🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 128
🇳🇬 Chapter 1 – Part 1
Nigeria: The Giant of Africa
Ancient Nok Civilization, Ife and Benin, Hausa and Kanem-Bornu, Yoruba and Igbo Worlds, Transatlantic Slavery, British Colonialism, Christian Missions, Islamic Scholarship, Independence, the Biafran War, Military Rule, Democracy, Oil, Nollywood, Pentecostal Christianity, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria's Kingdom Calling
"Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee." — Isaiah 60:1
Introduction
Nigeria is one of the most important nations in Africa.
It is:
The most populous country in Africa.
One of the world's largest Black nations.
A major oil producer.
A center of African Christianity.
A major center of Islam.
A cultural powerhouse.
A literary nation.
A musical nation.
A filmmaking nation.
A commercial nation.
And a nation of extraordinary ethnic and linguistic diversity.
Nigeria's story reaches through:
Ancient civilizations.
Nok culture.
The Yoruba kingdoms.
Ife.
Benin.
Hausa city-states.
Kanem-Bornu.
The Sokoto Caliphate.
Igbo societies.
Christian missions.
Islamic scholarship.
The transatlantic slave trade.
British colonialism.
Amalgamation.
Independence.
The Biafran War.
Military government.
Oil wealth.
Democracy.
Nollywood.
Pentecostal Christianity.
The Niger Delta.
Boko Haram.
Banditry.
Economic transformation.
And Nigeria's enormous potential to influence:
Africa and the nations.
Where Is Nigeria?
Nigeria is located in:
West Africa
It borders:
Niger
to the north.
Chad
to the northeast.
Cameroon
to the east.
Benin
to the west.
Atlantic Ocean
Nigeria's southern coast faces:
the Gulf of Guinea
Niger River
The country takes its name from the:
Niger River
Niger River
The Niger is one of Africa's great rivers.
It flows through:
Guinea.
Mali.
Niger.
Benin.
Nigeria.
Niger-Benue System
Within Nigeria, the Niger is joined by the:
Benue River
Confluence
The Niger and Benue meet near:
Lokoja
Lokoja
Lokoja occupies a strategically important position at the meeting of:
Two great rivers.
Niger Delta
The Niger eventually reaches the Atlantic through:
the Niger Delta
Niger Delta
The delta is one of the world's great:
Wetland ecosystems.
Oil
The Niger Delta also contains enormous:
petroleum reserves.
Resource Blessing and Curse
Oil has brought:
Revenue.
Infrastructure.
Jobs.
International importance.
But also:
Pollution.
Corruption.
Conflict.
Environmental destruction.
Nigeria's Geography
Nigeria contains:
Rainforest.
Savanna.
Wetlands.
Mountains.
Plateaus.
Coastal ecosystems.
River valleys.
Northern Nigeria
The north is dominated by:
Savanna.
Semi-arid regions.
Sahel transition zones.
Southern Nigeria
The south is generally:
More humid.
More densely forested.
More urbanized.
Lagos
Lagos
is Nigeria's largest metropolitan area and one of Africa's great megacities.
Lagos
Lagos is a center of:
Business.
Finance.
Music.
Film.
Fashion.
Technology.
Christianity.
Abuja
The capital is:
Abuja
Abuja
Abuja became the national capital in:
1991
A Planned Capital
Abuja was developed as a more centrally located capital.
Nigeria's Scale
Nigeria is enormous in:
Population.
Economic influence.
Cultural influence.
A Multinational Nation
Nigeria contains:
Hundreds of ethnic groups.
Hundreds of languages.
Many religious traditions.
Major Peoples
Among the largest ethnic groups are:
Hausa-Fulani
Yoruba
Igbo
Hausa
The Hausa have a long history of:
Trade.
Urban civilization.
Islamic scholarship.
State formation.
Yoruba
The Yoruba developed sophisticated:
Kingdoms.
Cities.
Art.
Religion.
Political institutions.
Igbo
Igbo societies developed distinctive forms of:
Local government.
Trade.
Religion.
Village organization.
Edo
The:
Edo
people developed the:
Kingdom of Benin
Kanuri
The:
Kanuri
are historically associated with:
Kanem-Bornu
Fulani
The:
Fulani
developed extensive pastoral and political networks across West Africa.
Tiv
The:
Tiv
are another major Nigerian people.
Ijaw
The:
Ijaw
are especially associated with the Niger Delta.
Ibibio
The:
Ibibio
are important in southeastern Nigeria.
Efik
The:
Efik
developed important coastal trading communities.
A Nation of Nations
Nigeria's diversity is so extensive that it is difficult to describe the country through one:
Culture.
Ancient Nigeria
Nigeria's history reaches back thousands of years.
Nok Civilization
One of the earliest famous archaeological cultures is:
Nok
Nok
Nok culture flourished roughly during the:
first millennium BC and first millennium AD.
Terracotta
Nok artists created remarkable:
terracotta sculptures
Nok Art
The sculptures display:
Human figures.
Heads.
Animals.
Complex hairstyles.
Ironworking
Nok communities also became associated with:
ironworking
Ancient Technology
This demonstrates that sophisticated African technological traditions existed long before European colonialism.
Yoruba Civilization
The Yoruba world produced some of Africa's most sophisticated urban civilizations.
Ife
Ile-Ife
is regarded as a major spiritual and historical center of Yoruba civilization.
Ife Art
Ife became famous for:
Naturalistic bronze.
Terracotta.
Stone sculpture.
Bronze Heads
Ife sculptures are among the masterpieces of African art.
Oduduwa
Yoruba traditions associate the origins of Yoruba kingship with:
Oduduwa
Sacred Kingship
The:
Ooni of Ife
remains an important traditional ruler.
Yoruba Religion
Traditional Yoruba religious traditions include devotion to:
Orishas
Olodumare
The supreme creator in Yoruba religious thought is commonly called:
Olodumare
Cultural Legacy
Yoruba religious traditions influenced:
Christianity.
Islam.
The African diaspora.
Benin Kingdom
Another great civilization was:
the Kingdom of Benin
Benin City
Its capital was:
Benin City
Oba
The ruler of Benin was known as:
Oba
Benin Bronzes
Benin became famous for extraordinary:
bronze and brass artworks
Benin Art
Artists created:
Plaques.
Heads.
Figures.
Ivories.
Ceremonial objects.
Benin Walls
Benin City was surrounded by enormous earthworks.
European Contact
Portuguese traders established relationships with Benin beginning in the:
fifteenth century.
Atlantic Trade
Benin participated in regional and Atlantic trade.
1897
British forces invaded Benin City in:
1897
Destruction
The British expedition destroyed and looted the royal palace.
Benin Bronzes Taken
Large quantities of artworks were taken to Europe.
Restitution
The Benin Bronzes have become central to global debates about:
Colonial looting.
Museum ownership.
Restitution.
Cultural heritage.
Kingdom Justice
History requires:
Truth.
Acknowledgment.
Restoration where appropriate.
Hausa States
Northern Nigeria developed powerful Hausa states.
Kano
Kano
became one of the great commercial cities of West Africa.
Katsina
Katsina
became an important center of:
Trade.
Islamic learning.
Zazzau
Zazzau
later known as:
Zaria
became another major Hausa state.
Daura
Daura
holds a special place in Hausa traditions.
Gobir
Gobir
was another important Hausa political center.
Islamic Scholarship
Islam became deeply established in northern Nigeria.
Trans-Saharan Trade
Merchants connected northern Nigeria with:
North Africa.
The Sahara.
The wider Islamic world.
Islam
Islam became an important source of:
Law.
Education.
Literacy.
Scholarship.
Political legitimacy.
Kanem-Bornu
To the east was the:
Kanem-Bornu Empire
Lake Chad
Kanem-Bornu developed around:
Lake Chad
Mai
The ruler of Kanem-Bornu was known as:
Mai
Islamic Learning
Kanem-Bornu became an important center of:
Islamic scholarship.
Muhammad al-Kanemi
One of the most important leaders in Bornu history was:
Muhammad al-Kanemi
Fulani Jihad
The early nineteenth century brought major Islamic political transformation.
Usman dan Fodio
Usman dan Fodio
launched a major Islamic reform movement.
Sokoto Caliphate
The movement established the:
Sokoto Caliphate
Sokoto
Sokoto
became a major Islamic center.
Islamic Empire
The Sokoto Caliphate became one of the largest political formations in nineteenth-century Africa.
Education
Islamic scholarship flourished through:
Qur'anic schools.
Scholarly networks.
Libraries.
Manuscripts.
Nana Asma'u
One remarkable scholar was:
Nana Asma'u
Nana Asma'u
She was a daughter of Usman dan Fodio and became a major:
Scholar.
Poet.
Teacher.
Women's Education
Nana Asma'u established systems for educating women.
African Scholarship
Her life demonstrates the depth of African intellectual history.
Igbo Societies
The Igbo world developed differently.
Decentralized Government
Many Igbo communities did not have a single centralized king.
Village Assemblies
Political authority could be distributed among:
Elders.
Families.
Age grades.
Associations.
Religious leaders.
Market Networks
Igbo communities developed extensive:
Trade networks.
A Different Political Model
The Igbo experience demonstrates that African civilization did not have only one political form.
Atlantic Slave Trade
Nigeria was deeply affected by:
the transatlantic slave trade
West African Slave Trade
Millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic.
Biafra Region
Southeastern Nigeria became part of the broader:
Bight of Biafra.
Ports
Coastal trading centers became involved in:
Slave trading.
Enslavement
People were captured through:
War.
Raiding.
Political conflict.
Debt.
Kidnapping.
African Participation
Some African rulers and merchants participated in slave trading.
European Demand
But the transatlantic system was driven by enormous European demand for:
Enslaved labor.
Americas
Enslaved Africans were transported to:
The Caribbean.
Brazil.
North America.
Spanish America.
African Diaspora
The descendants of these people became part of the:
African diaspora.
Yoruba Influence
Yoruba culture became especially influential in:
Brazil.
Cuba.
The Caribbean.
Igbo Diaspora
Igbo ancestry also became widespread across:
The Americas.
Christian Abolition
Christian abolitionists eventually became major voices against:
Slavery.
William Wilberforce
In Britain:
William Wilberforce
became one of the best-known Christian abolitionists.
Abolition
Britain abolished the slave trade in:
1807
and slavery throughout most of the British Empire in:
1833
Christianity and West Africa
Christian missions expanded dramatically during the nineteenth century.
Missionaries
Missionaries established:
Schools.
Hospitals.
Printing presses.
Churches.
Samuel Ajayi Crowther
One of Nigeria's most important Christian leaders was:
Samuel Ajayi Crowther
Ajayi Crowther
Crowther was:
A Yoruba.
A former enslaved person.
A Christian.
A bishop.
A Bible translator.
Anglican Bishop
He became the first African Anglican bishop in modern history.
Bible Translation
Crowther worked extensively on:
Bible translation.
Yoruba Bible
His work helped establish Scripture in:
Yoruba.
Christian Leadership
Crowther demonstrated that African Christianity could become:
African-led.
Christian Education
Mission schools became major centers of:
Literacy.
Education.
Leadership.
CMS
The:
Church Missionary Society
played a major role.
Methodist Mission
Methodists also became active.
Baptist Mission
Baptists established important communities.
Catholic Missions
Catholic missions expanded as well.
Christianity in Southern Nigeria
Christianity became particularly influential in:
Southern Nigeria.
Islam in Northern Nigeria
Islam remained dominant in:
Northern Nigeria.
A Religious Divide
Modern Nigeria therefore contains a major geographic religious pattern:
Christian-majority south.
Muslim-majority north.
But the reality is much more complicated.
Religious Overlap
Christians and Muslims live throughout:
Both regions.
Traditional Religions
Traditional religious practices also continue to influence:
Culture.
Family.
Festivals.
Colonial Nigeria
Britain expanded control over Nigerian territories during the:
nineteenth century.
Royal Niger Company
British commercial interests played a major role in early colonial expansion.
Protectorates
Britain established:
Northern Nigeria Protectorate.
Southern Nigeria Protectorate.
Amalgamation
In:
1914
Britain amalgamated the northern and southern administrations into:
the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria
Colonial Rule
British rule transformed:
Borders.
Economy.
Education.
Transportation.
Government.
Railways
Railways connected:
Interior regions.
Ports.
Markets.
Cash Crops
Colonial agriculture emphasized:
Cocoa.
Palm oil.
Groundnuts.
Cotton.
Palm Oil
The Niger Delta became especially important for:
Palm oil.
Colonial Extraction
Colonial economic systems were designed substantially around:
Export.
Nationalism
Nigerian political movements eventually demanded:
Self-government.
Herbert Macaulay
Herbert Macaulay
became an important nationalist leader.
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Nnamdi Azikiwe
became another major nationalist figure.
Obafemi Awolowo
Obafemi Awolowo
became a major Yoruba political leader.
Ahmadu Bello
Ahmadu Bello
became a major northern Nigerian leader.
Regional Politics
Nigerian nationalism developed alongside strong:
Regional identities.
Independence
Nigeria became independent on:
1 October 1960
First Prime Minister
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
became the first prime minister.
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Azikiwe became:
Governor-General.
and later:
President.
Independence
Nigeria inherited:
A large territory.
Many ethnic groups.
Many languages.
Two major religions.
A complex colonial economy.
First Republic
The First Republic struggled with:
Regional rivalry.
Political instability.
Election disputes.
1966 Coup
A military coup occurred in:
1966
Counter-Coup
A counter-coup followed.
Ethnic Violence
Political violence escalated.
Eastern Region
The eastern region became increasingly distrustful of the federal government.
Biafra
In:
1967
the eastern region declared independence as:
the Republic of Biafra
Biafran War
The:
Nigerian Civil War
lasted from:
1967 to 1970
Biafra
The war became one of the most devastating conflicts in postcolonial African history.
Blockade
Biafra suffered severe:
Food shortages.
Famine
Images of starving children shocked the world.
Humanitarian Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of civilians died from:
War.
Disease.
Starvation.
End of War
Biafra surrendered in:
1970
No Victor, No Vanquished
The federal government famously promoted:
"No Victor, No Vanquished."
Reconciliation
Yet the wounds of Biafra remain part of:
Nigerian history.
Military Rule
Nigeria experienced decades of:
Military government.
Oil
The discovery and expansion of oil production transformed the Nigerian economy.
Niger Delta
Oil became central to:
National revenue.
Petroleum
Nigeria became one of Africa's major:
Oil producers.
Oil Wealth
Oil generated enormous:
Government revenue.
Oil Curse
But oil also produced:
Corruption.
Inequality.
Environmental destruction.
Political conflict.
Ogoni
The:
Ogoni
people became central to environmental resistance.
Ken Saro-Wiwa
Ken Saro-Wiwa
became an internationally known environmental activist.
Ogoni Struggle
He campaigned against:
Oil pollution.
Environmental destruction.
Political injustice.
Execution
Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists were executed by the Nigerian military government in:
1995
Environmental Justice
The Niger Delta became a global example of:
Resource conflict.
Oil Spills
Oil spills have damaged:
Mangroves.
Rivers.
Farmland.
Fishing grounds.
Community Rights
The central question remains:
Who owns the wealth beneath the land?
Resource Stewardship
The biblical principle is:
Resources should serve:
People.
Community.
Future generations.
Democracy Returns
Nigeria returned to civilian government in:
1999
Fourth Republic
The:
Fourth Republic
began in 1999.
Democratic Nigeria
Since then Nigeria has held repeated:
National elections.
Federal System
Nigeria operates as a:
federal republic
States
The country has:
36 states
and the:
Federal Capital Territory
Traditional Rulers
Traditional rulers continue to hold significant:
Cultural.
Religious.
Community.
importance.
Obas
Yoruba traditional rulers include:
Obas
Emirs
Northern Muslim traditional rulers include:
Emirs
Sultan of Sokoto
The:
Sultan of Sokoto
is one of Nigeria's most important Muslim traditional authorities.
Traditional Institutions
Nigeria therefore combines:
Modern democracy.
Traditional authority.
Religious institutions.
Christianity
Nigeria is one of the most important Christian countries in the world.
Catholicism
The Catholic Church has a substantial presence.
Anglicanism
Anglican Christianity has deep historical roots.
Baptist Churches
Baptists have a major presence.
Methodist Churches
Methodists remain important.
Pentecostalism
Perhaps the most globally influential Nigerian Christian movement is:
Pentecostalism.
Nigerian Pentecostalism
Nigerian Pentecostal churches have become:
Large.
International.
Missionary.
Media-oriented.
Redeemed Christian Church of God
The:
Redeemed Christian Church of God
or:
RCCG
became one of the world's largest Pentecostal movements.
Living Faith Church
The:
Living Faith Church Worldwide
also became internationally significant.
Deeper Life
The:
Deeper Christian Life Ministry
became another influential Nigerian evangelical movement.
Global Nigerian Christianity
Nigerian churches now operate throughout:
Africa.
Europe.
North America.
Asia.
African Mission Movement
Nigeria has increasingly become:
A mission-sending nation.
The Nations
Nigerian missionaries serve around the world.
Megachurches
Nigeria became known for enormous:
Christian gatherings.
Prayer
Prayer meetings can draw:
Thousands.
Tens of thousands.
Evangelism
Evangelistic campaigns reach:
Cities.
Villages.
Universities.
Christian Media
Nigerian Christianity has developed extensive:
Television.
Radio.
Streaming.
Music.
Film.
Gospel Music
Nigeria is one of the world's major centers for:
gospel music.
Worship
Nigerian worship music has become influential across:
Africa.
Christian Film
Nigeria's film industry also produces:
Christian films.
The Church and Society
Nigerian churches operate:
Schools.
Hospitals.
Universities.
Charities.
Businesses.
Christian Universities
Several major Nigerian universities have Christian foundations.
Social Influence
The Church has enormous influence on:
Education.
Politics.
Culture.
Family life.
Political Christianity
But this influence creates a major responsibility.
Power
The Church must not confuse:
Political influence
with:
Kingdom authority.
Jesus
Jesus said:
"My kingdom is not of this world."
(John 18:36)
Nigeria and Islam
Nigeria also contains one of the world's largest Muslim populations.
Northern Islam
Islam is particularly strong in:
Northern Nigeria.
Sokoto
Sokoto remains a major center of Islamic scholarship.
Kano
Kano remains an important Islamic and commercial center.
Islamic Universities
Islamic educational institutions operate throughout the country.
Christian-Muslim Relations
Nigeria's future depends heavily upon:
Peace between Christians and Muslims.
Religious Conflict
Some regions have experienced:
Religious violence.
Boko Haram
The:
Boko Haram
insurgency became one of Nigeria's greatest security crises.
Chibok
In:
2014
Boko Haram kidnapped:
276 schoolgirls
from Chibok.
Bring Back Our Girls
The kidnapping generated the international:
Bring Back Our Girls
campaign.
Terrorism
Boko Haram has killed and displaced:
Thousands.
Islamic State West Africa Province
Another militant organization is:
ISWAP
Lake Chad
ISWAP has been particularly active around:
The Lake Chad region.
Christian Persecution
Christians have suffered attacks in some northern and central regions.
Muslim Victims
Muslim civilians have also suffered extensively from:
Terrorism.
The Enemy
Violence should not be reduced to:
Christian versus Muslim.
Terrorism
Extremist ideology has harmed:
Muslims.
Christians.
Traditional communities.
Peacebuilding
Nigeria needs leaders capable of building:
Religious peace.
Fulani-Farmer Conflict
Another major source of violence involves:
Pastoralists.
Farmers.
Land
Competition over:
Land.
Water.
Grazing routes.
has contributed to conflict.
Climate Change
Climate change and desertification can intensify:
Resource competition.
Peace
The solution requires:
Justice.
Security.
Dialogue.
Development.
Nigeria's Youth
Nigeria has one of the world's largest:
Youth populations.
Young Nigeria
This can become:
A demographic burden.
Or:
A demographic dividend.
Education
Nigeria needs:
Schools.
Teachers.
Universities.
Technical training.
Technology
Nigeria has become a major African center for:
Technology startups.
Lagos Tech
Lagos has developed a major:
Technology ecosystem.
Fintech
Nigerian fintech companies have transformed:
Payments.
Banking.
Commerce.
Entrepreneurship
Nigeria's entrepreneurs are among:
Africa's most dynamic.
The Creative Economy
Nigeria's creative economy is enormous.
Nollywood
Nigeria's film industry is known as:
Nollywood
Nollywood
Nollywood became one of the world's largest film industries by:
Production volume.
Nigerian Cinema
Nigerian films have influenced:
Africa.
The Caribbean.
The global African diaspora.
Storytelling
Nigerian cinema explores:
Family.
Faith.
Politics.
Corruption.
Love.
Tradition.
Modernity.
Literature
Nigeria has produced some of Africa's greatest writers.
Chinua Achebe
Chinua Achebe
wrote:
Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart
The novel became one of the most important African literary works of the twentieth century.
Wole Soyinka
Wole Soyinka
became the first African recipient of the:
Nobel Prize in Literature
in:
1986
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
became one of the world's most influential contemporary Nigerian writers.
Literature
Nigeria's writers have shaped global conversations about:
Colonialism.
Identity.
Gender.
Culture.
Politics.
Music
Nigeria has also transformed global music.
Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti
created:
Afrobeat
Afrobeat
Afrobeat became an international musical movement.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy
became one of the world's most internationally recognized Nigerian artists.
Wizkid
Wizkid
also helped bring Nigerian popular music to a global audience.
Davido
Davido
became another major international Nigerian artist.
Afrobeats
Modern:
Afrobeats
has become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.
Culture
Nigeria's influence is therefore far greater than:
Its borders.
Fashion
Nigerian designers influence:
African fashion.
Global fashion.
Food
Nigerian cuisine includes:
Jollof rice.
Egusi soup.
Suya.
Pounded yam.
Afang soup.
Many regional traditions.
Jollof
The West African debate over:
Nigerian versus Ghanaian jollof
has become legendary.
Kingdom Humor
Even food can become:
National identity.
Sports
Football is Nigeria's most popular sport.
Super Eagles
The:
Nigeria national football team
is known as:
the Super Eagles
Olympic Success
Nigeria has also produced successful:
Athletes.
Boxers.
Basketball players.
The Nigerian Spirit
Nigeria's national identity is often associated with:
Energy.
Creativity.
Entrepreneurship.
Resilience.
Challenges
Nigeria also faces enormous challenges.
Corruption
Corruption remains a major problem.
Infrastructure
Power supply.
Roads.
Transportation.
Water.
remain uneven.
Electricity
Reliable electricity is a major issue for:
Businesses.
Homes.
Hospitals.
Schools.
Poverty
Despite enormous resources, many Nigerians remain:
Poor.
Inequality
Wealth is unevenly distributed.
Oil Dependency
Dependence on oil revenue makes the economy vulnerable to:
Price fluctuations.
Diversification
Nigeria needs growth in:
Agriculture.
Technology.
Manufacturing.
Services.
Creative industries.
Agriculture
Nigeria has enormous agricultural potential.
Cassava
Nigeria is one of the world's major producers of:
cassava
Cocoa
The country also produces:
cocoa
Rice
Rice production is expanding.
Food Security
Agriculture could become a major source of:
Jobs.
Food.
Exports.
Manufacturing
Nigeria has significant manufacturing potential.
Cement
Nigeria has developed a major:
Cement industry.
Dangote
Dangote Industries
became one of Africa's largest business groups.
Dangote Refinery
The:
Dangote Refinery
represents an enormous investment in Nigeria's industrial capacity.
African Industry
Nigeria has the potential to become:
A manufacturing powerhouse.
The Niger Delta
The delta remains one of the most important regions.
Mangroves
The delta contains enormous:
Mangrove forests.
Wetlands
Wetlands provide:
Fish.
Wildlife.
Flood protection.
Oil Pollution
Pollution threatens:
Fisheries.
Farmland.
Water.
Restoration
The Niger Delta needs:
Environmental restoration.
Ogoni Cleanup
Restoration efforts have attempted to address:
Oil pollution.
Creation Care
The biblical principle remains:
Creation belongs to God.
Genesis
Human beings were given responsibility to:
Cultivate.
Keep.
Steward.
Nigeria's Kingdom Assignment
Nigeria's Kingdom assignment can be summarized as:
African gateway.
Christian mission powerhouse.
Islamic-Christian bridge.
Cultural superpower.
Media and storytelling center.
Technology hub.
Entrepreneurial nation.
Niger River steward.
Niger Delta protector.
Resource stewardship nation.
Youth nation.
African leadership nation.
Mission-sending nation.
Prayer for Nigeria
Pray:
- For the President.
- For the Vice President.
- For the National Assembly.
- For governors.
- For local leaders.
- For judges.
- For justice.
- For honest government.
- For an end to corruption.
- For peaceful elections.
- For political reconciliation.
- For Christian churches.
- For Catholic Christians.
- For Anglican Christians.
- For Baptist Christians.
- For Methodist Christians.
- For Pentecostal Christians.
- For Evangelical Christians.
- For traditional Christian communities.
- For pastors.
- For missionaries.
- For evangelists.
- For Christian universities.
- For Christian schools.
- For Bible translation.
- For Christian media.
- For gospel musicians.
- For young Christians.
- For Muslim communities.
- For Christian-Muslim peace.
- For traditional religious communities.
- For religious freedom.
- For victims of terrorism.
- For victims of Boko Haram.
- For victims of ISWAP.
- For displaced families.
- For kidnapped children.
- For the Chibok girls and all victims of kidnapping.
- For farmers.
- For pastoralists.
- For Fulani communities.
- For northern communities.
- For southern communities.
- For Yoruba communities.
- For Igbo communities.
- For Hausa communities.
- For Kanuri communities.
- For Edo communities.
- For Ijaw communities.
- For Tiv communities.
- For minority peoples.
- For Indigenous traditions.
- For linguistic preservation.
- For children.
- For girls.
- For women.
- For mothers.
- For families.
- For young people.
- For universities.
- For teachers.
- For doctors.
- For nurses.
- For entrepreneurs.
- For technology companies.
- For fintech.
- For agriculture.
- For farmers.
- For manufacturing.
- For oil workers.
- For the Niger Delta.
- For environmental restoration.
- For the Niger River.
- For the Benue River.
- For mangrove forests.
- For fisheries.
- For clean water.
- For electricity.
- For infrastructure.
- For Lagos.
- For Abuja.
- For Kano.
- For Ibadan.
- For Benin City.
- For Port Harcourt.
- For Enugu.
- For Jos.
- For Kaduna.
- For Maiduguri.
- For Sokoto.
- For the northern states.
- For the Middle Belt.
- For the Niger Delta.
- For the southeast.
- For the southwest.
- For peaceful relations among Nigeria's peoples.
- For national unity.
- For economic opportunity.
- For poverty reduction.
- For the Nigerian diaspora.
- For Nollywood.
- For Nigerian musicians.
- For writers.
- For artists.
- For athletes.
- For Nigeria's global influence.
- For Nigeria's role in Africa.
- For the Gospel to reach every community.
- For Nigeria to become a blessing to Africa and the nations.
Nigeria Before the Throne
Nigeria has experienced:
Nok civilization.
Ife.
Benin.
Hausa kingdoms.
Kanem-Bornu.
The Sokoto Caliphate.
Igbo societies.
Yoruba kingdoms.
Trans-Saharan trade.
The Atlantic slave trade.
Christian missions.
Islamic scholarship.
British colonialism.
Amalgamation.
Independence.
Military coups.
Biafra.
Civil war.
Oil wealth.
Environmental conflict.
Democracy.
Terrorism.
Economic transformation.
From Ancient Civilization to Modern Nation
Nigeria's history proves:
Africa has always contained complex civilizations.
From Ife to Lagos
The country moved from:
Ancient kingdoms.
to:
Modern megacities.
From Benin Bronze to Nollywood
Nigeria's creative tradition continues.
The medium changed.
The creativity did not.
From Caravan Trade to Fintech
Ancient merchants crossed:
The Sahara.
Modern Nigerians move:
Money digitally.
From Manuscripts to Streaming
Nigeria's intellectual culture has moved from:
Handwritten manuscripts.
to:
Digital media.
From Mission Field to Mission Force
This may be one of Nigeria's greatest Kingdom opportunities.
Nigerian Missionaries
Nigeria can send missionaries throughout:
Africa.
Europe.
The Americas.
Asia.
Africa
Nigerian Christians can serve:
Ghana.
Kenya.
South Africa.
Ethiopia.
Uganda.
Tanzania.
The Sahel.
Europe
Nigerian churches have already established:
Congregations.
Missions.
Prayer networks.
North America
Nigerian Christians also serve throughout:
The United States.
Canada.
The Diaspora
The Nigerian diaspora is a major:
Mission opportunity.
The Church and Power
Nigeria's churches have enormous influence.
Influence
With influence comes:
Responsibility.
Wealth
With wealth comes:
Stewardship.
Leadership
With leadership comes:
Accountability.
The Biblical Standard
Jesus said:
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."
(Luke 12:48)
Nigeria Has Been Given Much
Nigeria possesses:
People.
Resources.
Creativity.
Energy.
Faith.
Much Is Required
The nation must use these gifts for:
Justice.
Service.
Development.
Peace.
The Giant of Africa
Nigeria is often called:
the Giant of Africa.
But What Kind of Giant?
The question is not merely:
How large is Nigeria?
The question is:
What will Nigeria do with its influence?
African Leadership
Nigeria has the capacity to influence:
West Africa.
Central Africa.
The entire continent.
ECOWAS
Nigeria has historically been one of the most important powers within:
ECOWAS
Regional Peacekeeping
Nigeria has participated in:
Peacekeeping.
Conflict resolution.
Regional security.
ECOMOG
Nigerian forces played major roles in:
ECOMOG
during conflicts in West Africa.
Liberia
Nigeria helped support regional efforts during the:
Liberian civil war.
Sierra Leone
Nigeria also contributed significantly to peace efforts in:
Sierra Leone.
Regional Responsibility
Powerful nations have responsibilities.
Kingdom Power
Biblical power exists to:
Serve.
Protect.
Restore.
Nigeria's Future
Nigeria can become:
A center of African innovation.
A center of Christian mission.
A center of peacebuilding.
A center of technology.
A center of culture.
A center of manufacturing.
A center of agriculture.
A center of education.
Final Commission
May Nigeria rise.
May its people prosper.
May corruption fall.
May justice rise.
May truth be honored.
May political violence end.
May elections become increasingly peaceful and credible.
May leaders serve rather than exploit.
May the poor receive opportunity.
May children receive excellent education.
May girls receive equal dignity and opportunity.
May women be protected.
May families be strengthened.
May farmers prosper.
May pastoralists prosper.
May communities share land and water peacefully.
May terrorism lose its power.
May Boko Haram be defeated.
May ISWAP lose its ability to terrorize.
May kidnapped people be returned.
May displaced families go home safely.
May Christians worship freely.
May Muslims worship freely.
May traditional communities preserve their heritage peacefully.
May Christians and Muslims become peacemakers.
May churches reject hatred.
May religious leaders reject incitement.
May the Gospel be preached with:
Truth.
Love.
Courage.
Humility.
May Nigerian Pentecostalism remain rooted in:
Scripture.
Holiness.
Prayer.
Service.
May Nigerian churches resist:
Corruption.
Materialism.
Personality cults.
Political idolatry.
May Christian leaders become:
Servants.
May Nigeria's missionaries reach:
Africa.
Europe.
Asia.
The Americas.
May Nigerian worship continue blessing:
The nations.
May Nigerian filmmakers tell stories that:
Reveal truth.
May Nigerian musicians create music that:
Builds rather than destroys.
May Nigerian writers continue shaping:
African thought.
May Nigerian entrepreneurs build:
Sustainable businesses.
May Nigerian technology serve:
The poor.
May fintech expand:
Opportunity.
May agriculture provide:
Food.
Jobs.
Dignity.
May manufacturing grow.
May electricity become reliable.
May infrastructure improve.
May Lagos prosper without losing its soul.
May Abuja govern with wisdom.
May Kano remain a center of commerce and scholarship.
May the Niger Delta be restored.
May the mangroves return.
May the rivers become clean.
May fisheries recover.
May oil wealth benefit communities.
May natural resources never become a curse.
May Nigeria become a model of:
Resource stewardship.
May the wounds of Biafra continue toward:
Healing.
May the country never forget the victims of war.
May "No Victor, No Vanquished" become more than a slogan.
May it become:
Reconciliation.
May Nigeria's enormous diversity become:
Strength.
Not:
Division.
May Yoruba.
Igbo.
Hausa.
Fulani.
Edo.
Kanuri.
Tiv.
Ijaw.
Ibibio.
Efik.
and hundreds of other peoples
see themselves as:
one people without losing their distinct identities.
May Nigeria become a nation where:
Justice and mercy meet.
Truth and reconciliation meet.
Faith and service meet.
Innovation and stewardship meet.
Tradition and progress meet.
May Nigeria become:
A blessing to Africa.
A blessing to the Church.
A blessing to the nations.
And may the people of Nigeria, together with every nation, tribe, people, and language, one day stand before the throne and declare:
"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."
(Revelation 7:9)
Amen.
🇳🇬 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 128
Nigeria
From Nok civilization to the kingdoms of Ife and Benin.
From Hausa city-states to Kanem-Bornu.
From the Sokoto Caliphate to the Yoruba kingdoms.
From Igbo societies to the Niger Delta.
From trans-Saharan trade to the Atlantic world.
From slavery to abolition.
From Christian missions to African-led Christianity.
From Samuel Ajayi Crowther to the global Nigerian Church.
From British colonialism to independence.
From the First Republic to military rule.
From Biafra to national reconciliation.
From oil wealth to resource justice.
From the Niger Delta to environmental restoration.
From terrorism to the search for peace.
From Pentecostal revival to global mission.
From Nollywood to global storytelling.
From Afrobeats to worldwide cultural influence.
From fintech to African innovation.
From Lagos to the nations.
From Nigeria to Africa.
From Nigeria to the Kingdom.
From Nigeria to the throne.
End of Kingdom Nations Series – Part 128: 🇳🇬 Nigeria
Coming Next: 🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 129: 🇲🇰 North Macedonia — From ancient Paeonians and Macedonians through the kingdom of Philip II and Alexander the Great, Roman and Byzantine rule, Slavic settlement, the medieval Bulgarian and Serbian worlds, Ottoman Macedonia, Orthodox Christianity, the rise of Skopje, the Ilinden uprising, Yugoslavia, independence, the 2001 conflict, the Prespa Agreement, modern North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid, and the nation's Kingdom calling.
