Boy Scouts of Nigeria
Boy Scouts of Nigeria (BSN) is the national Scouting organisation of Nigeria. Scouting was founded in the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria in 1915 and became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1961. BSN has 46,701 members as of 2004.
Scouting was brought to Nigeria by the British, and Scout groups were created for the dependents of British citizens living in the country. Shortly after, local boys were permitted to be Scouts.
Nigeria gained its independence in 1960 and the Scout movement immediately grew as the Scouting program was heavily promoted.
In 1979, F.O. Ogunlana was awarded the Bronze Wolf, the only distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, awarded by the World Scout Committee for exceptional services to world Scouting.
Scouts likely existed in breakaway Biafra prior to its reabsorption into Nigeria in 1970, but it was never recognized by WOSM.
This organization is open to boys of all religions, although its members are mostly Muslims and Christians of various denominations.
Program emphasis is on citizenship training and community service projects, services at national, state and community events, and providing first aid in case of disaster. Fish farming is carried out in rural areas to improve diet.
There is a national community development project at Igbo-Ora, in Oyo State, which includes fish farming, agriculture and a training center for Scouts from all over the country. Scouts have planted crops including maize, melons and pineapples, as well as learned about mortar/mesh technology for the construction of low-cost housing. The project provides a training service to help local farmers learn new techniques.
Scouts sometimes organize social activities with Girl Guides, and the leaders of the two organizations maintain contact with each other.
International Scout units in Nigeria
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