As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, leading lifestyle and culture publication Apples Bite Magazine, publisher Seunmanuel Faleye, has spotlighted the nation’s diversity as its most enduring strength, arguing that the country’s multiplicity of cultures, languages, and traditions continues to drive innovation and resilience in the face of contemporary challenges.
In a special independence edition released this week, the magazine examined how Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic groups have collectively contributed to making the nation a continental powerhouse in entertainment, technology, commerce, and culture, despite persistent economic and security challenges.
“Nigeria’s diversity is not merely a demographic fact; it is our competitive advantage in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Seunmanuel Faleye, Publisher of Apples Bite Magazine. “At 65, we must recognise that our strength lies not in homogeneity but in our ability to harness the creativity, resilience, and innovation that emerges when different perspectives come together. The Nigeria of tomorrow will be built by those who see our diversity as a bridge, not a barrier—those who understand that our differences are the raw materials for building something extraordinary.”
The publication’s analysis highlights how regional diversity has created multiple economic engines across the country. The Southwest has become a technology and innovation hub, with Lagos leading Africa’s tech startup ecosystem. The North’s agricultural sector continues to feed millions, with states like Kano, Kaduna, and Plateau accounting for significant portions of national food production. The Southeast’s entrepreneurial networks span continents, while the South-South region’s natural resources have powered national development for decades.
Beyond economics, Apples Bite Magazine emphasised Nigeria’s cultural impact on the global stage. Nollywood now ranks as the world’s second-largest film industry by volume, while Afrobeats has become a dominant force in international music markets. Nigerian authors continue to win prestigious literary awards, and the nation’s cuisine is increasingly featured in major cities worldwide.
The magazine noted that this cultural soft power, rooted in Nigeria’s diverse traditions and languages, has become one of the country’s most valuable exports, generating billions in revenue and reshaping global perceptions of Africa.
“Our diversity has taught Nigerians to be adaptive, creative, and resilient,” the special edition noted. “These are the qualities that have allowed our people to thrive in every corner of the globe—from Silicon Valley to London, from Dubai to Johannesburg.”
As Nigeria enters its seventh decade of independence, Apples Bite Magazine called for renewed commitment to unity in diversity, arguing that the nation’s greatest achievement has been demonstrating that multicultural societies can not only survive but flourish when differences are celebrated rather than feared.
The independence special edition is now available on newsstands and digital platforms nationwide.
