Nigeria is officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is located in the western part of Africa. One of the most interesting parts of Nigerian history is the fact that Africa’s most populous country was formed by the merger of Lord Lugard’s Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914. This article sheds light on some of the most memorable events that have happened in Nigerian history before and after the founding of the country. History and events shape the future of every great nation. Read and discover the memorable events since the founding of Africa’s largest country.
Remarkable facts about Nigerian history
1. The Yoruba and the Kingdom of Nri
Although the Yoruba were the first major tribe, the Kingdom of Nri was the first established monarchy in Nigerian history. Nri was the originator of the Igbo culture, which was one of the most influential groups in the region after its founding in 948 AD. At this time, the Kingdom of Nri was unique in that the rulers ruled the people through political, economic and religious authority and did not have to use force to control their subjects. The Nri was also a safe haven for people marginalized from their communities and for people fleeing slavery.
2. Benin Empire
The Benin Empire began in the 15th century when it was founded by the Edo people living in West Africa. Benin was an important empire in Nigeria’s history because it became internationally known for its artworks, which were exported to different parts of Europe and the rest of the world. The Benin Empire was a commercial empire that was highly organized and efficient. Benin was the first Nigerian territory to rival a contemporary European power in terms of governance and function. This empire was intact when the British arrived in Benin in the 19th century.
3. The founding of the Hausa Kingdom
The Islamic Hausa Empire was formed by a group of ancient city-states that lay between the Niger River and Lake Chad. The Hausa were influenced by the Islamic religion and it was also a strong center for trade and commerce. The Hausa had a significant impact on many people in central Nigeria. They even posed an economic and cultural challenge to other great empires of the time, such as Mali. This empire disintegrated in 1808 and when the British arrived in 1880 they helped the Hausa regain the influence and position they had lost in the past.
4. British began conquering Nigeria
One of the most notable events in Nigerian history occurred in 1901 when the British formally made Nigeria a protectorate. The British had first entered the area in the 1880s to trade with Nigerians. As soon as the British conquered Nigeria, they began dictating the territory’s affairs and enslaving parts of the population. They imposed colonial rule and ruled the country for almost 50 years. At this point, the British were modernizing the country and bringing its society under Western influence.
5. Christian missionaries began their work in southern Nigeria
Christian missionaries persecuted the British when they came to Nigeria to begin their missionary work. It influenced the religious life of Nigerians the most, especially in the south of the country, making this moment a notable moment in Nigerian history. At that time, many Nigerians were introduced to the Christian religion, which has since grown in strength. Religious beliefs among Nigerians sometimes devolved to a matter of life and death, leading to conflict, particularly between the Muslims in the north and the Christians in the south.
6. Lord Lugard’s ruthless government in Nigeria
Fredrick Lugard was a former British soldierWhen Lord Lugard was running the country, he spent half his time running Nigeria from England. Lugard didn’t like the Nigerians. During his reign he permitted slavery in some parts of the colony and used the military to maintain control. He is considered one of the worst colonialists in Nigerian history, which motivated some Nigerians to start the process of liberation from the British Empire.
7. Decolonization and independence of Nigeria
Shortly after World War II, many nations within Africa began to seek independence from the European powers that colonized most of the continent. The British Empire was the primary colonizer of Africa and nationalism began to grow across the continent. Many Nigerians were fed up with the British and had indirectly wanted to get rid of them for years. Eventually, Nigerian nationals were able to gain independence in 1960 as Britain was a battered and devastated nation that could no longer hold its overseas territory.
8. Nigeria’s First Republic
By 1963 all British power had withdrawn from the country and the nation was finally free to run its own affairs. Although the British no longer remained in power, they still had a significant impact on Nigerian society and culture. English is still a part of this country, and many Britons still conduct business and live in the nation.
9. The first national elections
Shortly after Nigeria’s independence, the country held its first national elections, which were conducted to establish the country’s first independent government. The elections took place in December 1964.
10. Transfer of Power
The year 2007 was a notable one in Nigerian history as the year marked the first time ruling ruling parties had a peaceful transition of power since Nigeria became a peaceful state. Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua took control of the government from Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who ruled the nation for 8 years.