Jackson advocate. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1939-current, 1959-08-15

Vigorous Niger1a-1exas Of Africa
Open, Stimulating
Land Knows 1t Is
Going Places.
By John Hughes
staff Correspondent Of
The Christian Science Monitor

" Africa There isn't much actual likeness, of
course between this cluttered AFRICAN CITY
of Lagos and modern Dallas Nor does the
Nigeran way and standard of living much re-
scmble that of the average Texan
But against purely African background
Nigeria stands out from other African countries as
= big stimulating land of wide-open spaces and
opportunities. Its people are colorfu and brim-
ming with zest, confident that Nigeria Is going
places. .
Nigeria even has oil wells down along the
coast where Shell-BP have made one Of their
rare strikes in black Africa.
Africa's first televison network is shortly to be
located in Nigeria.
And Nigerians are no end tickIed by report
from The Christian Science Monitors Dallas
correspondent - and widely reprinted here -
that Nigerian groundnuts, the countrys prlnclpal
agricultural export, are giving tough competition
on world markets TO peanuts from American
Southern states such as Alabama, Florida,
Georgia and Texas.
All this aside. tho story that is unfolding here
as this land of 35.000000 people moves steadily
toward independence Oct next year is per-
hapS one of the most important in Africa
UpheayaIs Avoided
Somehow Nigeria is rarely in the headlines.
Perhaps it has been overshadowed by the inter-
national activities of Ghanas Prime Minister
Kwame Nkrumah. There have not been the STAR
ting upheavalS here such as in Kenya and Nyasa-
land. And thus publicity for Nigeria has been
focused on occasional spectacular events, such as
the ceremonial durbarS of the north during royal
come roaring down at full gaop to rear up their
horses few feet III front of the spectators.
But, in fact, the new nation which is quietly
emerging here may become tho most powerful IN
Africa Not without its internal divisions. Ngera's
first few neutrality-suspicious. years probably Will
be devoted TO building and consolidating national
unity and overcoming the problems of nation
huStling along 10 independence by events, oul
short of key and experienced personnel.
Thus Nigeria may not take the same immediate
interest in international affairs as did Ghana.
small and compact country with lever problems,
upon achieving Self-government.
Nevertheless, if Nigeria can hold together and
iron out tribal differences it will be giant on
the African continent worth watching
At this moment, Nigeria is well advanced with
preparations for the independence celebrations
Of October 1860. Then Britain will renquish
control, although African ministers have in fact
been running the country with the advice OF white
BritonS for some years.
High light of the celebrations will be the visit
of Britain s. Princess Margaret, who never fails to
draw crowds and pfotogra piers. Thus the orders
are flashing hither and thitherz for bunting and
fireworks and decorations and flags. Hotels must
be built and accommodation found for representa-
tiveS of foreign governments, distinguished visit
orS and the 200-odd foreign neWSmen and photo
graphers who expected to attend.
There all the tricky little problems con-
corning change-oVerS TO Nigerian currency, post
age stamps, and so forth. And naturally there has
been much discussion concerning new Nigerian
flag TO replace the British Union Jack, and also
a Nigerian national anthem.
As of now, 1885 designs for a Nlgeran flag
have been submitted by the public in response
to an invitation from the government These have
been whitfield down to the seven adjudged best
and submitted for final decision TO Nigerias
Council of Ministers, or Cabinet.
Entries for the words of the national anthem
have totaled 595 The As most appropriate of these
have been published in full in Nigerian news
papers and the public currently is commenting
on them. The Council of Ministers, bearing pub
lie comment in mind, will eventually select one
from these As.
In the words composed by the various Nige
rian contributors there is significant emphasis
on Nigerian unity. For example:
From the Sahara's burning sands
To where the Niger joins the sea,
The many tribes of many lands
Today enjoy one unity
AS brothers with one aim and grace
To make this land better place"
And also:
"Our heads, Our hearts, our hands,
God gave us for your good
Our oil, our tin, our lands,
Weld into brotherhood.
United strong and free,
Nigeria! All for thee