Because of the great diversity of people and culture, Nigeria has distinguished herself over the centuries in the field of arts. Nigerian versatility in art is so great that it is generally felt that all African nations should view Nigeria as the principal trustee of the most durable fruits of black artistic genius. It is not precisely known when the first works of Nigerian art reached the outside world, but in 1897, following a British punitive expedition to Benin, over 2,000 Benin bronzes and ivories were shipped to England and later dispersed all over Europe and America.
The oldest sculptures found in Nigeria were from the Southern Zaria and Benue areas of central Nigeria. They consist of terracotta figures and figurines made by a people who achieved a high degree of cultural sophistication. These sculptures, together with other cultural elements, have been named the Nok Culture. Evidence shows the Nok people had knowledge of iron smelting and adorned themselves with tin and stone beads, earrings, noserings and bracelets. The Nok Culture is dated between 500 B.C. and 200 A.D.
The next known phase of Nigerian cultural evolution was Igbo Ukwu bronze casting. Found in the small village of Igbo-Ukwu, near Awka, the casts date from the 9th Century A.D. They first came to light in 1938 and consist of staff heads, crowns, breastplates, pendants, ornaments, anklets, wristlets and chains.About the same time the Igbo-Ukwu people were casting bronze, the ancient Ife people were also producing works in bronze, copper, and terracotta. In the first quarter of this Century, Ife works caused a great stir among world art critics and historians who were unaccustomed to such naturalism in African art. The best known Nigerian artworks are the Benin Antiquities. Legend recounts how the Benin people learned the art of bronze casting from Ile-Jfe around 1400 A.D. Oba Ogunta, the sixth King of Benin, is credited with having encouraged this art in Benin.
Nigeria's cultural heritage is woven from threads of history and diversity, legend and conquest. Tourists visiting the country will gain insights to a glorious past as well as a promising future, set amid the natural beauty of this diverse country. From rain forests in the south, broad savanna woodlands in the center to a semi-desert region in the north, Nigeria offers a remarkable range of physical beauty in her land and hospitality of her people, ready to be enjoyed by the tourist fortunate enough to choose this land of ancient empires as their travel destination.
Nigeria is a vast country with a population of about 120 Million people covering about 923,768 sq.km of landmass, located wholly within the tropics. The country aptly described as the 'Giant of Africa' is richly endowed with ecological and cultural resources, which are of universal recognition. The richness and diversity of the Nigeria culture is a manifestation of the socio-cultural differences of the over 250 ethnic groups that inhabit the land for ages.
You probably came from a search engine, whilst searching for "Nigeria" or "Fraud" or a link on a page talking about fraud in general. I am at this point not sure if you have been conned by a Nigerian or you a looking to do business with a Nigerian or in Nigeria - anyway, what ever your reasons for visiting this page - you are welcome.
This is a one man campaign against the bad press Nigerians have been getting over the years about fraud and corruption. As a Nigerian, I find it is very hard that everyone, including some Nigerians, are quick to point a finger, name and shame, and blame Nigeria for credit card fraud, advance fees fraud (a.k.a. 419 scam) and anything to do with fraud in general. Let’s face it! - FRAUD IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM - not only a Nigerian problem.
This "label" is making it very difficult for me and good honest, hard working Nigerians to do business outside Nigeria. It seems no matter how hard we try this "label" follows us wherever we go. My intention is to make people (you included) aware that, there are genuine Nigerian businesses and individuals who are trustworthy and incredibly good at what they do. I am all for naming and shaming individuals who commit fraud but why blanket an entire country?. The British do not like it when people categorise them as football hooligans, the Spanish as lazy, the French as arrogant, nor do the Americans like it when they are called bullies.
The only people that fall for this scam are the greedy and often corrupted individuals - so they deserve to be conned - that is my view and it’s the only view I take on this subject! If it sounds too good to be true, then walk away.
If you have been affected by this type of fraud or any other types of fraud - please contact the Nigeria Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The authorities in Nigeria are doing everything they can to combat fraud and they are making progress - read the latest news on what the EFCC are doing to fight fraud in Nigeria.
Basically means using a credit card that belongs to someone else. This type of fraud has its roots in the western world - developed countries - long before the e-payment or Internet shopping boom. There are bad people all over the world, even on your street, who will do everything to take advantage of the weak, the innocent, and the disadvantaged - so singling out Nigerians is DISCRIMINATION! Report all international fraud committed by Nigerians to the Nigeria Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
There is corruption everywhere! In developing countries (I hate the term but I will use it to get this point across) it’s simply called CORRUPTION - and in the developed countries - its called CREATIVE ACCOUNTING, WINE & DINE or A DEAL. Corruption occurs in every country every day. So why does everyone single out Nigeria? We did not create it. It’s all about money - a global disease - the most powerful and destructive weapon ever developed by man. In Nigeria and I am sure in your country too, corruption is encouraged largely by companies and individuals who will do anything to win a contract. It takes two to tango, my cry to all those (governments, businesses and individuals) who want to do business in Nigeria is this; if you are asked to pay illegally for something you are not supposed to pay for, walk away. You will be doing us a favour, unless you are one of the greedy ones.
Nigeria is not as sophisticated in electronic commerce as some other countries because we are always trying to catch-up with the rest of the world, and by the time we do catch-up, the world has moved on. This is partly because;
There are many people in Nigeria working hard to ensure we are able to keep up with the pressures and demands for open business and we are making progress.
Many people and companies are doing business with or in Nigeria everyday. Nigeria is a very big country/market with great potential for growth. We are not as backward as you are made to think. I know most western press (digital or print) only show the jungle, the wars, the disease, the starvation, and the corruption when it comes to talking about Africa in general; its all bad press. But be assured, we do NOT have lions and elephants in our back gardens nor do we dance with monkeys. We are connected to the internet, wired for business, we have cable TV, mobile phones, cars, microwave ovens, Play Stations, DVD, TFT, WiFi - you name it, we've got it.
Remember this - you never do business with a country - you do business with an individual and a single individual does not represent the nation.
If it's too good to be true then walk away - you need to think outside-the-box. Nigeria is not UK or USA, so do your research, understand how things work in the country before you step in. If you are worried about getting paid for products or services, then demand payment upfront.
In the broadest sense, a fraud is a deception made for personal gain, although it has a more specific legal meaning, the exact details varying between jurisdictions. Many hoaxes are fraudulent, although those not made for personal gain are not best described in this way. Not all frauds are hoaxes - electoral fraud, for example. Fraud permeates many areas of life, including art, archaeology and science
Read / download the IC3 Internet Fraud Report 2006
1. Deliberate deception, trickery, or cheating intended to gain an advantage;
2. An act or instance of such deception;
3. Something false or spurious his explanation was a fraud;
4. (Informal) a person who acts in a false or deceitful way;
Old French fraude, from Latin fraus deception
To all Nigerians out there - you can make a difference. Promote Nigeria in a positive way and stay honest when dealing with people, because it is through your actions many will judge Nigeria. Together we can change attitudes, make things better and easier for coming generations. Finally to all honest and hard working Nigerians - keep up the good work and hold your heads up high - you are doing great.
Michael (at) Gbadebo (dot) com
April 2006 - Updated (04/2007)
Please read my letter to Nigerians on changing the Nigeria letters and scams image.
To support this single page website - add a link to it from your website using this code;
<a href="http://www.nigeriafraud.org">Nigeria Fraud</a>