53 years of Independence The Future is Bright

Ambassador Akin Oyateru Nigeria High Commissioner to Kenya

Good afternoon my Children, you are all welcome to the Nigeria House, your home.

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic society with over 500 ethnic groups of which the three largest are Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. Others include Fulani, Edo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Ebira, Nupe, Gwari, Itsekiri, Jukun, Urhobo, Igala, Idoma, Tiv etc.

Our country is officially called Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It has 36 states, 774 local government areas and Federal Capital Abujathe seat of Government.

However, English is our official language thus the medium of instruction. Nigeria is also a multireligious country but the major religions are Islam and Christianity.
The population of Nigeria is estimated to be 170 million. Nigerians co-exist with one another and are free to leave wherever they choose to in any part of the country. Nigeria was colonised by Britain until 1st October 1960 when we got our independence. Nigeria is now 53 years old. The name Nigeria came about from River Niger which runs through the country.

Our prominent independence heroes are:

CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO G.C.F.R., S.A.N March 6, 1909 May 9, 1987 Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo was a Nigerian nationalist, political writer and statesman. His first name, Obafemi, means 'the king loves me' and the surname Awolowo, the source of his nickname, Awo, means 'the mystic commands honour'.
Education: University of London (1944), London School of Economics, Wesley College, Ibadan

Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, usually referred to as Nnamdi Azikiwe and popularly known as "Zik", was one of the leading figures of modern Nigerian nationalism. He was head of state of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966. Born: November 16, 1904, Northern Nigeria Protectorate Died: May 11, 1996, Enugu, Nigeria Education: University of Pennsylvania (1933) Books: Zik: a selection from the speeches of Nnamdi Azikiwe

Sir Ahmadu Bello Sardauna Sir Ahmadu Bello (June 12, 1910 January 15, 1966) was a Nigerian politician, and was the first premier of the Northern Nigeria region from 1954-1966. He was the Sardauna of Sokoto and one of the prominent leaders in Northern Nigeria alongside Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, both of whom were prominent in negotiations about the region's place in an independent Nigeria. As leader of the Northern People's Congress, he dominated Nigerian politics throughout the early Nigerian Federation and the First Nigerian Republic.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE was a Nigerian politician, and the only prime minister of an independent Nigeria. Originally a trained teacher, he became a vocal leader for Northern interests as one of the few educated Nigerians of his time. Wikipedia Born: October 1, 1912, Bauchi, Nigeria Assassinated: January 15, 1966, Lagos, Nigeria Education: Barewa College, University of London, Institute of Education Books: Shaihu Umar

National Symbols
National Flag which is green, white, green in colour
Coat of Arm which has many features (two horses represent our dignity, the eagle represents our strength, the black shield represents our fertile soil, the green and white band on top of the shield represents rich agricultural land,

the two Y-like wavy silver band represents River Benue and River Niger, Costus Spectabilis is our national flower and
the motto of Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress);

National Symbol
the Constitution which is anchored on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights; Our Currency (Naira); National Passport; and Our National Anthem Arise, O Compatriots

SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Nigeria operates presidential system of government with three arms; the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.

There is a separation of power with each arm working independent of the other to ensure proper governance and checks and balances. The country also has three tiers of government: Federal, State and Local Government Areas. Late Alhaji Umar Musa YarAdua. Our current President is His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan elected under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Former leaders of Nigeria are: Late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Late Chief Nnamdi Azikwe, Late Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Sani Abacha, Gen. Abdussalam Abubakar, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Late Alhaji Umar Musa YarAdua. Our current President is His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan elected under the umbrella of Peoples Democratic Party

Political Party
Nigeria is a democratic country with many registered political parties. Some of these Parties are: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP);
All Progressives Congress (APC); Action Congress of Nigeria; Alliance for Democracy; All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) etc.

ECONOMY
Nigeria is a mixed economy. It has abundant natural resources and well developed financial, legal, communications, agricultural, transport sectors and stock exchange.

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE?

First of all is to congratulate ourselves on the miles we have covered in the journey so far, through thick and thin despite our challenges. We mark the day in order to tell ourselves the progress we are making and to also reassure ourselves that our strength lies in our diversity. The anniversary reminds us of our common heritage as one indivisible entity and it gives our leaders opportunity to address us on what they have been able to achieve in the period of their leadership.

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE?

The celebration renews our optimism that our great country is on course to greater heights of national development. We have to tell ourselves that it can be done through endurance, perseverance, sacrifice, determination, courage and patriotism. Nigeria is our fatherland and we must put it first in whatever we do. Independence anniversary offers us the opportunity to reassure future generation, your generation that Nigeria will not fail because the present generation will bequeath a sound legacy for you to enjoy every good thing in life. 9. Nigeria is now in its fourth republic and we remain united as one people, one nation and one country. Indeed, this is a cause for celebrations.

WORDS OF ADVICE
First of all, I want to tell you that Nigeria has a bright future because you are that future. I see in you hope in the future of Nigeria.
Therefore, I want to enjoin you to be steadfast in whatever you do, do not lose focus, and do not be distracted. Always do your best and try to soar higher than everyone else like the eagle on our national emblem.

WORDS OF ADVICE
I want to also advise you to obey your parents, respect your elders and pay attention to your education. What this means in essence is that you play less, watch TV less but read more and do your homework regularly. You should all aim to be on top of your class but if you are unable to do so, do not think you are a failure but a winner in your own way. But most importantly, you should always remember that your parents have reposed confidence in you, so do not let them down.

Closing Remark
I am inspired to believe by the brightness I see in your faces that with you Nigeria can conquer the whole world and her adversaries.
God bless you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

the future belongs to you. Lets Celebrate our

Indepedence.