![png_20220613_032041_0000.png](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQFxCYBGT5yNtqD6ywxYoPivVbLv1P3CQgWpP7G6y9DP2/png_20220613_032041_0000.png) --- Hello Everyone. It's feels great to be part of the contest for this week. It is such an enticing topic for participation that will boost engagement. Thanks to the administrators of Steem4Nigeria for organizing yet again a great contest. You guys are doing well. Keep it up. Without taking too much of your time, let me go into the theme of the contest. --- ## BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO MY COUNTRY --- The name of my country is **NIGERIA**. Nigeria became a country in 1914. She was ruled by the British government for 46 years before it became an independent nation in 1960. Nigeria is the largest country in Africa with over 200 Million people. She has 36 states, with 774 local government area. She also has the largest economy in Africa which makes her the **Giant of Africa**. Nigeria as country has 250 ethnic groups and 529 languages spoken across her borders. Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo are the major ethnic groups of the country but because of the Ethnic diversity, English language was chosen as the official language of her Citizens. The **Pidgin** language was coined out of the official language by Sapele people in Delta state of the the country. Pidgin is understood and spoken by a large number of the population of Nigeria. Even people who cannot communicate well in English speaks it. ![images (45).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbz66JyNpW8PU4jVvRvnrud6Xaesy26wWgoFyYzDtMVcu/images%20(45).jpeg) [source](https://images.app.goo.gl/orY4s4Fc6QKGtR879) --- The capital of Nigeria is Abuja and it is in a place taken to be the centre of the country. Abuja is a big Industrialized city with so much development and infrastructure which makes it offer so much opportunities to its dwellers. Other cities of the country, highly industrialized are Lagos, Ibadan, Portharcourt, Onitsha, Abeokuta, Warri, Benin, Kano, Kaduna, Akure, etc. Lagos stands out as the largest city in the country and Africa in terms of population. Ibadan also stands out in land mass in the country and In Africa. It is the largest city in the country and the third largest in Africa. Nigeria is a country blessed with so many natural resources. As I continue this write up, you will get to know more about my country Nigeria. --- ## THE GREAT THINGS THAT INTEREST ME ABOUT MY COUNTRY --- Nigeria is a place to be. There are many things that interests about Nigeria. As time will not allow me, I will only mention the most important ones. * **The Natural Resources** Nigeria is a country flowing with milk and honey. Every state of the country is blessed with one or more natural resources. Some of these are crude oil or petroleum, arable land, gold, silver, limestone, iron Ore, coal, lead, tin, zinc, natural gas, bitumen, clay, etc. This makes it possible for each state to be self sustainable and dependent. * **Diversity of Cultures** ![images (50).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXsoPaeStCmpz89ewQYSp3NRU8axehCfhztUTJdi3qfri/images%20(50).jpeg) [Source](https://images.app.goo.gl/bDa8b5YjmNFJQKQr8) Because of the ethnic diversity, many lovely cultures are in the country. Each time one travels to another part of the country, a unique culture is found. It is very interesting to watch cultural display from different parts of the country in dance, music and arts. * **The Food** ![images (49).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXG2XiU3nhm1Uhdrq8BRo3rn4m5itrPAR14ZfZnyXdXdK/images%20(49).jpeg) [source](https://images.app.goo.gl/okbwgXk8SCGdiue39) Food is one important thing in every country. Nigeria has special delicacies in many parts of the country and these foods are found readily available in most part of the country. There is no where one finds oneself that one will completely miss the food from his place. The arable land of Nigeria support the agricultural production in mainly all parts of the country which makes food items available for all. * **The People** Nigeria is not only blessed with natural resources but a people of talent. Nigerians are damn talented. They are talented in sports, music, art, digital and technological skills. Most people in Nigeria cannot just find the enabling environment to showcase their talents. Many are also in developed counties making names for themselves and making the country proud. --- ## MY PREFERENCES FOR MY COUNTRY AMONG THE ONES MENTION ABOVE --- I love my country and I love to see it become a developed country. It is tough for the country to develop even with every natural resources as a result of mismanagement of these resources by our leaders. My preferences for my country are: * **The Natural Resources** No country will be able to stand on its own without natural resources to manage her economy. These resources are mined, refined and sold to other countries that do not have them to generate money for the country. The petroleum, metals, cash crops and others produced in the country are our major sources of wealth. They are so important for our existence as a country and as the giant of Africa that we are. * **The People** Nigeria is blessed with talents and brains. This is human resources and they are needed to move the country forward. Without this highly intellectuals and talented fellows, the natural resources will not be of any use. The talents are intellectuals are in all sectors of the country. Even with the many that are making names in developed countries, many are still in the country. Human resources is my second preference for my country. * **The Food** As the African man that I am, I prefer the food in my country to any other food. I am not a selective person when it comes to food. I can eat any kind of food but I still have my preferences when it comes to food. I still prefer my Nigerian foods any where I find myself in the world. --- **There is no Place like Home** --- The truth is that initially, I never had any plans of staying outside Nigeria. I had always believed that it is very possible for me to make wealthy in this country and live a comfortable live. I had it in mind that even if I was going to leave Nigeria, it was for vacation and not to relocate completely. It was in 2019 when making a living became more difficult that the thoughts of traveling out filled my mind. Nigeria economic situation is getting worse by the day and it is becoming more difficult for the common man to avoid three square meals. Aside all of these, religious and tribal crises coupled with insecurity and corruption has made many citizens moved out of the country with no plans of return. Peradventure I leave Nigeria for another country, I will miss just two of the my preferences above. I shall miss the people and the food. For the people, I will miss everyone but I will specially miss my Ijaw brothers and sisters. I will also miss the food. The food I know will make me come back to the country. The delicious foods prepared by Nigerians are not easily gotten outside and because of the expenses to get them, I will return to get some and travel back if need be. --- In conclusion, there is really no place like home. I wonder how I shall be able to cope in another country without my people and the good foods. I will definitely miss them if I do leave. For the love of the food here, my brother even said he cannot go to another country where he will not be able to find our foods. I laughed hard and told him he will get them in some countries like USA, China, UK, etc but he would hold his money, like it will be expensive. --- It's a pleasure participating in this contest. I could have written more but allow me to invite @afunkycares, @chiabertrand and @olabillions to write the rest. **Thanks for reading!**