BY: LIBAN ABDIKARIM

Colonialism in Nigeria

Tribes of Nigeria

Nigeria is consisted of three major tribes Yoruba Hausa Igbo

These tribes are distinctly unique each having their own traditions

Their life changed when Nigeria began to become colonized

Discovery of the People

Each tribe was distinctly affected by the new religions the colonialists had brought The Hausa’s were invaded early in the 1800s by

another African tribe called the Fulani The Fulani were Muslim and converted many Hausa to

Islam The Igbo were influenced later by British colonialists

who brought their own religion, Christianity Lastly, the Yoruba’s were influenced by both the

Hausa and the Igbo, making them split between Islam and Christianity

Affect of Colonialism

The overall effect of colonialism made the country more diverse

Unfortunately, good things also came with bad and many of these ethnic groups were manipulated and divided

This would lead to issues after their freedom was given to them

Affect of Colonialism

Furthermore, colonialism created problems after Nigerian independence

With no real sense of assistance the Nigerians were abandoned as fast as they were invaded

A Civil War broke out just seven years after independence between Igbo Christians and Hausan Muslims The Igbo wanted to create their own state to separate

from Nigeria These attempts failed and they were forced to rejoin

their countrymen

On the Right Track

Unfortunately, this unrest did not cease here and a military regime emerged

This was in response to a finding that Nigeria had a lot of oil

In fact Nigeria became part of OPEC, the leading body of oil exporting countries in the world

Billions of dollars rolled as the military regime began to crumble

Beginnings of Change

After the death of ruthless dictator Sani Abacha The civilians and Nigerian people rushed to create a

democracy amid this opportunity Olusegun Obasanjo, former Military Leader was

elected as the head of state Although a new state was established there were still

issues present, Ethnic divisions Conflict over Niger-Delta region

Democracy and Prosperity

This democratic regime still exists in Nigeria today, as the people have recovered from their dreadful post-colonial times

Nigeria has evolved into one of the richest countries in Africa

Nigeria Today

Nigeria today is a nation of 170 million people, and is one of the most prosperous and successful

Nigeria also has produced some of the most influential people in the world in their diaspora Chinua Achebe Hakeem Olajuwon Fela Kuti

What did colonialism do?

Colonialism produced many bad things for the Nigerian people including Civil War Political unrest Financial Turmoil

But overall it has created a diverse and successful country which is rare in previously colonized country’s

Sources

http://www1.american.edu/ted/ice/BIAFRA.HTM

http://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2009/07/british-colonialism-in-nigeria.html

http://www.mapsofworld.com/nigeria/culture/tribes.html