1 October 2010 Last updated at 07:57

In cartoons: Prince Naija - Nigeria's superhero

Cartoon of baby Prince Naija © Tayo Fatunla

Prince Naija (a character created for the BBC by Nigerian cartoonist Tayo Fatunla) was born on 1 October 1960, draped in Nigeria’s brand new flag. “Coup, coup,” were the first words he cooed.

Cartoon of a scene from the Biafran war © Tayo Fatunla

His early years were dominated by the Biafran war… and his clumsy dad fought on the side of the Nigerian military that eventually crushed the separatists in 1970 after a brutal three-year battle.

Cartoon of Prince Naija watching a futuristic film in 1974 from Jos about ethnic violence © Tayo Fatunla

When he was 14, Prince Naija's family bought a TV to watch Nigeria's first colour broadcast from Jos - the city that decades later was the scene of deadly ethnic violence.

Cartoon of Prince Naija watching Nigeria's winning national football team © Tayo Fatunla

As he grew up, he became a huge fan of the national football team, the Super Eagles, who won two African Nations Cups and Olympic gold in 1996.

On the home front, Prince Naija found he was much more productive in the dark because of the continuous power cuts. And under the cover of night, he was able to organise coups with the generals.

A cartoon of a general with jails full of journalists reflected in his sunglasses © Tayo Fatunla

He started to dabble in journalism, but along with his colleagues he was locked up for his efforts by the biggest general of them all… Sani Abacha.

Cartoon of Nigeria's corrupt elite trying to stop the poor entering a room full of money bags© Tayo Fatunla

Abacha, despite the vast wealth he accrued, came to a sticky end. Now free from jail, Prince Naija led the campaign for democracy. After years of struggle, civilian elections were eventually held in 1999.

A cartoon of Prince Naija filming an actor dressed up as Mr Corruption © Tayo Fatunla

Enjoying his new freedoms, Prince Naija became part of Nigeria's burgeoning film industry, Nollywood, to make his fortune. His first movie was a blockbuster about a corrupt army general turned oil baron, turned politician.

Cartoon of Prince Naija in a jeep that is trying to avoid boulders falling from the sky © Tayo Fatunla

In October 2010, Prince Naija celebrated his 50th birthday by declaring his candidacy for the 2011 presidential elections. But his opponents include several wealthy former generals who will do everything they can to block his path.

Africa

In cartoons: Prince Naija - Nigeria's superhero

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