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However, since the restoration of democracy in 1999 under Obasanjo (a former coup leader himself) and two peaceful transfers of power – from a somewhat reluctant Obasanjo in 2007 and to Goodluck Johnathan after the death of the President Yaradua in 2010 – things may be looking up. Although politically the situation may still be volatile with an election in 2011, violent disturbances around the city of Jos in the central Plateau state, and a fragile peace in the Niger Delta region following 2009’s amnesty for militant groups, Nigerians are currently busy promoting their country as the next big thing in the world of emerging markets. Members of a successful diaspora now seem to be returning home and are beginning to put their business experience and international perspective to good use in reforming aspects of the national infrastructure and economy.
Whilst Nigeria might be most famous for its turbulent political history and ill-distributed oil wealth, it is also home to a great diversity of peoples, musical styles, artistic culture and spiritual fervour. Southerners tend to be Christians and Northerners Muslims, but the country also has retained a strong and varied indigenous religious following.
World famous Nigerians include the Nobel Laureate - playwright and poet – Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe – author of Things fall apart (recognised as Africa’s first ‘modern’ novel), Fela Kuti – dissident musician and Nwanko Kanu – twice African footballer of the yearer and Champions League winner with Ajax.
Recommended readings (available at the RAS bookstore) Chinua Achebe: Anthills of the savannah or Things fall apart Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Half of a yellow sun Wole Soyinka: You must set forth at dawn Karl Maier - This House has Fallen: Nigeria in Crisis Olusegun Obasanjo - My Command: An Account of the Nigerian Civil War 1967-70
Reports of RAS Nigeria meetings 2nd Feb 2011, Oil and governance in the Gulf of Guinea 4 Oct 2010, 'My Nigeria: fives decades of independence' - by Peter Cunliffe Jones 3 Sept 2010, Nigeria: a new investment climate 15 July 2010, Unravelling Jos: Terrorism, Corruption, Religion 15th May 2007, Nigeria's Elections 2007: A step back
Key facts
Useful links Business Day The online version of the daily business newspaper, with feature reports from the last 20 days only. Centre for Democracy and Development The Centre for Democracy and Development is a UK based NGO which aims to promote the values of democracy, peace & human rights in Africa and especially in the West African sub-region. Columbia University - Nigeria Internet resources on Nigeria from Columbia University. Country specific links Country specific internet resources from the University of Pennsylvania African Studies centre. Gamji Excellent site for news, articles and current affairs from Nigeria. Government Links Links to every government related site on the web. The database includes national & regional institutions, representations abroad, political parties and additional information such as political resources, tourism, and human rights sites. Kidon Media Link - Nigeria Links to newspapers and other media sources in various languages. NEXT The latest news, sports and views from Nigeria. Niger Delta Congress Web site focusing on oil and human rights issues in Nigeria. Nigeria World Comprehensive Nigerian news site. Nigeria.com A compilation of internet-wide news stories, blogs, features and links. NigeriaWEB A daily index and archive of Nigerian news headlines, analysis, and commentary as well as comprehensive web directory. Stakeholder Democracy Network SDN is a London-based organisation working to empower those worst affected by the activities of extractive industries in Nigeria and to help them to get a better deal. Comments
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Nigeria, with a population three times that of 