- Title: NIGERIA: Thousands of Nigerians celebrate their country's 100 years
- Date: 28th February 2014
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (English) VICTOR STOBER, STUDENT, SAYING: "With all the challenges, it still calls for celebrations. We are, our celebration entails our unity no matter what happens we need to celebrate, we need to celebrate. The celebration brings us more and more together. Although there is no nation that grows, that becomes successful tomorrow without going through challenges. For us to be where we are today or tomorrow we must pass through certain challenges that is what I believe and say."
- Embargoed: 15th March 2014 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Nigeria
- Country: Nigeria
- Topics: History,Domestic Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA7WF25PM200MEJBEIO5EDIDP06
- Story Text: Thousands of Nigerians thronged the national stadium in the country's capital, Abuja on Thursday (February 27) to mark 100 years anniversary since the creation of Nigeria as a single entity.
The ceremony which was marked by fireworks and musical performances from popular Nigerian musicians was the climax of the week-long events of the centenary celebration.
Over twenty African heads of state and ministers from around the world had been invited to attend the West African country's anniversary activities.
They gave solidarity speeches during the security conference which took place hours before the musical concert.
Despite violent attacks by Islamist sect Boko Haram in northeast Nigeria where dozens have been killed in the past few days, Nigerians turned up to participate in the celebrations.
The fireworks display was a delight to many.
"I was overwhelmed because I have not witnessed a thing like this in my life, I never thought it was going to be like this, I just said let me have a glance and I'm really overwhelmed. And I know I'm not watching it again in another 100 years because then may be my grandchildren or great grand will be the head of state again," Bridget Orogbo, resident in Abuja said.
Student Victor Stober says celebrations are in order despite the security challenges posed by Boko Haram.
"With all the challenges, it still calls for celebrations. We are, our celebration entails our unity no matter what happens we need to celebrate, we need to celebrate. The celebration brings us more and more together. Although there is no nation that grows, that becomes successful tomorrow without going through challenges. For us to be where we are today or tomorrow we must pass through certain challenges that is what I believe and say," he said.
For many Nigerians, curbing corruption in the country will help solve many development issues.
Recently, Nigerian lawmakers investigated a claim by suspended Central Bank governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that the state oil company had failed to remit 20 billion US dollars in oil revenues and ordered a forensic audit of fuel-subsidy payments to find out where the money has gone.
"Before you can make Nigeria to be a better place for us to live we need to change our attitude towards corruption so because our heads they are very corrupt. If the heads can desist from corruption and we are contented we don't emerge worse in day everybody will get worse too because in Nigeria we have brains, we are diligent, we are very efficient we are hardworking so every Nigerian will make it in Nigeria but we are too much in haste that's why that corruption come in; if we can eradicate corruption in Nigeria, will be a good place for us to live," said Folorunsho Elias, a retired civil servant.
Many Nigerians are hopeful that solutions would be proffered to Nigeria's problems in the planned national conference aimed at discussing crucial issues affecting the country with the hopes of resolving them. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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