Ladies of NOW: Nigeria Outreach for Wellness

NIGERIA, Africa's most populous nation who gained its independent in 1960, and before that, was under British rule. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was made t Map of Nigeria

he 1st Prime Minister, and Nnamdi Azikiwe was made the Governor General. Nigeria is divided into 36 states and 1 territory. A country of exciting cultural diversity with over 250 ethnic groups which include Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ibibio, Annang, Ijaw, Fulani, Itsekiri, Edo, and Urhobo. In fact, about 10 ethnic/linguistic groups constitute more than 80% of the population. A coastline stretching over 800 miles, Nigeria presents a mixture of traditions, a land of remarkable opportunities and warm friendly people. It is a nation where Christians, Muslims and traditional animists have co-existed for years, many times with adherents of these three religions being members of the same family.

Democratically governed and undergoing economic reforms, the country poised for greatness with opportunities for growth in all sectors of the economy. Endowed with vast natural resources with a population of almost 140 million people, Nigeria is indeed a land of unique possibilities. Home to some of the world's notable scientists, doctors, economists, footballers, playwrights, authors, activists, entertainers and businessmen, Nigeria offers a delightful stance of all you might expect to see in a land described as the heart of Africa.

Though English is our official language there are 3 main indigenous languages spoken by the 3 predominant ethnic groups in Nigeria the Yorubas in the west, Hausa-Fulani in the north and the Igbos in the east. Lets not forget the ''broken english'' (Pidgin English) spoken and understood by almost all Nigerians. It is a mixture of the English language and several indigenous Nigerian languages. There also exist other ethnic groups languages such as Efik, Ijaw, and Kanuri languages and over 374 dialects within the ethnic groups. We hope you will one day have an opportunity to visit this land and discover the sights, the sounds and wonders of Nigeria. Feel the throb of traditional drums, hear the thunder of its many waterfalls, and see its fauna and the lush flora of its landscape.

Famous Nigerian Ladies
Below are a FEW of the many notable ladies in Nigeria:

Lady Kofo Ademola -- The first Nigerian woman to receive a university degree (Oxford).
Moremi Ajasoro -- A pre-colonial Yoruba woman who saved Ile-Ife from invaders.
Major General Aderonke Kale -- The highest ranking female officer in the Nigerian Army.