Why Chinua Achebe never won the Nobel Prize in Literature
Chinua Achebe twice declined the Nigerian award of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2004 and 2011.
Usman dan Fodio: Progenitor of the Sokoto Caliphate
Usman dan Fodio wrote more than a hundred books on religion, administration, culture, and community. He promoted literacy and education, particularly for women, and many of his daughters became scholars and authors. His works and sayings are still very much quoted today.
Isaac Adaka Boro (1938-1968): Nigeria’s First Secessionist
Before Emeka Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra in May 1967, Isaac Adaka Boro had declared the Niger Delta Republic in February 1966.
21 Interesting Facts About Shehu Shagari
Shehu Shagari was the 6th child of his father, 6th Head-of-State of Nigeria, and also had 6 federal government appointments before he became President.
Festus Okotie-Eboh: Nigeria’s most flamboyant Politician
As the Federal Minister of Finance, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh was instrumental in the founding of Nigeria's Central Bank in 1959.
Ahebi Ugbabe: The Only Female King of Colonial Nigeria
Ahebi Ugbabe has been described succinctly by Nwando Achebe in her book, The Female King of Colonial Nigeria: Ahebi Ugbabe, published in 2011...
Ken Saro-Wiwa: Writer, Environmental Activist, Martyr
It took five attempts to hang Ken Saro-Wiwa before he spoke his last words and his body went limp.
Flora Nwapa: Mother of Modern African Literature
Flora Nwapa (1931–1993), was the first African woman to publish a novel in the English language in 1966.
Josiah Ransome-Kuti: The Singing Minister of Abeokuta
Josiah Ransome-Kuti was also the first Nigerian to release a record album after he recorded many hymns (in the Yoruba language) in gramophone through Zonophone Records, London in 1925.
Margaret Ekpo: A Defender of Women’s Rights
The Margaret Ekpo International Airport is the only airport in Africa to be named after a woman...
Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti: Teacher, Nation-Builder, Clergyman
Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti holds the record of the longest-serving president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (23 years) and the principal of Abeokuta Grammar School (22 years).
Muhammadu Ribadu: Nigeria’s First Minister of Defence
As Minister of Defence, Muhammadu Ribadu presided over a rapid expansion of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, as well as the creation of the Nigeria Air Force.
How Ameyo Adadevoh stopped the 2014 Ebola Plague in Nigeria
When the swine flu spread to Lagos in 2012, Ameyo Adadevoh was the first doctor to diagnose and notify the Ministry of Health.
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi: Did the General deserve to die?
Ironsi's proclamation of Decree 34 on May 24, 1966, marked the beginning of the end for him. The decree strengthened the centre, thereby removing the powers granted to the regions.
10 Powerful African Women Who Shook the 20th Century
Every 31st day of July is celebrated as African Women’s Day to affirm the role of the African woman in the evolution of a strong Pan-African identity.
Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1917-1983): The Pioneer Historian
Professor Kenneth Onwuka Dike was the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and the roaming Ambassador of Biafra to Côte d'Ivoire...
Shettima Kashim Ibrahim: The Last Civilian Governor of Northern Nigeria
Kashim Ibrahim was the first and last indigenous civilian governor of the Northern Region of Nigeria until the military coup of January 15, 1966.
Samuel Adegboyega: Pioneer of Apostolic Pentecostalism in Nigeria
Samuel Adegboyega was named Gbadebo after Oba Gbadebo I, the sixth Alake of Egbaland, Abeokuta, as he was from a royal house himself.
Is Lagos a No Man’s Land?
Lagos was the capital city of Nigeria for 77 years until the seat of government was moved to Abuja, which was planned and built specifically for that purpose.
Ore Green: West Africa’s First Female Pharmacist
Ore Green worked in London, before returning in 1917 to Lagos where she first worked as a Midwife at the hospital of Dr. Richard Akinwande Savage (1874-1935).
