CNN’s i-List heads to Nigeria – As Nigeria gears up to celebrate 50 years of independence

Week-long coverage anchored by Isha Sesay features interviews, countrywide reports from Christian Purefoy and Nima Elbagir plus viewer videos

CNN brings its i-list series to Nigeria from 27th September as Inside Africa presenter Isha Sesay anchors live from Africa’s most populous country and second largest economy in the run-up to the country’s celebration of 50 years of independence.

Sesay fronts the week of coverage live from Lagos, delving into its dynamic industries and diverse cultures through a series of interviews with guests from the world of politics, business and pop culture interspersed with reports and stories from CNN’s correspondents Christian Purefoy and Nima Elbagir.

CNN looks at the challenges and opportunities for Nigeria as it prepares for general elections in January. The political landscape, economic growth, unemployment, corruption, religious and ethnic tensions and violence and land ownership all come under the microscope during the week.

i-List Nigeria looks at how Africa’s largest oil and gas producer is tackling power shortages and environmental issues, recent reforms in the banking industry and strenuous efforts to restore investor confidence. There are also stories about the thriving mobile communications industry in Nigeria. For major providers it is an enormous market and the primary way to access the internet. For the informal economy, entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways to setup and support small businesses.

Fashion, music and film from also feature during the week as we focus on the entrepreneurial spirit of those living in the mega-city of Lagos. Another big business in Nigeria is wigs and weaves; i-List looks into the colourful story of roadside barbers and celebrity hairdressers.

The week also features the traditional yam festivals celebrated throughout August and September in Nigeria and West Africa. We highlight the scientific work being done at the world-respected International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, to protect the yam and in doing so, the region’s culture and economy.

The programming culminates with the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, looking at its past achievements and exploring the challenges ahead.

“Our i-List series showcases nations, people and places – those having an impact inside and outside their borders – and brings our viewers a fresh insight into these countries that are shaping the international community. i-List Nigeria promises to be an interesting case study of the African nation as a barometer of the continent’s wealth and progress.” says Mike McCarthy, vice president of coverage and feature programming for CNN International.

CNN is asking viewers to submit their pictures and videos about Nigeria to iReport at www.ireport.com/ilist and the best will be used on-air and online as part of the week-long programming.

This latest installment of i-List continues a global journey which to date has included Bahrain, France, Georgia, Macedonia, Poland and Oman.

About CNN’s i-List
The i-List highlights innovation and influence in industry, business, technology, culture and more, from a list of destinations that combines the familiar with the unfamiliar. i-List Nigeria is the seventh in the series, with France, Bahrain, Georgia, Macedonia, Poland and Oman profiled in earlier instalments this year.

Transmission times
From Monday 27th September 2010
Isha Sesay will be fronting live reports from Lagos into CNN International’s primetime programming throughout the week from 15:00 until 21:00 each day (local time).

Saturday 2nd October 2010
The week wraps with a half-hour special highlights programme Saturday 2nd at 14:00, 20:00; Sunday 3rd at 12:00, 20:30, Monday 4th at 03:00, Tuesday 5th at 12:30 and 17:30.