Origin of the Itsekiri People and Their Diversification

Facts

The Itsekiri ethnic group, also known as Jekri, Isekiri or Ishekiri, inhabits the westernmost part of the Niger Delta in southern Nigeria. The Itekiri make up the majority of the modern towns of Sapele, Warri, Burutu and Forcados. Itekiri is also a subgroup of the Yoruboid people who live mainly in the Warri South, Uvwie, Warri North and Warri Southwest local government areas of Delta State on the Atlantic coast of Nigeria. This means that the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria, as well as the Okpe and Edo peoples, are relatives of the Itsekiri. In addition, there are large Itekiri communities in many Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Sapele, Benin City, Port Harcourt and Abuja,…

Operation and Expansion of Leventis Store in the 1950s

Facts

Leventis Store, Marina, Lagos. The car appears to be a 1949 Studebaker Land Cruiser, right-hand drive; Registration A6672. The store was located at the marina, between Abibu Oki and Williams streets. The first Leventis Stores opened in Marina Lagos in the 1950s and soon expanded to include several stores; Many more stores were opened such as in Benin, Calabar, Abuja, Owerri, Kano, Kaduna and Maiduguri etc. Leventis stores were synonymous with quality and affordable household items. It became a household…

Inspection of the Imperial Airways by Northern leaders in 1934

Facts

A picture of northern leaders, the Sultan of Sokoto, the Emir of Gwandu and the Emir of Kano inspect imperial Airways’ brand new ‘Syrinx’ aircraft at Croydon Airport on July 2, 1934. Imperial Airways was one of Britain’s first long-haul commercial airlines, operating from 1924 to 1939, serving primarily British Empire routes to South Africa, India, Australia and the Far East, including Malaysia and Hong Kong. Imperial Airways never reached the level of technological innovation…

Celebration of the Ofala Festival and its Significance to the Igbo Culture

Facts

The Ofala festival is an annual ceremony practiced by the Igbo people, particularly the indigenous people of Onitsha, Umueri, Umuoji and other nearby communities such as Aguleri, Nnewi and Ukpo in Dunukofia Local Government Area. It serves as a renewal ritual for the king, Igwe or Obi, and is similar to the Igue festival in Benin and the Ine, Osi or Ogbanigbe festival in many Igbo communities in west-central Nigeria. The term Ofala comes from two Igbo words: ọfọ…

Prolific Artist, Odinigwe Benedict Enwonwu Speaks on His Inspiration and Influence of European Artists

Facts

  Odinigwe Benedict Chukwukadibia Enwonwu MBE, better known as Ben Enwonwu, worked in the 1950s. He was a Nigerian and Igbo painter and sculptor. Without a doubt the most influential African artist of the 20th century. I will not accept a subordinate position in the art world. My art was not called African because I expressed my reality wrongly and rightly. I have constantly fought against this kind of philosophy because it is wrong. European artists such as Picasso, Braque and Vlaminck were influenced by African art. Everyone sees it and…

A Rare Photo of the Ransome-Kuti Family.

Facts

Ransome-Kuti family photo: Rev. Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti and Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti sitting side by side, Dolu Ransome-Kuti is behind, Fela Ransome-Kuti in the foreground, the baby in his arms is Beko Ransome – Kuti and Olikoye Ransome – Kuti is on the right.

Ekwensu- The Igbo Deity of War and Victory

Facts

  Let’s all take a moment to read and learn. Africa has a rich history and Nigeria is particularly rich and productive. Ekwensu is a deity in Igbo mythology who represents the forces of chaos and deception; he is the god of war and victory; and the god of opportunity and commerce. Ekwensu is known for his ability to disrupt the natural order of things and cause confusion and chaos, which the Yoruba also…

Babangida and Wife Conferred Knights by the British Monarch

Facts

General Ibrahim Babangida and his wife Maryam Babangida are knighted by the British Monarchy during their state visit to the United Kingdom. He was accompanied by Ooni Sijuwade Olubuse II (in purple), Ermir Ado Bayero of Kano (in cream), Obi Okagbue of Onitsha, General Yakubu Gowon (in blue Agbada “Adire”) and other prominent Nigerians such as the Benin Chiefs in the background.