Nigerian Currency ~ Celebrating Icons of Excellence and Integrity

Choosing the face of a nation's currency carries great significance. It is a recognition of profound, widely honoured contributions to building the character and spirit of the country. When considering Nigerian heroes and heroines for such an honour, there is no shortage of courageous, pioneering individuals to celebrate.

---

---

Nigeria's rich cultural diversity and history provide an template of excellence across many fields - from champions of peace and diplomacy like Emeka Anyaoku that unified Africa to groundbreaking authors like Chinua Achebe whose works spotlighted Nigeria's complex identity to the nation's trailblazing Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Visionaries in education like Tai Solarin who established unique, functional learning systems merit consideration. Figures that broke barriers for women like Funmilayo Ransome Kuti paved the way for future generations.

_{Designed on canva}

---

---

There are also those who dedicated themselves to alleviating poverty and improving lives like Dr. Stella Adadevoh, the brave physician who prevented the spread of Ebola at the cost of her own life. Or selfless leaders and activists like the famed Oskar Schindler of Nigeria, Michael Imoudu who courageously stood up against injustice and nepotism.

Any of these individuals would be fine national emblems on the Nigerian Naira, sending the unequivocal message to citizens and the world: This is what we stand for. This is what we honor. This represents the spirit of our past, present and future.

There are likely many other commanding figures who reflect Nigeria's highest ideals that would be equally compelling choices. But the overarching quality they should possess is this: Their selfless works and actions bettered the lives of generations of Nigerians and modeled integrity in leadership. Such excellence of character is currency that never depreciates.

---

---

Below are list of candidates worthy to grace the Nigerian currency, after some research I made on these people, I know they are worthy candidates:

1. A pioneer in medicine or scientific innovation who helped save and improve countless lives through their research, discoveries and medical advancements. Groundbreaking contributions to public health and development of treatments for diseases like malaria, Lassa fever or sickle cell anemia that impact many Nigerians could be powerful symbols on a banknote. Candidates like Professor Emmanuel Edozien, the first Nigerian-trained medical doctor and fastest graduating university student in Africa, come to mind.

2. Heroes from pivotal moments in Nigeria's history - whether leaders in the independence movement against colonialism or activists and journalists that fought for democracy and human rights during military dictatorships. Honoring these courageous figures would solidify national identity rooted in the struggle for nationhood, freedom and good governance. Chief Obafemi Awolowo's strong challenge to British rule landed him in prison - but he emerged unbowed and determined till Nigeria became an independent republic.

3. Nigerian literary and artistic giants that shined a light on Nigerian culture and creativity to bring international acclaim and pride. Groundbreaking authors like Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka have already been mentioned. But artists like Ben Enwonwu, pioneer of Nigerian modernism whose striking African aesthetics attracted global collectors would also make a powerful impression on currency. As would musical greats like Fela Kuti whose defiant anthems gave voice to the oppressed.

---

There is clearly no shortage of Nigerian icons with both moral integrity and outstanding accomplishments that resonate with people's aspirations.

So in conclusion I would definitely won't people who have in one way or the other added one or more benefit to the county to grace the Nigerian currency.

This is my entry to the hive learners prompt week 89 edition 3