Nigeria Quiz: How well do you know this African Giant?

The Atlantic Ocean borders Nigeria along its southern coast. The coastal region is home to important port cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. This access has historically been crucial for trade, fishing, and oil exportation, as much of Nigeria's oil is extracted from offshore rigs in the Niger Delta.

Herbert Macaulay is considered the father of Nigerian nationalism due to his early efforts in resisting colonial policies and advocating for indigenous rights. He founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, the first political party in Nigeria.

The NYSC was established in 1973 to promote national unity and reconciliation after the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Graduates of Nigerian universities and polytechnics are required to serve the country for one year in various sectors and regions outside their own.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria's first ceremonial president in 1963 when Nigeria became a republic. He was a key nationalist figure who advocated for independence and co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). Often referred to as “Zik of Africa,” he played a foundational role in post-colonial governance and pan-Africanism.

The Nok civilization, dating back to 1000 BC in central Nigeria, is renowned for its sophisticated terracotta sculptures depicting humans and animals. These artifacts are among the earliest known examples of African art and suggest a highly developed culture.

Nigeria operates as a Federal Republic, which means it has a central government and individual states with autonomy. The country follows a democratic presidential system, where the President is both Head of State and Head of Government. Nigeria has 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), each with its own governor and legislature.

Lagos is nicknamed the "Centre of Excellence" due to its leading role in economic development, innovation, infrastructure, and cultural influence. It is the commercial capital of Nigeria and the hub of entertainment, tech startups, and financial institutions.

Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. With a population exceeding 20 million, it serves as the economic powerhouse of Nigeria and West Africa. Despite no longer being the capital, Lagos remains the center for finance, trade, entertainment, and international business.

Enugu State earned the nickname "Coal City" due to its historical coal mining industry. Coal was discovered there in 1909, and the city became a major hub for coal production during the colonial era.

Abuja became the capital of Nigeria on December 12, 1991, replacing Lagos. It was chosen due to its central location, which made it more accessible to people from all parts of the country. Abuja was also seen as a neutral ground for Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, avoiding favoritism towards any particular region. Designed as a planned city, Abuja hosts important government institutions like the Presidential Villa, National Assembly, and Supreme Court.

Nigeria’s national motto is “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress”. It reflects the country’s aspiration for national cohesion among its diverse ethnic groups and its commitment to peace and forward development.

The Super Eagles are Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team. They have won the African Cup of Nations multiple times and are known for their strong presence in international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup.

Wole Soyinka became the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. His works include plays, essays, and poems, often focusing on social justice, tyranny, and African traditions. He is also a respected human rights advocate.

Costus spectabilis, a bright yellow flower, was chosen as the national flower of Nigeria due to its widespread presence and beauty. It symbolizes national unity and pride and appears on the Nigerian coat of arms.

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This marked the end of over six decades of colonial administration. The independence movement was led by Nigerian nationalists like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Herbert Macaulay. The country initially operated under a parliamentary system before becoming a republic in 1963.

The Naira (₦) is Nigeria’s official currency, introduced on January 1, 1973, replacing the Nigerian pound. Managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Naira is subdivided into 100 Kobo. It plays a vital role in the Nigerian economy, which is largely driven by oil, agriculture, and services.

English is the official language of Nigeria, inherited from British colonial rule. It serves as a lingua franca among the over 500 ethnic groups in the country, each with its own language. English is used in government, education, business, and the legal system to maintain unity and communication across regions.

Chappal Waddi, also known as the "Mountain of Death," is Nigeria’s highest peak at 2,419 meters (7,936 feet). Located in Taraba State, it is part of the Mambilla Plateau near the Cameroon border and offers a cool climate and rich biodiversity.

The River Niger is the longest river in Nigeria and the third-longest in Africa, stretching about 4,180 kilometers (2,600 miles). It enters Nigeria from the northwest and flows southward into the Atlantic Ocean at the Niger Delta. It is vital for agriculture, fishing, transport, and hydroelectric power.

The Hausa-Fulani are the largest ethnic group in Nigeria, primarily located in the northern region. The Hausa and Fulani peoples are often grouped together due to cultural and religious similarities, especially Islam. Their influence is significant in Nigerian politics, religion, and traditional leadership systems.

Northern Nigeria predominantly has a savanna climate, characterized by dry and wet seasons, with grasses and scattered trees. Farther north, the climate becomes semi-arid (Sahel). This influences agriculture and settlement patterns in the region.

Kano, in northern Nigeria, is famous for its ancient city walls, which date back to the 11th century. The city was a major center of commerce and Islamic scholarship and is home to many historic sites like the Gidan Makama Museum and the Emir's Palace.

Crude oil is Nigeria’s major export product, contributing over 80% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The oil-rich Niger Delta region is central to production. Nigeria is one of Africa's top oil producers and a member of OPEC.

Nigeria is divided into 36 states and 1 Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). These were created through various military and civilian reforms to ensure administrative efficiency and political balance among Nigeria's many ethnic groups.

Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart in 1958. The novel explores the impact of colonialism on traditional African society and is considered a classic in world literature. Achebe is widely credited with giving voice to African narratives in English literature.