Reporter: Modeline Nicholas Longjohn
MUN is an incredibly diverse space, featuring people from several countries in the world. One of the countries with a large population at MUN is Nigeria, a country in the West of Africa. Known as the most populous black nation on Earth, Nigeria has made its fair share of contributions to the world scene. Notable Nigerians include the multi-award winning writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and Dr. Bernet Omalu the Physician who first published about traumatic brain injury linked to American football (depicted in the biopic Concussion). Other Notable people of Nigerian descent include actors David Oyelowo, John Boyega, Hakeem Kae-Kaseem and Chinwetel Ejiofor and former beauty queens/models Agbani Darego and Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandis.
As an oil and gas rich nation which is touted to be one of the emerging economies in Africa, Nigeria has had its share of political instability. Surviving a brutal civil war (1967-1970) which nearly divided the country, this highly industrious yet politically unstable nation continues to grapple with problems including poverty, large scale corruption and in recent times militant insurgency from Jihadist organization Boko Haram.
As a former British protectorate, Nigeria gained its independence from colonial rule on October 1st, 1960. A day which according to Sodiq Dada and Nnamdi Chinweze of the Nigerian Students Association, MUN Campus can be likened to Christmas in Nigeria.
“Today is a very big day back home, because this is the 58th year since Nigeria gained independence from Colonial rule. The mood is festive,the sky is green and everyone is ecstatic and hopeful about the future,” said Sodiq Dada.
In the spirit of patriotism, MUN students of Nigerian descent gathered at the University Centre for a commemorative event. Speaking on the reason for the celebration, Sodiq Dada said it was an opportunity to showcaset he Nigerian culture, especially Nigerian music which has global acclaim. Onthe outstanding thing about Nigeria, Nnamdi Chimeze says it’s the population(over 250 million), ethnic diversity (over 250 ethnic groups), and the attendant rich culture of a people united in diversity.
The MUSE wishes Nigeria and the NSA MUN happy independence celebrations.