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

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.

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

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

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…

Creation of Katsina State in Northern Nigeria

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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…

Aso Oke Weaving, A Dominant Craft by the Iseyin People.

The town of Iseyin in Oyo is historically known for the production of Aso Oke. Even more notable is that in the 1970s and 1990s, most of the city’s weavers were predominantly men. The production of hand-woven fabrics in Iseyin is based on a careful generational tradition. Since Oke was a skill passed down from generation to generation, it was practiced by almost all Iseyin families, even the youngest members. The art of cloth weaving on narrow, horizontal looms is the most important activity in Iseyin and employs a significant number of people.

Akolu Rock in Oyo State; A Tourist Sight to Behold

The founders of Eruwa were from Oyo Eruwa Ojoko, a town surrounded by a range of hills, is the headquarters of the  Ibarapa East Local Government Region. It is an ancient city that predates colonization and has a rich cultural heritage.  According to history, in the pre-colonial years, the Alaafin of Oyo, who was the head of other rulers, recognized Eruwa as the capital of the eastern district of Ibarapa. And according to the history of Eruwa which is famous for its…

The Conflict Between the Igala and Igbo People That Still Exists Till Date

The Igbo-Igala Wars refer to a series of conflicts that occurred between the Igbo and Igala people of Nigeria in the 18th and 19th centuries. These wars were characterized by fierce military conflicts, territorial conflicts and disputes over resources and political dominance. The conflicts occurred in the southeastern region of Nigeria, primarily in the areas now known as Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kogi and Delta states. These wars led to…