If you could tell the world one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria, what would it be?
The 419Positive Project invites Nigerians & friends of Nigeria to Say Something Positive...
in an ambitious search for four hundred & nineteen positive attributes of Nigerians & Nigeria.
We're also embarking on a journey across Nigeria; to document a selection of attributes in
words, pictures & on video. Add your voice below, who knows, yours might make the final cut!

  1. 419 Reasons to Like Nigeria: 036 – 047

    Nigeria – The Country

    36. Nigeria is blessed by all standards. 441 natural resources, more than 400 tribes, we are the happiest people on earth according to a 2003 world survey.

    37. Nigeria has got diversity of everything on offer — language (more than two hundred), cuisine, landscape (mangrove swamps, rain-forests, savannah, mountains, and deserts), etc.

    38. Nigeria is a country where there’s always something to laugh about. There are dull moments but they never last.

    39. Nigeria’s business capital is the city of Lagos, where there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or you’re watching TV, there’s always someone to serve up some drama.

    40. The Nigerian Green and White flag is a notable national symbol. The green colour symbolises agriculture, seeing that the country is endowed with masses of arable land, while the white colour signifies unity and peace. Other national symbols include the Nigerian Coat of Arms, which depicts an eagle on a black shield, trisected by two wavy silver bands, and supported on either side by two chargers. The national motto underlies the coat-of -arms: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.” Her national symbols convey great meaning to its people.

    41. Nigeria is the land of the politics and the politically informed. Despite a large illiterate population according to statistics, most people listen to the radio and are well informed on things going on around the world. You could even run into a person who knows the capital of the American state of Nebraska. Almost everybody in Nigeria is very interested in politics, especially Nigerian politics. Nigerians are highly opinionated and passionate people. There is nothing lukewarm about being Nigerian.

    42. The Nigerian accent is currently ranked by CNN Global Experiences as the 5th sexiest accent in the world.

    43. Nigeria is blessed with natural resources, abundant solid minerals and huge potential for growth in the manufacturing industry.

    44. Nigeria is described to have one of the most unique names ever for a president – Goodluck Jonathan.

    45. Reflecting love for its young ones, Nigeria offers free immunisation under the National Programme for Immunization with an aim to eradicate childhood killer diseases.

    46. With regard to preserving her most valued resource, people, the Nigerian National health insurance scheme was established and has enabled more accessibility to healthcare for people and their families at minimal costs.

    47. Nigeria is home to Nollywood, one of the world’s biggest film industries.


  2. 419 Reasons to Like Nigeria: 001 – 035

    Nigeria – The Land of Potential and Opportunity

    1. Africa is the future, Nigeria is her giant – It’s obvious to the world that global prosperity going forward will hinge heavily on Africa and Asia. I love Nigeria because we are divinely, strategically located and placed in Africa.

    2. Nigeria is the most populous black nation – and a buying one at that. From a capitalist point of view, this makes for a great investment opportunities.

    3. Nigeria is the land of opportunity. It is pretty much a virgin market with capacity for many business ideas. If you have a brilliant idea and the funding, you will make so much money in Nigeria. Why? There are over 160 million people and a large informal market of consumers. If you identify the right market segment and establish a business, your profit margin will go through the roof. For instance, at the advent of mobile phones in the country, a South African company, MTN, came into the country as one of the first foreign investors. It is said that the company makes more profits from Nigeria are higher than its home country.

    4. An expanding commercial market. Lagos is currently the second most populous city in Africa, following Cairo. The United Nations predicts that by 2025 Lagos will be the 11th largest city in the world.

    5. The UK government in 2011, described Nigeria is the world’s fourth fastest growing economy with solid growth expected in the next five years.

    6. The size (population) of the country, Nigeria, makes it a potential business/salesperson’s paradise (over 160 million potential consumers — the largest market in Africa).

    7. Nigeria’s market is indeed very promising. With over 160 million potential customers you simply can’t go wrong.

    8. Nigeria is Africa’s largest mobile market with over 85 million subscribers.

    9. Recent developments in the payments space means that online and mobile transactions will make a huge footprint in the coming years. There’s never been a better time to get Nigerian businesses taking advantage of the internet and the wide range of opportunities that come with it. This works especially well for those selling products.

    10. Nigeria is the largest market in Africa for Guinness and the second largest globally, after UK, since it overtook Ireland in 2007. Nigeria owing to its market size, is predicted to take the lead ahead of the UK by 2014.

    11. Nigeria, previously viewed as a risky investment environment, is gradually becoming the investors target especially with the growing middle class. The Fast Moving Consumer Goods market in 2011 has experienced much expansion with multinationals like Coca-Cola Hellenic, Heineken and PZ Cussons increased investments in their local units.

    12. We make frighteningly good use of opportunity when it presents itself. Take a look at communication and the adoption of technology. I daresay that there is no country that adopted faster. If we light up Nigeria today, I assure you, we’ll leap ahead twenty years in two.

    13. Another reason to like Nigeria is because of the future we can see. Because people are becoming more enlightened each day and the youth is more hands-on than ever before; I can be pretty confident that not too long from now, this should be a country to be reckoned with. I like Nigeria for the future I see.

    14. Nigeria is not only about size, it’s about numbers and companies that are not selling in Nigeria are missing out on huge market.

    15. I like Nigeria because it is a land of endless opportunities and possibilities. Nigeria is one country I believe the world is yet to experience it true potentials. I believe Nigerians are sharp, brilliant and accommodating people. Giving the right enabling environment the world will marvel at what Nigeria will become.

    16. The taxation system is a reason to like Nigeria. The Federal government doesn’t impose heavy tax on the labour force. This encourages foreigners to come to Nigeria to work, for there is good pay as well as returns. For instance, in Germany there is dog tax, however in Nigeria, you’re free to own as many dogs as you please without having to bother about paying the government for your pets.

    17. You can sell weave to a woman with perfectly good hair on her head. With over 160 million people making up Africa’s biggest consumer market, you can sell nearly any type of product or service in Nigeria and still have a huge market! People here are just hungry for excellent products – and they’ve got the buying power to back it up!

    18. We confound acclaimed economic models, yet you ignore us at your own peril. In economics, sociology, psychology and politics, Nigerian case studies are worth pursuing.

    19. Unlimited data (well, nearly unlimited) for the Blackberry Internet Service, is relatively cheap when compared with what my colleagues pay in the US and the UK. N3000 for a month? That sounds like a deal, and is especially useful for mobile small businesses. It really helps, considering that the price of regular broadband internet versus what one actually gets is rather expensive.

    20. The fact that Nigeria currently lags behind so much – in infrastructure and developmental terms – hints at the size of the potential for innovation and transformation, and at the huge number of vacancies that exist for ‘transformers’. What I think this means is that the world will be hearing a lot about Nigeria and high-achieving Nigerians (in the public and private sectors) in the near future.

    21. The agricultural potential of Nigeria will make her the envy of developed nations in years to come.

    22. I left a seed of black-eyed bean in my kitchen sink, next day it was already sprouting. Where else in the world does that occur except Nigeria?

    23. Our business environment is very welcoming and full of untapped business opportunities.

    24. Our youth population is a force that can be used for good, and if empowered, will drive Nigeria’s small scale industries potential.

    25. Shopping in traffic jams – the ultimate time saver! The hawker’s market is one that begs economic research.

    26. Nigeria is one of the fastest growing countries in the music and film industry. This is good for investors.

    27. There are LOADS of opportunities. It’s virgin ground for loads of innovation and new unique ideas.

    28. Nigeria is a developing country and this creates an avenue for investment which will foster growth.

    29. Nigeria is the future of the world. Increasing attention from foreign economies is proof positive for this.

    30. There are many economic opportunities, and recent global consulting company reports point to Nigeria and Africa as the future.

    31. Nigeria is the land of opportunity, where you can invest in loads of things {Economic investment}.

    32. Our man power, which has made foreigners form an alliance with us to aid and promote industries and industrial investment.

    33. NIGERIA is that country where you can make good money from businesses with fair tax costs.

    34. Entrepreneurs can flourish in Nigeria. There is a mass market of consumers and many business opportunities.

    35. Innovation and world-changing-ideas abound in infinite quantities in this great country. The only boundary is support.


  3. 419 Reasons to Like Nigeria | Contributors

    List of Contributors

    • http://www.wetinhappen.com
    • www.lordbanks.com
    • http://bisiogunwale.wordpress.com
    • http://abangmercy.wordpress.com
    • www.chikauwazie.com
    • http://fairygodsister.wordpress.com/
    • http://moacn.wordpress.com
    • www.alotedbabe.blogspot.com
    • www.crodamilo00.com
    • http://ndukwe.wordpress.com
    • www.calabarbeckons.wordpress.com
    • http://gbengaawomodu.wordpress.com
    • www.aimh1707.blogspot.com
    • http://www.akinblog.nl/
    • www.funmilayo.blogspot.com
    • www.adejoh.blogspot.com
    • www.tharrosandbuzz.blogspot.com
    • www.syndicatewriter.blogspot.com
    • www.jesseoguns.blogspot.com
    • http://jmacebong.wordpress.com
    • www.lagoscityphotos.blogspot.com
    • http://okshorty1.wordpress.com
    • http://kunledurojaiye.wordpress.com
    • lagun.akinloye@thinkafricapress.com
    • http://allthatisgoodaboutnigeria.wordpress.com
    • www.tonikruzreports.blogspot.com
    • www.mayowaidowu.blogspot.com
    • www.gbengasesan.com
    • www.miafarradaily.blogspot.com
    • www.omojuwa.com
    • http://kevinwithanl.wordpress.com
    • http://olatodera.blogspot.com
    • www.mynewhitmanwrites.com
    • www.naijastories.com
    • www.9jaboyblog.blogspot.com
    • www.summer-ace.blogspot.com
    • http://aguntasolo.posterous.com/
    • http://cubescript.blogspot.com
    • http://afrosays.wordpress.com
    • http://blogs.forbes.com/peterjreilly
    • www.tygernity.blogspot.com
    • www.rallyfornigeria.com
    • http://astoldbynono.wordpress.com
    • www.speechgirlbucknor.blogspot.com
    • www.subomiplumptre.blogspot.com
    • http://toluogunlesi.wordpress.com
    • www.blaqeagle.blogspot.com
    • www.areediangle.com
    • www.famuyideolawale.blogspot.com
    • http://yemioyetoyan.wordpress.com
    • http://primateculture.wordpress.com
    • www.yomiolufiade.blogspot.com
    • http://estamorenikeji.wordpress.com
    • http://Olubunmi.posterous.com
    • http://poemsbynwando.blogspot.com
    • http://www.seunfakze.wordpress.com
    • http://www.thenakedconvos.com
    • http://zoehugs.wordpress.com
    • www.babatundeadediran.blogspot.com
    • www.samuelidowuolukade.blogspot.com
    • www.withinmyreality.blogspot.com
    • http://notsoskinnydreams.com/
    • http://isetfiretotherain.wordpress.com
    • Boade Makinde
    • Segun Akindele
    • Esther Matswamgbe
    • Jide Bamidele
    • Abolade Oyelere
    • Madina Yusuf
    • Mahmud Sulaiman
    • Ebere Nkoro
    • Toju Falere
    • Idris Ogunjobi
    • Opeyemi Akinlolu
    • Sanmi Abiodun
    • Seyi Oginni
    • Adebayo Oluseyi
    • Yetunde Mosunmola
    • Olajide Bamidele
    • Bankole Eniola
    • Stanley Achonu
    • Laoye Jegede
    • Obalolu Adeleke
    • Seun Durojaiye
    • Gbemi Leigh
    • Seun Falayi
    • Yemi Soneye
    • Titi Adebayor
    • Sangodiji Akinwale Isaac
    • Olonimoyo Henry
    • Akpoveta Valentine ‘tejiri
    • Gboluwaga Olubunmi
    • Adenike Yusuf
    • Czar Olams Adeyemo
    • Opeyemi.Awoyemi
    • Akinbo A. A. Cornerstone
    • Odumade Adeyinka Olusanya
    • Kelvinkul Vindicated
    • Azubike Obi
    • Dayo Fagade
    • Leke Oscar Oyinsan
    • Rise Networks Nigeria


  4. 419 Positive Attributes: #6 ‘Beginning & End’

    Morenike Fasuyi is a marketing practitioner in London, England. View more attributes.

    You can submit an attribute here or record a video of you and/or your friends (using a mobile phone, webcam or camcorder) telling us one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria. Upload your video to YouTube with the title 419 Positive Attributes | Your Firstname Surname, tag your video 419 Positive.

    Read our Submissions Policy

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


  5. 419 Positive Attributes: #5 ‘Hospitable’

    Lady Chioma Ibe is a director at CBAAC, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation in Lagos, Nigeria. View more attributes.

    You can submit an attribute here or record a video of you and/or your friends (using a mobile phone, webcam or camcorder) telling us one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria. Upload your video to YouTube with the title 419 Positive Attributes | Your Firstname Surname, tag your video 419 Positive.

    Read our Submissions Policy

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


  6. 419 Positive Attributes: #4 ‘Respectful’

    Rachel Okpara is a member of the Peace Movement Organisation of Nigeria. View more attributes.

    You can submit an attribute here or record a video of you and/or your friends (using a mobile phone, webcam or camcorder) telling us one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria. Upload your video to YouTube with the title 419 Positive Attributes | Your Firstname Surname, tag your video 419 Positive.

    Read our Submissions Policy

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


  7. 419 Positive Attributes: #3 ‘Resilience’

    Sanusi Lamido Sanusi is the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. View more attributes.

    You can submit an attribute here or record a video of you and/or your friends (using a mobile phone, webcam or camcorder) telling us one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria. Upload your video to YouTube with the title 419 Positive Attributes | Your Firstname Surname, tag your video 419 Positive.

    Read our Submissions Policy

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


  8. 419 Positive Attributes: #2 ‘Friendly’

    Femi Salawu is a journalist in Lagos, Nigeria. View more attributes.

    You can submit an attribute here or record a video of you and/or your friends (using a mobile phone, webcam or camcorder) telling us one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria. Upload your video to YouTube with the title 419 Positive Attributes | Your Firstname Surname, tag your video 419 Positive.

    Read our Submissions Policy

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


  9. 419 Positive Attributes: #1 ‘Bread Basket’

    Jimi Solanke is a well-known storyteller, actor and performer. Fondly remembered as the face and voice of the ‘Tales by Moonlight’ TV series. View more attributes.

    You can submit an attribute too or record a video of you and/or your friends (using a mobile phone, webcam or camcorder) telling us one remarkable thing about Nigerians or Nigeria. Upload your video to YouTube with the title 419 Positive Attributes | Your Firstname Surname, tag your video 419 Positive.

    Read our Submissions Policy

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


  10. #ProudlyNigerian | Naija For Real

    Yagazie Chukwumerije, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist (Men’s Taekwondo), wrote this specially for The 419Positive Project. Thanks Yagazie.

    I have been scratching my head
    In wonder for some years now,
    Puzzled and amazed by such ignorance.
    I shook my head in disbelief
    ‘Can anything good come out of Nigeria?’
    They were asking me, flushed faces facing me
    Giggles… Laughter… The taunting touch of mockery
    The volcano in me nearing eruption
    I held it down, held my peace
    ‘What is your response, Yaga?’
    The taunting touch of mockery
    Volcano in me, erupting… Where do I begin?

    Thoughts like rapids rushing through my head
    The beautiful soil that needs no tilling
    The undulating plains that need no smoothening
    Have they seen the sturdy hills of Enugu at dawn?
    Or Olumo, the indomitable, proud head in the sun?
    Have they heard of Gurara Falls?
    Or stood on the peak of Obudu, where spirits stand tall?
    No flood or quakes, no screaming hysteria
    Do they know this beautiful Nigeria?

    Thoughts like rapids rushing through my head
    There, in the sands, the footfall of heroes
    Warriors passed this way, paved the way to tomorrow
    The trees still whisper, ‘Here lies Aminu Kano
    ‘Here lies Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello
    ‘Here lies Awolowo and the heart of Tarka
    ‘Here lies the wall of Queen Amina of Zaria
    The trees still whisper these old, old stories
    But do they know this beautiful history?

    Four-One-Nine
    Four hundred and nineteen children standing in a line
    Facing poverty with dignity
    Four hundred and nineteen men weaving an honest living,
    Bleeding fingers squeezing water from stones
    Four hundred and nineteen women scraping flesh off bones
    Four hundred and nineteen backs, bent but not broken
    Not a lie spoken, not a bribe taken

    With nothing but the light shining in his own heart
    There is Chinua Achebe writing, Things Fall Apart
    From the depths of his own sorrow, at ends that never meet
    There is Basketmouth cracking us up with his bottomless wit.
    When we fall in love but lack the words to woo her
    We let Tu Face sing, My African Queen to her
    It is who we are – men and women who grip adversity
    Twist and turn it with undaunted creativity

    Thoughts like rapids rushing through my head
    But they judge us for the one man duped in Tokyo
    The one man swindled in Congo
    When faceless millions are braving the winter
    Working three jobs to send money home to mother
    When resolve is building Nollywood – one film a time
    Faceless millions walking one day at a time
    Yet still doing much with so little…
    Do they know these beautiful people?

    Yaga?
    Volcano erupted – silently, quietly
    My eyes return, flushed faces still facing me
    ‘What do you say?’
    Giggles… Laughter… Ignorance and ignorance talking
    ‘Can anything good come out of Nigeria?’
    I rise to my feet – volcano erupted
    I have never heard a thunder storm defend itself
    So I turn around
    On the back of my tee shirt – a simple message:
    NAIJA FOR REAL
    PLEASE STOP BEEFING!

    ©2009 Yaga Chukwumerije.

    —-
    Say Something Positive…


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