The best thing about Nigeria is...

Nigerians often complain about the negative portrayal of their country in the international media which often focuses on corruption and violence.

So the BBC asked residents of the commercial capital, Lagos, what they thought was best about living in Africa's most populous nation and what they wanted the rest of the world to know about Nigeria.

Here are their 10 favourite things.

Readers can join the debate on Twitter using the hashtag #NaijaIsGr8.

1) Nigerians are happy

Emeka Iluchukwu, visual artist:

Okocha Jude, businessman:

2) Nigeria is a land of opportunities

Vanessa Iloenyosi, brand executive:

Abayomi Usim, TV producer:

3) Nigerians are resilient

Alesta Wilcox, chartered accountant:

Paul Oseh, graphic designer:

"The greatest thing I think about we Nigerians is that we are wonderful people. We are so resourceful despite challenges that comes our way and the political tussle for power. In one nutshell Nigeria is a wonderful place, we're creative and imaginative"

4) Nigerians are problem-solvers

Damian Nzeka, teacher:

"It's not really a peaceful country but we bless the name of God because we're still here today. When we are positive with our minds we work something good out. We want things to go well for us, we can't run away from our home; this is our land we have to make it work"

Donatus Ezeji, IT specialist:

"We are special because if you look at Nigeria - each time we have problem, we usually solve it at the last minute - we have been avoiding crisis. When we get to that point, we always sort it out - instead of going to war or something like that"

5) Nigeria is diverse

Iluore Loueth, fashion designer:

6) Nigerians are hard workers

Orji Micah, builder:

"The Nigerian people are industrious, they work hard, they're not lazy - and they can endure whatsoever hardship, they can survive it any place"

Damula Daramola, banker:

7) Nigeria has great weather

Moses Onyibe, mobile phone trader:

"The weather of the country is better compared to other countries and we have the biggest river - the River Niger - in West Africa region - so I enjoy my country basically because of the environment - it's very conducive"

Chinedu Ugochukwu, businessman:

"The weather is beautiful all year round and this is just the beginning of good things to come... the people are friendly, very welcoming. You can't beat it, it's a lovely dynamic country, every day new things are coming up, new ideas, [and Lagos] it's a city that never sleeps"

8) Nigeria has freedom of speech

Akpofure Tony Tegar, hotelier:

Stanley Osiaku, trader:

"You are free to talk to anybody - no matter how big or small the person is. We have freedom of speech to have a dialogue with somebody. Or if somebody offends you, you are free to say it out"

9) Nigerians have a great sense of humour

Chukwuma Nwana, beauty salon general manager:

10) Nigeria is hospitable

Sarah Okagbue, trainer:

Uche Nzeka, broadcaster:

Join the debate on Twitter using the hashtag #NaijaIsGr8 to @BBCAfrica and on the BBC Africa Facebook page.