Creation of the Mid Western Region in 1963.

Facts

The agitation for the creation of the West Central Region began in 1948 with the creation of the Benin Community under the leadership of Oba Akenzua II of Benin. The organization calls for the creation of the Benin Delta region or Central-West region.  On June 14, 1955, a member of the then Action Group of the Western Region Legislative Assembly, the Hon  MS Sowole, moved a motion at a meeting of the House of Representatives. The motion entitled “Establishment of a separate  state  for the  provinces of…

Lifestyle of the Ogba People in River State

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According to 2006 census data, Rivers State is considered the sixth largest geographical area in Nigeria. The state has a diverse indigenous population with significant riverine and mountain differences. In addition, at least fifteen indigenous ethnic groups live within the borders of Rivers State. These ethnic groups include the Ogba. The Ogba (also called Ogbah) people live in the extreme southwest of Igboland in what is now Rivers State in Nigeria.They are essentially Igbo-speaking indigenous people. The Ogba people consist of fourteen extended families divided into clans and inhabit an area of ​​around 600 km² in the Niger floodplain. Oral traditions and folklore say that this large group of people migrated from the then Benin Empire via the Niger River to the area now called Ali-Ogba around the 16th century. Although they are an indigenous people who speak the Igbo language, they literally speak a unique Igbo dialect called the Ogba language. This particular dialect of the…

Cameroons & Nigerian Artillery During WWI Attack on Mountain Hill Camp

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Context: Cameroon Campaign This was part of the confrontation between Britain, France and Belgium on one side and Germany on the other. The former nations invaded Cameroon (Cameroon), which was then a German colony, in August 1914. By February 1916, most German military and civilian personnel had fled to Rio Muni, the neutral colony of Spanish Guinea that now forms mainland Equatorial Guinea. As in the…

Beautiful Pictures From the 2018 Igue Festival

Facts

Just as the Egungun festival is for the Yoruba ethnic group and the Durbar festival is for the Hausa/Fulani people, the Igue festival is for the Bini people of Edo State, Nigeria. The Igue Festival is unique among many festivals in Nigeria. It was originally celebrated to renew the power of Oba Ewuare, the paramount ruler of the Edo Kingdom. According to some Edo lore, it also means the union of Oba Ewuare and a woman named Ewere. This colorful festival is celebrated every December by the ruler Oba and his subjects…

Bori Ritual Practised in Northern Nigeria

Facts

Bori is the traditional religion of the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, which includes animism, magic and spirit possession. The Bori religion was widespread in Hausa in pre-Islamic times but began to decline with the introduction of Islam into Hausa land. “Boorii” is a Hausa word for a spiritual force that can be found in physical and/or inanimate objects. The Bori religion exercises the power to control these forces through spiritual dances, rituals and music. These spirits or powers are controlled and used for many purposes such as healing, protection and joy of people or society.In religion there are many…

Oke’badan Cultural Festival

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The Oke’badan Festival is one of the many colorful and spectacular festivals celebrated in the city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and the third largest city in Africa. The Oke’badan Festival is held every year to celebrate the founding of Ibadan and thank its founders. and to unite the sons and daughters of Ibadan at home and in the diaspora. The festival is called Oke’badan (Oke Ibadan),  meaning “Hill of Ibadan”,  and aims to continue the story  of the  founding  of Ibadan…

Obitun Festival in Ondo: An Initiation Rite into Womanhood

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The Ondo people live in southwestern Nigeria and represent one of the largest subgroups of the Yoruba ethnic group. The Ondo people live as one large family because they share the same historical context, traditions and cultural heritage that define them . The culture and traditions of the Ondo people are very rich, fascinating and exciting. In the heart of Ondo city, the Ekimoguni, as the Ondo people are known, celebrate their daughters’ transition into womanhood through a celebratory ritual called “Obitun,” meaning “new woman.” The Obitun Festival, held by the Ondo people in ancient times, is very different from the modern Obitun cultural dance, which is now performed only for entertainment at public events.Only the dance aspect of…

350 Ethnic Groups and their Locations in Nigeria

Facts

The nation now known as Nigeria emerged from the merger of various ethnic groups. Below is a list of over 350 ethnic groups/tribes that make up Nigeria and the states in which they are found. 1 Abayon Cross River 2 Abua (Odual) Rivers 3 Achipa (Achipawa) Kebbi 4 Adim Cross River 5 Adun Cross River 6 Affade Yobe 7 Afizere Plateau 8 Afo Plateau 9 Agbo Cross River 10 Akaju-Ndem (Akajuk) Cross River 11…

Pre-Destined Names in Yorubaland

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In Yoruba land, one of the most important things after a child is born is to give it a name. This happens after the ritual birth of the baby, massage of certain parts of the body and other rituals. Names are given to the child by the father, mother, grandparents (paternal and maternal) and some relatives. However, sometimes the circumstances of a child’s birth automatically give it a name. This name is known in Yorubaland as “orúko àmútọ̀runwá” (predestination or generic name). The most common generic names (orúko àmútọ̀runwá) in Yoruba…