Nigeria Remains Giant of Africa: True/False

This post is a rebuttal to assertion made by my brother @oluwoleolaide in his post titled "Waste Land Heros the Struggle for Daily Meal in Nigeria. You may wish to read it:

https://steemit.com/nigeria/@oluwoleolaide/waste-land-heroes-the-struggle-for-daily-meals-in-nigeria

I cannot agree less in the area of abject poverty, people living below $1 per day and bad governance. These are verifiable facts. University graduates are doing demeaning jobs while our political class are flying private jet.

However, I dispute the assertion that Nigeria was and no longer the giant of Africa. Or better still, in his word, ..a long ago invalid expression.." According to him:

"..Even though referred popularly to as the giant of Africa- Literally, that was a long ago invalid expression as the then Giant of Africa is now but a Minuscule!"

Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the whole world with over 170million people. Its annual budget is equivalent to that of five African countries put together. For a example, the annual financial estimate of Lagos State, one of the 36 states in Nigeria is more than the national budget of Ghana, without offence. It is so because of the population and availability of resources.

The annual revenue to Nigerian national government remains inestimable due to the dishonesty of our leaders. Under this Government, millions of dollars and pounds had been discovered in the hidden places in various parts of this country, some of which remained unclaimed. The country is bedeviled with corrupt leaders, I am sure you know.

Nigeria got her independence on 1st October 1960 and was instrumental to the formation of Organisation of African Unity in 1963. In 1975, president Gowon of Nigeria and president Eyadema of Togo pioneered the formation of Economic Community of West African States with its headquarters in Nigeria.

More so, Nigerian role in emancipation and liberation of the majority black in S. A cannot be over-emphasised. The government of Nigeria severed her relationship with her former colonial master, the British government, whose role in S. A encouraged and permitted the suppression and operation of the innocent citizens. In a way to show dissatisfaction over what was happening in South Africa, Nigerian government adopted Nationalization and indigenization policies to effect change of ownership and control of B. P and B. B. It was a kind of protest to ensure political peace in S. A

Furthermore, Nigerian government under the aegis of OAU assisted greatly the MPLA of Angola for political independence. The support was in form of financial and technical assistance.

All these did Nigeria do because of her policy. While other countries bent in solving their internal issues, Nigeria adopted Africa as the centerpiece of her foreign policy. This policy entails that Nigeria considers Africa as a whole in all her policies. Any policy that may be beneficial to Nigerian domestic interest but harmful to any other African country cannot see the light of the day.
How do you feel about this?

Why did Nigeria take this position?
Is it self acclaimed?

Well, what China is to the world, Nigeria is to Africa in terms of population.

It is God's agenda that Nigeria is what it is. Whether Nigeria is living up to expectations is another question.

The military strength of Nigeria is another factor indicating the position of Nigeria in Africa. This it has manifested in peace-keeping mission in Africa and beyond

The economic strength of Nigeria is a clear indication and financial assistance to many African countries in the time past. But whether it manages her resources well is another question.

With the above factors, you will agree with me that Nigeria is the giant of Africa is not a mere self-claim. But there are factors that made it so which I discussed above, population, military strength, economic strength, and desire for peace in Africa.

                      THE END

Tell me how you feel about my write-up. I am sure you have different opinion, belief and history. Do not forget that we remember differently and we see things differently. So let's be civil in making our position known.

Thanks, I love all my audience dearly.
If you agree with me, support me. If do not agree with me, please still support. Lol!