View Front page Cover of a Newspaper from the 1980s
Twenty-six years ago, the story “Bank Prevents Abacha’s Son from Withdrawing 2 Billion Naira in Cash” was the headline of P.M. News. This is dated Wednesday, July 22, 1998.
History of the “AGUDA” or “AMARO”, Known as the Afro-Brazilian Returnees
The fascinating and colorful history of the Afro-Brazilian Returnees, also referred to as “AGUDA” or “AMARO,” is an inspiring tale of tenacity and cultural blending. The Amaros, also known as Agudas, are the offspring of liberated Afro-Brazilian slaves who emigrated from Brazil to Benin, Togo, and Nigeria. Caption for photo: An emotive 1890 family portrait of the “AGUDAS,” or Afro-Brazilian Returnees. The rich history and enduring legacy of a society that crossed borders and cultures are shown in this picture. Including a photo caption on the slide: An elegant portrait of female Afro-Brazilian returnees, known as “AGUDA,” from the late 1800s. Many freed Africans who had experienced prejudice and forced labor in Brazil started returning to Lagos in the 1830s, bringing with them certain cultural and social sensibilities that they had adjusted to during their time there. These freed Africans, who also included exiles from Cuba, were frequently referred to as “Aguda” or “Amaro.” Less than 200 Brazilian citizens are currently on file with the Nigerian consulate. Many prisoners of war or those kidnapped for sale in slave markets were sold to Europeans and carried across the Atlantic during the height of the West African Transatlantic Slave Trade. About 300,000 slaves are thought to have traveled from the Gulf of Guinea to Brazil during the nineteenth century. After disembarking in Bahia, the prisoners continued south to labor on plantations, help craftsmen, or peddle items to white BraziliansWaves of African migration returned to the coast of West Africa evolved as some received manumission, saved money, or were deported due to prejudice. Afro-Brazilians, descended from slaves who had crossed the Atlantic twice, started to settle along the coast of West Africa by the middle of the nineteenth century. Afro-Brazilian tastes in food, agriculture, architecture, and religion were revived by these African immigrants. Following the Yoruba and Hausa rebellion in Salvador known as the Malê Revolt, the government ordered the first documented repatriation of Africans from Brazil to what is now Nigeria in 1835. Following the uprising, the Brazilian government gave released or manumitted Africans the choice to either go back home or continuepaying a hefty fee to the government out of fear of more uprisings. Due to harsh conditions, taxes,…
General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Major General Mohammed Magoro, and Their Peers During an Advanced Military Course in India.
During an advanced military course in India, Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Major General Mohammed Magoro, and their colleagues were present. This historically significant photo shows these youthful men prior to their ascent to the pinnacles of Nigerian political and military authority. The course in India was a part of a larger initiative to give Nigerian military personnel sophisticated military training and exposure to other countries, both of which are necessary for developing a strong and capable armed forces. With a determined approach, Ibrahim Babangida, who would go on to become the military president of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. Alongside Abdulsalami Abubakar, who would go on to become the head of state and usher in civilian rule in Nigeria in 1999, Major General Mohammed Magoro, another significant player in the country’s military history, bolsters the group’s powerful presence. These officers’ training in India was more than simply a course; it was a trial that created enduring relationships amongst them and gave them the information and abilities that would affect their future roles in determining Nigeria’s fate. Nigerian military officials benefited greatly from the worldwide military exchange programs of that era, which helped them develop both a global perspective and technical proficiency.
Photograph from 1973 Captures Beautiful Mrs. Victoria Gowon, the Wife of General Yakubu Gowon
Beautiful First Lady Mrs. Victoria Gowon, the spouse of Nigeria’s Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, is shown in an alluring 1973 photo relaxing while shopping in London. The picture is of Mrs. Gowon at the famous C&A Store near Marble Arch, carefully going through a variety of vibrant shirts. This vignette offers a peek into the First Lady’s private life. The First Lady was renowned for her grace and elegance. General Gowon oversaw major political shifts and the nation’s post-civil war rehabilitation while leading Nigeria during this time. The Gowons’ trip to London highlights the close cultural and economic ties that exist between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, a former colonial power. Since General and Mrs. Gowon had to return to Nigeria later that day, their excursion was short. In addition to showcasing their close relationship with the city, their presence in London served as a reminder of the continued international relations and the early 1970s efforts to modernize Nigeria. This picture is still a sweet remembrance of a time when Nigeria’s leaders were openly interacting with the outside world and fusing personal and professional life. Gowon and Victoria were wed in 1969 and are still going strong. On August 22nd, Victoria will turn 78 years old.
A Picture of Onyeka Onwenu as a Performer in the 1980s
In the 1980s, a picture shows young Onyeka Onwenu performing during her sold-out event in Lagos.
Enjoy This Enthralling Performance of “Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense” by Music Legend Fela Anikulapo
A unique and engaging video from 1986–1987 featuring the famous Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela’s creative process is revealing in this view into one of his most thought-provoking songs, a potent condemnation of colonialism and its lasting repercussions on African civilizations.