Creation of Katsina State in Northern Nigeria

Facts

Katsina is one of the oldest states in Nigeria, emerging from the former Kaduna State and located in the northwest geopolitical zone of the country. It is a state that emerged from the ancient Hausa/Fulani kingdoms, particularly the two ancient kingdoms “Katsina and Daura”. According to research, the other ancient Hausa kingdoms included Kano, Gobir, Zazzau, Rano and Biram (Garun Gabas), forming the beginning of the Hausa country. Therefore, at the time of publication of this article, the state capital Katsina and the city of Daura are considered bastions of political activity in the country. The Kingdom of Katsina, one of the Bakwai Hausa, called the “seven true Hausa states,” is…

Fela Drives a Battered Volkswagen Beetle to Protest FESTAC 77

Facts

Festac ’77, also known as the Second World Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos in 1977. The cost of the event, $400 million (US$2 billion today), and the way the funds were used caused confusion. In order to draw attention to the plight of the masses, Fela drove a damaged VW Beetle to the event in protest. Nigeria rose to the top of the international charts after successfully hosting Festac ’77, also known as the Second World Festival of Black and African Arts and Culture. The international festival, which took place in Lagos from January 15, 1977, to February 12, 1977, was attended by approximately 16,000 participants from 56 African nations and countries of the African diaspora.The event’s 12-year planning saw…

Historical Origin of the Ogba Kingdom

Facts

The Ogba people are one of the ethnic groups in Rivers State. The Ogba people speak the Ogba language.  The Ogba people live in a local government called Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Ogba language has three dialects: Usomini, Igburu, and Egi dialect. The Ogba Kingdom consists of three clans: the Egi, Igburu and Usomini clans, and their largest city is Omoku.The Ogba people speak two dialects of the Ogba languages: Egi and Igburu. Eligbo…

Princess Inikpi’s Selfless Sacrifice for the Igala People.

Facts

Princess Inikpi was a beautiful and intelligent young woman whose selfless sacrifice saved her people from destruction.  She was the only child of her parents: Atah Ayegba Oma Idoko and Queen Omele. The Igala Kingdom came into conflict with the Bini Kingdom, one of its greatest enemies, around the 15th century. The Bini warriors repeatedly attacked the land of Igala until they wanted to destroy its population. The Bini warriors used a variety of tactics, including poisoning waterways, sudden attacks by day and night, and laying siege to their agricultural lands. The people of Igala then lived in…

Throwback Photo of Tinubu Square Donated by the Lebanese Community in Lagos, 1960

Facts

Tinubu Square after the demolition of the Assize Court building. The fountain was built and donated by the Lebanese community of Lagos to celebrate Nigeria’s independence on October 1,1960. In 1846, Mrs. Efunroye Tinubu was the housekeeper of the exiled King Akitoye of Lagos who sought refuge in Badagry during a royal crisis. He managed to mobilize the pro-Akitoye movement, which supported his restoration to the Lagos throne. In 1851, Oba Akintoye successfully regained the throne and invited Mrs. Tinuu with him to Lagos. Mrs. Efunroye Tinubu died in 1887…

Vanity of Old Glory? Photo showing the Once Impressive Garage of Prince Akwaeke Nwafor Orizu

Facts

Prince Akwaeke Nwafor Orizu was the second President of the Senate of Nigeria. He was also Nigeria’s first interim president from late 1965 until the military coup in January 1966. Throughout his political career, Nwafor boasted of having one of the most beautiful luxury cars in his garage. These cars, including his Pontiac Catalina (center), can be compared to expensive vehicles from contemporary brands like Bentley. Nwafor is a member…

Ben Enwonwu- Africa’s Most Celebrated Artist who Hails from Onitsha

Facts

Odinigwe native Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu MBE (14 July 1917 – 5 February 1994), better known as Ben Enwonwu, was born as a twin into the noble Umueze-Aroli family in Onitsha, Nigeria on July 14, 1917. His father, Omenka Odigwe Emeka Enwonwu, was a technician who worked for the Royal Niger Company. He was also a member of the Onitsha Chief Council and a renowned traditional sculptor who created clerical staffs, stools, decorative doors and…