Post date: Oct 01, 2010 11:15:12 AM
Nigerians in their capital Abuja wake up to a city bedecked with colour as the country celebrates fifty years of independence.
ABUJA, NIGERIA (OCTOBER 1, 2010) REUTERS - Flags, bunting, baseball caps and beanie hats, all in the country's national colours, were in abundance as the Nigerian capital Abuja woke up do a day of national celebration on Friday (October 1).
As people gathered for the centrepiece parade, passing beneath posters declaring "Let's Celebrate Nigeria @ 50", there was a mix of emotions among citizens. "Along the line we have have so many problems," one man said. "The country lacked leadership."
Another younger man shopping for suitable headgear was more optimistic: "This is our time now," he said. "We have to make change."
Final preparations for the parade in Abuja were marked by an email bomb warning from Nigeria's rebel MEND guerilla group, warning that it had planted several explosive devices at the venue. Explosions were later reported there.