West African Pilot Newspaper by Nnamdi Azikiwe, the Pioneer Entrepreneurial Black Journalism

Facts

The West African Pilot was a newspaper founded on November 22, 1937, by Nnamdi Azikiwe (“Zika”) in Nigeria, dedicated to the struggle for independence from British colonial rule. He was known for introducing popular journalism to Nigeria. The newspaper pioneered entrepreneurial black journalism. The newspaper linked football with social justice. Azikiwe’s Article used football to reinforce the growing unpopularity of colonization in Nigeria. With a circulation of around 25,000 copies and a significantly larger readership, the newspaper enjoyed great popularity. This article marked the beginning of popular journalism in Nigeria. West African Pilot spawned a chain of newspapers positioned as city…

Students in the Electronics Department at Comprehensive High School Aiyetoro, Ogun State in the 1960s.

Facts

Aiyetoro, or “Compro” as it was called by students, was the first school in the country to offer basic subjects in electronics, applied electricity and motor mechanics at “O” level. These were supplementary courses to other technical subjects such as carpentry, metal carpentry and technical drawing. The school was the second comprehensive school in the country after the Government Secondary School, Port Harcourt, which was established in 1962 in collaboration with the then Government of Eastern Nigeria and USAID. Its founders came from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The school was founded as a pioneering comprehensive school in Africa. In addition to technical subjects,…

Remember the Popular Abacha Stove, Read Details Below

Facts

Political instability in Nigeria under the Abacha administration in 1993/94 as a result of the annulment of the June 12, 1992, presidential election led by the late business tycoon Chief M.K.O. had won. Abiola- caused a severe shortage of kerosene which was clearly felt in various parts of the country. Kerosene shortage led to the invention of the Abacha Coal-Pot, a locally made coal stove. Over the years, Abacha Coal-Pot cooking technology has become widespread, and its use has spread rapidly due to the continuous rise in prices of kerosene and cooking gas. In Nigeria, the official price of kerosene per liter has increased by more than 200% in the last…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Recounts his Experience as an inmate in Yola Prison

Facts

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo with his wife Stella Obasanjo after his release from Yola Prison in June 1998. Obasanjo’s journey to prison began in 1995 when General Sani Abacha, the late head of state, sentenced him to 30 years in prison for a coup. The former president was later released in 1998. He then took part in the 1999 presidential election and won it under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).…

Throwback Photo of Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole in Iyamho, Auchi, Edo State

Facts

Adams Oshiomhole decided that he had to continue his studies. Therefore, he left Nigeria in 1975 and enrolled at Ruskin College, Oxford, United Kingdom, to study industrial relations with a specialization in labor economics. He also attended the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Plateau Nigeria in 1989, which made him a member of the National Institute (MNI).

British Song Writer, Paul McCartney Makes Interesting Revelation About Legendary Artist, Fela Kuti’s Smoking Habit.

Facts

For his 1973 album Band on the Run, former Beatles member Sir Paul McCartney chose to record in Lagos after his EMI label suggested the city. When McCartney arrived in Nigeria, he discovered newspaper headlines about Fela Kuti, accusing him of “coming to steal a black man’s music.” To remedy the situation, McCartney invites Fela to his studio so that the Afrobeat pioneer can hear his songs. McCartney shared this in a candid interview with Marc Maron for the WTF podcast, where he also discussed other memories from his time with The Beatles and his solo career.…

Intriguing Story of The Peaceful Ijebu Igbo

Facts

Prince Oshimore and his wife Adorake are said to have migrated from Ife Island to Ijebu Ode in the 15th century, where he became king and ruled over Ijebu Oda. From time to time, envoys were sent from Ile Ife to inquire about the welfare of King Oshimore. This is because there was chaos and war during their reign and since he (Oshimore) was descended from the ruling king of Ife, he may have needed warriors to help him in his empire by incorporating the…

Meet Solomon Osagie Alonge, Most Renowned Photographer in Africa during the Early 20th Century

Facts

Solomon Osagie Alonge (1911-1994) was born in Benin, Nigeria. He learned English at the Benin Baptist Primary School and in 1925, at the age of 14, moved to Lagos, where he lived with an uncle to learn a trade. He quickly became interested in photography and began professional practice to expand his knowledge and skills. For Alonge, photography proves to be a lucrative and respected profession. In 1930 he returned to Benin and began photography in his home on Rue Ugbague. He often traveled outside Benin by bicycle, taking annual portraits at schools and gathering at social…