CONCEPTS OF 'GIANT OF AFRICA' AND 'ONE NIGERIA'

NOMENCLATURES OF CONFLICT AND DECEIT IN ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Nigeria which is the largest black nation in the globe is referred to as the 'Giant of Africa'. Nigeria was branded so by the British Colonial Officers due to its size, population and resources. It was the availability of these three factors, large size, large population and abundant resources that propelled the colonial agents to forcing this very large area inhabited by different peoples with different cultures and religions into one entity called Nigeria. Not
quite long these peoples were made to know that they have become one people problems started, some taking religious and some political dimensions. These problems, of course, were inimical to entrepreneurial development. To continue to hold influence over this large area for continued diversion of resources by the British,
the concept of 'One Nigeria' was launched. This paper reveals that these two concepts, 'Giant of Africa' and 'One Nigeria' are sources of conflict among the Nigeria people which have been used to deceive one group by the other. Using historical method and
secondary data, the paper maintains that it is high time Nigerians sat down to make policies that would eradicate conflict and deceit among them so as to promote the giant size and good spirit of
oneness among the people; and by so doing enabling environment would be created for entrepreneurship to thrive. The paper also made some recommendations.