Nigeria at 61!
Nigeria celebrates her 61st independence today and what better way to celebrate than explore a bit of our history. A few fun facts about Nigeria:
- The 1960s-1970s
- Nigerian Independence day – 1960
Source: Wild Entertainment Blog
Nigeria finally gained her Independence from the British empire in 1960.
- Kanji Dam – 1968
Source: InformationNigeria
Kainji Dam sits across the Niger River in Niger State, Nigeria. The dam generates electricity for large cities across Nigeria.
- Tafawa Balewa Square – 1972
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Source: thelayovers
Although constructed much later, TBS is where Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa delivered his Independence speech.
- The 1970s – 1980s
- National Museum, Benin City- 1973
Source: etnografiskamuseet
The National museum, Benin holds a lot of artifacts showcasing the history and culture of the Benin Empire.
- Benin Moat – 1974
Source: NigerianGalleria
The Guinness Book of World Records in 1974 described the walls of Benin City as the world’s second largest man-made structure after China’s Great Wall.
- Queen Amina statue, National Theatre, Lagos- 1975
Source: Socialprefect
The Queen Amina Statue is an equestrian statue in honor of Queen Amina, an Hausa Warrior – Queen of Zazzau (Zaria).
- Fela Kuti – 1976
Source: CNN Travel
Known as the king of afrobeat, Fela used his music as an avenue to speak on political issues and human rights
- The 1980s- 1990s
- Wole Soyinka – 1986
Source: pulseng
Wole Soyinka became the first African to win the nobel prize for literature.
- The 1990s-2000s
- Aro Meta (Three White Chiefs), Lagos – 1991
Source: nigerianrealestatehub
The Aro Meta is popularly known as “Welcome To Lagos” and it was sculpted by Bodun Shodeinde. The Aro Meta represent the three kinds of traditional greetings in Lagos Island.
- Yankari National Park – 1991
Source: naijalifemagazine
Yankari National Park is a large wildlife reserve in Bauchi State.
- Super Eagles – 1996
Source: CNN travel
Nigeria’s football team won Gold at the Atlanta Olympics
- The 2000s-2010s
- Agbani Darego – 2001
Source: NewsDm
Agbani Darego was the first black african woman to win the Miss World beauty pageant.
- Omenka Gallery, Lagos – 2003
Source: omenkagallery
Omenka Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Lagos.
- Nigeria’s first satellite – 2007
Source: Cnn
Nigeria’s first satellite – NigeriaSat-1 launched via Russian rocket into the space.
- Tinapa Resort, Calabar – 2007
Source: Tinapalakesidehotel
Tinapa is a business and leisure resort in Calabar.
- The 2010s -2017s
- Agodi Gardens, Ibadan
Source: Agodigardens
Agodi Gardens, Ibadan is a leisure park for fun and recreation
- Freedom Park, Lagos Island
Source: Lape Soetan
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