the Nigerian flag

FACT: Wednesday, Nigeria marked 48 years of independence from British colonial rule.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the eighth most populous country in the world with a population of over 140 million. It is a regional power and it is also listed among the “Next Eleven” economies. The economy of Nigeria is one of the fastest growing in the world with the International Monetary Fund projecting a growth of 9% in 2008 and 8.3% in 2009.

Yesterday, President Umaru Yar’Adua asked Nigerians to renew their faith and transform their country into a strong, stable, and democratic nation. He called on them to make Nigeria a major player on the global stage by 2020. President Yar’Adua pledged to promote a culture of prudence, diligence and accountability in governance.