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10 More Important Historical Facts About Nigeria (Part 2)

Here are another 10 important events, personalities and historical developments that shaped Nigeria.

11. The Aba Women's Riot (1929)

The Aba Women's Riot was a major protest organised by women in southeastern Nigeria against British colonial policies.

Facts:

It began in November 1929.

Women protested against proposed taxation and the colonial system of indirect taxation.

Thousands of women participated.

The protests spread across parts of present-day Abia, Imo and other southeastern areas.

The protest forced the colonial administration to reconsider some of its policies.

12. The Establishment of the University of Ibadan (1948)

The University of Ibadan was Nigeria's first university.

Facts:

It was established in 1948.

It initially operated as a college affiliated with the University of London.

It became an independent university in 1962.

It has produced many influential Nigerian academics, professionals and leaders.

13. The Discovery of Oil in Oloibiri (1956)

Commercial oil was discovered in Oloibiri, in present-day Bayelsa State.

Facts:

Oil was discovered by Shell-BP in January 1956.

Oloibiri was then part of the Eastern Region.

Commercial production began in 1958.

Petroleum eventually became the backbone of Nigeria's export earnings.

The discovery transformed Nigeria's economy and politics.

14. The First Military Coup (15 January 1966)

Nigeria experienced its first military coup in January 1966.

Facts:

The coup was led by a group of young military officers.

Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu was one of its prominent leaders.

Several political and military leaders were killed.

Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State.

The coup ended Nigeria's First Republic.

15. The Counter-Coup of July 1966

Another military coup occurred in July 1966.

Facts:

The counter-coup was carried out by northern military officers.

Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed.

Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon became Head of State.

The event increased political and ethnic tensions in Nigeria.

It contributed to the chain of events that led to the Nigerian Civil War.

16. The Creation of 12 States (27 May 1967)

General Yakubu Gowon created 12 states out of Nigeria's four regions.

Facts:

The announcement was made on 27 May 1967.

Nigeria's four regions were replaced with 12 states.

The former Eastern Region was divided into three states.

Rivers State and South-Eastern State were among the new states.

The creation of states weakened the regional structure that had existed since colonial times.

17. FESTAC '77 (1977)

Nigeria hosted one of the biggest international celebrations of African culture.

Facts:

FESTAC stands for Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture.

It took place in Lagos in 1977.

Participants came from African countries and the African diaspora.

It celebrated African music, dance, literature, art and heritage.

The famous National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, was built for the event.

18. The Creation of the Federal Capital Territory (1976)

Nigeria decided to move its capital from Lagos to Abuja.

Facts:

The decision was made during the military administration of Murtala Mohammed in 1976.

Abuja was selected because of its central location and other geographical considerations.

The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1976.

Abuja officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991.

Lagos remained Nigeria's largest commercial city.

19. The June 12, 1993 Presidential Election

The June 12 election is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most significant democratic elections.

Facts:

Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Bashir Tofa contested under the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Abiola was widely reported to have won the election.

The military government of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election.

June 12 is now celebrated as Nigeria's Democracy Day.

20. Nigeria's Return to Democracy in 1999

After years of military government, Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.

Facts:

General Abdulsalami Abubakar organised the transition to democracy.

Olusegun Obasanjo won the 1999 presidential election.

He was inaugurated on 29 May 1999.

The Fourth Republic began.

Since then, Nigeria has continued under civilian democratic leadership.

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Test Your Historical Knowledge

1. In which year did the Aba Women's Riot occur?

2. What was Nigeria's first university?

3. Where was commercial oil first discovered in Nigeria?

4. Who was Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu?

5. Who became Head of State after the July 1966 counter-coup?

6. How many states did Gowon create in 1967?

7. What does FESTAC stand for?

8. In which year was Abuja selected as Nigeria's future capital?

9. Who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election?

10. Who organised Nigeria's transition to democracy in 1999?

Learning tip: Study five historical events every day. Within one month, you will have a much stronger understanding of Nigeria's political, cultural and historical development.

10 Important Historical Events in Nigeria (With Interesting Facts)

Nigeria has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before becoming one country, the territory now known as Nigeria was home to powerful kingdoms, empires, ancient civilisations and different ethnic groups.

Here are 10 important events in Nigerian history that every Nigerian should know.

1. The Ancient Nok Civilisation (Around 800 BC)

The Nok civilisation was one of the earliest known civilisations in the territory of modern Nigeria.

Facts:

It existed around the Jos Plateau and surrounding areas.

The Nok people were famous for their terracotta sculptures.

They are associated with some of the earliest known ironworking traditions in West Africa.

Their artistic works remain important archaeological discoveries.

2. The Kingdom of Benin (Around 11th Century)

The ancient Benin Kingdom was one of the most powerful and organised kingdoms in West Africa.

Facts:

It was located in present-day Edo State.

It became famous for its bronze and brass artwork.

The kingdom developed a sophisticated system of government.

Its famous bronze plaques and sculptures are internationally recognised.

The British invaded Benin City in 1897 and took many royal artworks.

3. The Oyo Empire (Around 14th–19th Century)

The Oyo Empire was a powerful Yoruba empire in southwestern Nigeria.

Facts:

Its political centre was in present-day Oyo territory.

It became powerful through trade, agriculture and military organisation.

The cavalry played an important role in its military strength.

The Alaafin was the traditional ruler.

Its influence extended beyond present-day southwestern Nigeria.

4. The Sokoto Caliphate (1804–1903)

The Sokoto Caliphate emerged from the Islamic reform movement led by Usman dan Fodio.

Facts:

The movement began in 1804.

Usman dan Fodio became its leading figure.

Sokoto became its political and religious centre.

It developed an organised administrative system.

It became one of the largest Islamic states in nineteenth-century Africa.

5. The British Colonisation of Lagos (1861)

Lagos became a British colony in 1861.

Facts:

Britain formally annexed Lagos in August 1861.

Lagos became an important centre for British commercial and political activities.

British influence gradually expanded into other parts of the territory.

Colonial administration eventually brought different territories under British control.

6. The Amalgamation of Nigeria (1914)

On 1 January 1914, Lord Frederick Lugard amalgamated Northern and Southern Nigeria.

Facts:

Northern and Southern Nigeria were brought together under one administration.

Lord Frederick Lugard supervised the amalgamation.

The name Nigeria had been proposed by Flora Shaw.

The amalgamation established the foundation of modern Nigeria.

Nigeria remained under British colonial rule until 1960.

7. Nigeria Gains Independence (1 October 1960)

Nigeria became independent from Britain on 1 October 1960.

Facts:

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Nigeria's first Prime Minister.

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe later became the country's first indigenous Governor-General.

Nigeria initially operated a parliamentary system.

The Nigerian flag is green, white and green.

Independence Day is celebrated every year on 1 October.

8. Nigeria Becomes a Republic (1 October 1963)

Three years after independence, Nigeria became a republic.

Facts:

Nigeria officially became the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe became the first President.

Nigeria no longer had the British monarch as its ceremonial head of state.

The country retained its membership of the Commonwealth.

9. The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)

The Nigerian Civil War was one of the most devastating events in the country's history.

Facts:

The war began in July 1967.

The Eastern Region declared independence as the Republic of Biafra on 30 May 1967.

Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra.

General Yakubu Gowon led the Federal Military Government.

The war ended in January 1970 following Biafra's surrender.

Millions of people were affected by the conflict, including civilians who suffered from hunger and displacement.

10. Nigeria Returns to Democracy (29 May 1999)

Nigeria returned to democratic civilian government on 29 May 1999 after several years of military rule.

Facts:

General Abdulsalami Abubakar supervised the transition.

Olusegun Obasanjo became President.

Nigeria began its Fourth Republic.

The 1999 Constitution established the framework for the current democratic system.

Nigeria has continued operating under civilian democratic government since then.

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10 Quick History Questions to Test Your Knowledge

No. Question Answer

1 Who supervised the 1914 amalgamation? Lord Lugard
2 When did Nigeria gain independence? 1 October 1960
3 Who was Nigeria's first Prime Minister? Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
4 Who was Nigeria's first President? Nnamdi Azikiwe
5 When did Nigeria become a republic? 1 October 1963
6 Who led the Biafran government? Odumegwu Ojukwu
7 Who led Nigeria during the Civil War? Yakubu Gowon
8 When did the Civil War end? January 1970
9 Which year did Lagos become a British colony? 1861
10 When did Nigeria return to democracy? 29 May 1999

Recommended Historical Reading

For further study, explore:

[Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – History of Nigeria](https://foreignaffairs.gov.ng/nigeria/history-of-nigeria/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

[Embassy of Nigeria – Historical Background](https://www.nigeria-manila.org/history/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

[BBC – Nigeria Historical Timeline](https://bbc.com.im/news/world-africa-13949550?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

A final thought: Understanding Nigerian history helps us understand where we came from, the struggles that shaped our nation and the responsibilities we have towards future generations.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Federal Republic of Nigria-We Are The Gateway To Africa’s Most Populous Nation

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