Nigeria is frequently cited as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, but its central banker has won two international banking awards.

It is hard to avoid Nigerian films in Africa. Public buses show them, as do many restaurants and hotels. Nollywood, as the business is known, churns out about 50 full-length features a week, making it the world’s second most prolific film industry after India’s Bollywood.

Minister of Information and Communication, Dora Akunyili, has decried the prolonged strike by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in state-owned universities in the South East, saying that it constitutes a threat to re-branding Nigeria project.

U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Terence Maculley has said that the United States of America will monitor the conduct of forth coming 2011 general elections to ensure that it is conducted in accordance with democratic principles.

n the BBC series of viewpoints from African journalists, Sola Odunfa considers what Nigeria's movie industry reveals about the country's spirituality.

Along with the music and native dancing, African art and fashion are on display. And it is not just the sounds and sights of Africa, but the tastes as well, Adwoa Hagen-Mensah says the food of her home country is a hit.

One of America's best-loved children's shows, which began life on a fictional New York street over 40 years ago, is about to land in Nigeria under the title of "Sesame Square" -- bringing with it some distinctly West African twists.

As Nigeria celebrates 50 years of independence, BBC reporters look at the impact Africa's most populous nation has had on countries around the continent - from its movie industry and peacekeeping efforts to its notoriety for ingenious scams.