Biographies & Cultural Icons of Nigeria
Life stories of Nigerian political leaders, monarchs, activists, writers, artists, and other influential historical figures.
Long Before “One Love”, Onyeka Onwenu Was Investigating Nigeria’s Troubles on Television
Before Onyeka Onwenu became known across Nigeria as a singer, actress, activist and public figure, she was a highly trained journalist and broadcaster.Her entry...
From Mohamed Ibrahim to ‘Black Jesus’: How an Ibadan Man Built the One Love Family
There was a time when the name Guru Maharaj Ji could provoke completely different reactions in Nigeria.To his followers, he was Satguru Maharaj Ji,...
Olunloyo at Ilesa Grammar School: The Remarkable 1968 Photograph and the Story of Two Nigerian Teachers
A photograph attributed to a visit by Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo to Ilesa Grammar School around 1968 recalls an important period in the history...
Femi Foto: The Remarkable Photographer Who Documented Fela Kuti’s World
Femi Foto, whose full name was Femi Bankole Osunla, was a Nigerian photographer who spent more than two decades documenting the life and career...
Ado Bayero: The Remarkable 50-Year Reign of Kano’s Longest-Serving Emir
Ado Bayero became Emir of Kano on 22 October 1963 and remained on the throne until his death on 6 June 2014. His reign...
Nene Etule: The Remarkable Story of the Cameroonian Who Won Miss Nigeria in 1959
In 1959, Nene Etule, an 18-year-old woman from Southern Cameroons, achieved an extraordinary distinction when she won the Miss Nigeria beauty competition. Her victory...
Boniface Obichere: The Remarkable Nigerian Historian Who Advanced African Studies in America
Boniface Obichere was a Nigerian historian whose journey from a primary-school classroom in colonial Nigeria to a professorship at the University of California, Los...
Sikiru Adepoju: The Remarkable Journey from Yoruba Talking Drums to a Grammy and Tupac’s Poetry Album
Sikiru Adepoju is a Nigerian percussionist whose musical career took him from the traditional Yoruba drumming culture of Eruwa, in present-day Oyo State, to...
The Historic Photograph of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Adé
A photograph widely circulated online brings together three influential figures in Nigerian popular music: Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Ebenezer Obey and King Sunny Adé. Two...
Dele Ndubuisi Udo: The Tragic Death of Nigeria’s 24-Year-Old Olympic Sprinter in 1981
On 15 July 1981, Dele Ndubuisi Udo, one of Nigeria's accomplished young international athletes, was shot dead by a police officer in Ojuelegba, Lagos....