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,…
Details
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.
Details
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.
Details
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.
DetailsEnjoy 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.
DetailsVideo of General Kollington Ayinla’s Ijoyoyo
Enjoy a classic video of General Kollington Ayinla’s iconic song “Ijoyoyo” and relive the magic of the 1980s. From the 1980s until the late 1990s, this timeless song dominated the southwestern part of Nigeria, enthralling listeners with its contagious beat and colorful dancing motions. “Ijoyoyo” is a prime example of a time when Nigerian musicians employed an endless supply of inventiveness and enthusiasm to their music videos. Early in the 1970s, General Kollington Ayinla, a pioneer of Fuji music, started his remarkable career. With his distinct look and captivating live performances, Ayinla gained popularity fast and became well-known throughout Nigeria. He became a well-liked character in the music industry because of the social issues and celebration of Nigerian culture that his music frequently addressed. On August 20, 1949, Chief Ayanda Ilori, a kingmaker, and Alhaja Asiawu Mofodeke Ilori welcomed General Ayinla Kollington into the world as Abdulrasaq Kolawole Ilori. He is a Nigerian artist who is credited with helping to establish the genre. He was from Ilota, a town in Kwara State, Nigeria, which is an outlying town of Ilorin. Other names for him are Kebe-n-Kwara, Baba Alagbado, and Baba Alatika. Ayinla Kollington and his rival and buddy Ayinde Barrister are considered the two most influential musicians that shaped Fuji music from its beginnings in the 1970s to the 1990s, when it became one of the most well-liked dance genres in Nigeria. Alongside Barrister, Kollington was the breakout talent of the 1970s and 1980s. Barrister and Kollington’s animosity subsided as fuji’s appeal increased and the market expanded to the point where both artists could be sustained.By 1983, the two guys were able to attend the funeral of apala star Haruna Ishola together as mourners. During a string of record releases and counter-releases, “Queen of Waka” star Salawa Abeni and Kollington engaged in a furious personal insult-exchanging feud that became even more public in the mid-1980s. Kollington disclosed in 2019 the reason he left the military to pursue music.
Details
Snapshot of Rural Life Opulence in Post-War Nigeria.
A picture taken in Ibadan, Oyo State, one year after the Nigerian Civil War shows a herd of goats wandering around. Beautiful multi-story structures known to the Yoruba people as “Petesi” are located across from the goats. In the early and mid-20th centuries, these architectural marvels with an Afro-Brazilian aesthetic were a mark of distinction and wealth. Although these houses may appear ancient to modern eyes, they were formerly thought to be extremely valuable and the epitome of wealth in the neighborhood.
Details
Execution of Joel Amamieye Infamous Member “Dangerous 7” Gang
Joel Amamieye smiled as he said his final words, “I had no regret for stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor with my good friend and boss and brother, Dr. Ishola Oyenusi, a good man,” just before he passed away. Inform the next generation that I have served my country because I have no record of killing impoverished people, with the exception of the ruthless police who have obstructed our efforts to carry out our daily task of providing for the underprivileged. I’m happy and proud of my work since there will never be others who, like us, oppose politicians who use biro to steal primarily from the underprivileged. Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Joel Amamieye gained notoriety for their bold robberies, which they explained away as a way to redistribute money. Some saw them as folk heroes, but others saw them as villains due to their daring actions and outright rejection of authority. Their attacks against the wealthy and influential were well-known, as were their run-ins with the law. Many people found resonance in his comment that politicians plundered from the impoverished using pens, highlighting the wide spread corruption and exploitation that afflicted Nigeria. This execution at Bar Beach was a component of a larger campaign to combat crime and rebuild public trust in the legal system. The executions in public functioned as a somber reminder of the state’s authority as well as a deterrent. The narrative surrounding Joel Amamieye and the “Dangerous 7″ remains a captivating segment of Nigerian history, signifying the intricate relationship among criminality, legal systems, and societal disparities. Joel Amamieye’s execution is still a contentious and compelling tale that illuminates Nigeria’s stormy past as well as the persistent problems of corruption and inequality.
Details
Chima Ubani: An Iconic Human Rights Activist Against the Government’s Hike in Petroleum Prices.
Remembering the Hero Chima Ubani: Chima Ubani was a well regarded human rights activist who sadly died in a car accident on theway home from a demonstration against the government’s increase in fuel prices. Few people in Nigerian history are as notable for their courage and unrelenting devotion to justice as Chima Ubani. During the infamous regimes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, this renowned human rights campaigner was at the center of multiple anti-military activities. Ubani is considered a great hero of the Nigerian democratic fight because of his unceasing attempts to organize the populace against these repressive governments. In 1964, Chima Ubani was born. At the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he excelled academically and graduated as the best student in Crop Science, he started his activism adventure. During these early years, Ubani’s enthusiasm for activism blossomed, and he started to take charge of the student union. After graduating from college, Ubani continued to be an activist. He got heavily active in the fight for democracy and human rights, serving in a number of important capacities during his professionallife. From 1992 until 1994, he was the Campaign for Democracy’s (CD) general secretary, playing a crucial role at a period of severe political repression.
DetailsThe Fall of an Icon: Fela’s Burial Ceremony and Life Achievements
Fela Anikulapo Kuti, one of Nigeria’s most colorful, dynamic, and influential activists, passed away twenty-seven years ago. The news that a hero had fallen sent shockwaves across the nation. Beyond his career as a singer, Fela was also a revolutionary who, until his death, battled unrelentingly against injustice, corrupt politics, and dictatorship. Because of his disobedience towards the institution, Fela became a target for the powerful. He suffered horrific torture and more than 180 arrests over his life, including the infamous event in which the army demolished his Lagos house. Many Nigerians were motivated to speak out against injustice by his unyielding spirit and courageous advocacy. The video shows Fela being buried and the NDLEA, police, and other military people pursuing him nonstop, harassing him even after he passed away. His life served as evidence of his vision of an improved Nigeria free from oppression and corruption. Fela’s battles from decades ago still have relevance today. Many of the current problems Nigeria suffers were predicted by him, and his prophecies have tragically come true. Future generations are still motivated to fight for their rights and a just society by his music and action. May his memory endure and his soul continue to rest in peace.
Details
Nigerians Protest the Death of Bola Ige Accusing Former Military President Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida of Murder
A dramatic moment of civic turmoil was recorded in a photograph twenty-two years ago. On January 11, 2002, irate demonstrators carried posters blaming former military president Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida for the murders of Chief Moshood Abiola, Attorney General Bola Ige, and Minister of Justice. At the main bowl of Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, during Bola Ige’s burial ceremonies, this stirring picture was captured. On December 23, 2001, hired assassins brutally killed Bola Ige, a well-known political figure and justice champion, in his house. There was a noticeable public outcry and sadness as people demanded explanations and responsibility. This period in Nigeria’s protest history is still noteworthy because it brought to light the long-standing resentment and demands for justice that have influenced the political climate of the country.
DetailsLate Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and Lt. Col. Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu Standing United Against Discrimination and Tribalism During Their Campaign in Lagos.
In a 1982 film, Lt. Col. Odumegwu Chukwuemeka Ojukwu and the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the former president of Nigeria, are seen standing together against tribalism and discrimination while running for office in Lagos. This stirring video serves as a timely reminder of the value of harmony and the opposition to tribalism. “Lagos is the home of every tribe, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Nupe, Urhobos, and more,” proclaimed President Shehu Shagari with passion. Ojukwu concurred, stressing the importance of maintaining national cohesion. Their remarks strike a deep chord, emphasizing that a nation cannot succeed without harmony among its various ethnic groups. This film serves as a powerful reminder that true growth and grandeur will remain elusive in Nigeria until it accepts the equality of all its tribes and rejects the idea that one tribe is superior to another.
DetailsRemember This Raving Jam From Faze in 2008?
The famous Faze Alone published the timeless masterpiece “ORIGINALITY” sixteen years ago in 2008. How many of you still sing this well-known song? “ORIGINALITY” is an anthem that honors and pays tribute to historical figures—it’s more than just a tune. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the value of remembering our history and paying respect to our ancestors with its upbeat lyrics and mesmerizing beat. It is evidence of Faze Alone’s skill in fusing up-to-date sounds with thought-provoking lyrics to create a timeless song that appeals to all age groups.
Details
The Holloway Family in Lagos in 1915.
Great-grandpa Olugbile Roger Holloway is positioned in the middle. Mama Ebute Metta, who would eventually become Mrs. Cole, is to his left. The mother of Mrs. Allen, who tragically died giving birth, stands to his right. Mama Aladura, a tiny child in front, was later Mrs. Cardoso. She died in the early 1970s. Great-great-grandma and great-great-grandpa Enuyami (John Benjamin Holloway) are pictured in front. This historical look into the Holloway family depicts a certain point in time and reflects the family’s tradition and ancestry.
Details
Protest Against the Scrapping of Oil Subsidy at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos
On January 12, 2012, protesters at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos, Nigeria, staged a four-day demonstration against the elimination of oil subsidies. President Goodluck Jonathan raised the price of gasoline from 65.00 Naira to 120.00 Naira in January 2012. However, following a significant statewide strike and protests by organized labor and civil society groups, the price was lowered to 97.00 Naira. Thousands of members of civil society and labor unions gathered at Gani Fawehinmi Park in Lagos’ Ojota neighborhood to express their disapproval of the government’s decision to stop providing subsidies. Nigerian oil workers declared today that they would start reducing crude production on January 15 of next year.
Details
An iconic photo of Prominent Nigerians Who Spearheaded Nigeria’s Early Post-Independence Era
A pivotal moment in Nigerian history is captured in this classic photograph from October 1960. A renowned group of ministers flanks President Nnamdi Azikiwe, a key player in Nigeria’s independence campaign, at the center. Standing from left to right are Shettima Ali Monguno, who is well-known for his contributions to public service and education; K. Ozumba Mbadiwe, who is praised for his political savvy and flair; Hashim Adaji, who is well-known for his commitment to public administration; and Mbazulike Amaechi, a fierce nationalist and significant figure in Nigeria’s independence movement. This image reflects the optimism and promise that accompanied the birth of a new nation, as well as immortalizing the leaders who shaped Nigeria’s early post-independence era.
DetailsThrowback to This Intriguing Nollywood Movie by Tade Ogidan Titled “Diamond Ring” From the Late 90s
Tade Ogidan is the director of the 1998 Nollywood thriller Diamond Ring. Richard Mofe Damijo, Teju Babyface, Sola Sobowale, and Bukky Ajayi are the main actors in it. Two portions were made of it. Back then, no little child could watch this movie by themselves. The conflict in Diamond Ring centers on the relationship between the cult members of Chidi and the spirit of Mrs. Gladys. Chidi, a first-year student at the university and the sole child of Chief and Mrs. Ijeoma Dike, steals a diamond ring from Mrs. Gladys’ body in an attempt to prove that he is fit for a life in the covert cult. Chidi and his companions are also haunted by the soul of Mrs. Gladys. The cult members start to pass away one after the other. Chidi suffers from an unusual illness for which conventional medicine has no cure. The return of the diamond ring to Mrs. Gladys’s body marks the conclusion of his quest for healing. One of the few expertly made and produced Nollywood films at the period was Diamond Ring. @nostalgicsound_ng Diamond Ring – A 1998 Nollywood epic thriller film directed by Tade Ogidan. It stars Richard Mofe Damijo, Teju Babyface, Sola Sobowale, Liz Benson, Bimbo Akintola and…
Details
Late Chief Hubert Ogunde, pioneer of the Nigerian entertainment industry With His Beautiful Wives in the 1970s
A famous picture from the early 1970s shows Chief Hubert Ogunde walking with four of his stunning wives, illustrating his active personal life. The second image illustrates the close-knit dynamic of Ogunde’s huge family by providing a private peek of him dining with eight of his seventeen wives. The late Chief Hubert Ogunde, who is regarded as the founder and father of the entertainment business in Nigeria, had a profound impact on the country’s culture. His reputation as a founding role in Nigerian entertainment and the arts is cemented by the influence and inspiration his legacy continues to provide.
Details
Image of Temi Odetola and Father @ Five
A picture of Femi Otedola and Temi Otedola, the youthful wealthy oil mogul