Who is the Queen of Nigeria?

Nigeria is a diverse country with over 200 ethnic groups and a population of over 200 million people. As a former British colony, Nigeria is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Queen of the United Kingdom is the head of the Commonwealth, and as such, Nigeria has a special relationship with the British monarchy. However, Nigeria does not have a queen of its own. In this article, we will explore the role of the British monarchy in Nigeria, the importance of the Commonwealth, and the influential women who have made a significant impact on Nigeria's history.

The British Monarchy in Nigeria

Nigeria became a British protectorate in the late 19th century, and in 1914, the Northern and Southern Protectorates were merged to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The British monarchy played a significant role in the colonial administration of Nigeria until Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Queen Elizabeth II, who was then Princess Elizabeth, visited Nigeria in 1956, and her father, King George VI, visited in 1949. These visits were seen as an important symbol of the relationship between Nigeria and the British monarchy.

After Nigeria gained independence, it became a republic, and the position of the head of state was changed from a governor-general to a president. Nigeria became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, which is a voluntary association of 54 countries, most of which are former British colonies. The Queen of the United Kingdom is the head of the Commonwealth, and Nigeria has maintained its membership since gaining independence.

The Commonwealth and Nigeria

The Commonwealth of Nations is an organization that promotes democracy, human rights, and economic development. Nigeria has been an active member of the Commonwealth, and its leaders have played important roles in the organization. In 1995, Nigeria hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and in 2003, Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President of Nigeria, was elected as the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Heads of Government. The Commonwealth has also played an important role in Nigeria's democracy, providing election observers and support for democratic institutions.

Influential Women in Nigeria's History

Nigeria has a rich history of influential women who have made significant contributions to the country. Some of these women include:

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian feminist and political leader who fought for women's rights and Nigerian independence. She was the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria and was also the first woman to hold a political office in Nigeria. Ransome-Kuti was a champion of women's education and worked to improve the lives of women in Nigeria.

Queen Amina

Queen Amina was a warrior queen who ruled over the city-state of Zazzau in the 16th century. She led her army into battle and expanded the territory of her kingdom. Queen Amina is remembered as a symbol of female empowerment and leadership.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian economist and diplomat who has served as the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria. She also served as the Managing Director of the World Bank and is currently the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Okonjo-Iweala has been a champion of economic development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author and feminist who has gained international acclaim for her novels, including "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah". She has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has spoken out against gender inequality in Nigeria and around the world.

Final Thoughts

While Nigeria does not have its own queen, the country has a special relationship with the British monarchy as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Nigeria has a rich history of influential women who have made significant contributions to the country, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations. As Nigeria continues to grow and develop, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of these women and to continue striving for gender equality and empowerment.