and half years, but the problems were peacefully resolved.
Religion There is freedom of religion, but most governments have preferred to practice Islam. There is persecution of Christians by Muslims, which previously went unpunished, are now beginning to be an issue under the newly elected president. Muslims are primarily in the north and consist of 50% of the population. Traditional (animist) beliefs are at around 10% of the population scattered in the middle and north. Christians consist of 40% (26% Protestant and 13% Catholic).
Our Hope Nigeria is a country in West Africa with a rich tradition and culture. Made up of many ethnic and religious groups, Nigeria has had a history of internal tensions and conflicts. It has also struggled to deal with corruption in government and private sectors, misuse of resources, and widespread poverty. Our hope is to work with others to transform Nigerian communities to strengthen the economy, improve agricultural production, increase gender equity, promote a healthier environment, and bring about peace, prosperity, and hope.
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
We the people
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, having firmly and solemnly resolved, to
live in unity and harmony as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation
under God, dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace,
international co-operation and understanding and to provide for a Constitution
for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in
our country, on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the
purpose of consolidating the unity of our people, do hereby make, enact and
give to ourselves [this] Constitution.
