Nigerian History: Pre-Colonial & Colonial Eras

Pre-Colonial Kingdoms

• Uthman Dan Fodio founded the Sokoto Caliphate
• The Alaafin ruled the Oyo Empire
• The Oyomesi were kingmakers and advisors in the Oyo Empire
• The Ogboni cult had judicial and spiritual authority in Yoruba society
• The Benin Kingdom is famous for producing Benin Bronzes
• Islamic scholarship was advanced in the Kanem-Bornu Empire
• Igbo communities were governed through village councils and elders
• The Sokoto Caliphate was founded in the 19th century
• The Oba of Benin was regarded as a political and spiritual leader
• Trans-Saharan trade was a major economic activity of the Kanem-Bornu Empire

Colonial Rule and Resistance

• Lord Lugard was the British governor who amalgamated Nigeria
• Nigeria was amalgamated in 1914
• Indirect Rule system of colonial rule used traditional rulers
• The Aba Women’s Riot took place in 1929
• Colonial taxation policies were the major cause of the Aba Women’s Riot
• Indirect rule was more successful in Northern Nigeria
• Direct rule was implemented more in Igbo and Yoruba areas
• British economic interest was the major reason for the amalgamation of Nigeria
• Sultan Attahiru resisted British rule in Northern Nigeria
• Oba Ovonramwen led the resistance against British rule in the Benin Kingdom

Social Justice and Conflict

• Social justice means equal access to rights and opportunities
• Strengthening fair laws can promote social justice
• Competition for land and political power is a major cause of indigene-settler conflicts in Nigeria
• Land ownership disputes caused the Ife-Modakeke crisis
• The Jos Crisis is between the Berom and Hausa-Fulani groups
• Social justice ensures equal access to opportunities

Culture and Its Importance

• Culture is the way of life of a group of people
• Culture is learned and shared
• Promoting national identity is a major importance of culture

Artifacts, Tools, Food, and Attire

• The Ifa Divination Board is associated with Yoruba culture
• Abacha is a common Igbo traditional food
• The Hausa-Fulani ethnic group is known for its leatherwork and pottery
• Red coral beads are included in the traditional attire of the Edo people
• The Swange dance is associated with the Tiv ethnic group
• Mbari House is a cultural artifact of Igbo culture

General Knowledge

• Anger Cloth is the Tiv people's traditional black and white striped fabric
• Fura da Nono is a traditional Hausa-Fulani drink
• The Ibibio/Efik ethnic group is known for the Ekombi dance
• The Ofo Staff tool is used in Igbo culture for traditional decision-making
• The Ife Bronze Heads are associated with the Yoruba ethnic group

Traditional Leadership and Governance

• The Sultan was the highest political authority in the Sokoto Caliphate
• The Eghaevbo N’Ore assisted the Oba of Benin
• The Ogboni cult had judicial and spiritual authority in Yoruba society
• The Oyomesi was the highest ruling council in the Oyo Empire
• The Emirate System of the Hausa-Fulani was based on Islamic governance

Colonialism and Resistance

• Economic exploitation was the main objective of British colonial rule in Nigeria
• Direct rule was mainly used in Eastern Nigeria
• Traditional rulers had centralised authority in the North which is why indirect rule worked best
• Nwanyeruwa led The Aba Women’s Riot of 1929
• The 1914 Amalgamation of Nigeria united the Northern and Southern Protectorates

Indigene-Settler Conflicts in Nigeria

• Land disputes caused The Ife-Modakeke conflict
• The Berom and Hausa-Fulani fought in The Jos crisis
• The Hausa-Fulani and Kataf (Atyap) were involved in the Zangon Kataf crisis in Kaduna State

Culture and Its Importance

• Culture's major role in society is to promote development
• Culture's dynamic nature allows it to change over time
• Festivals are examples of intangible cultural heritage

Artifacts, Tools, and Traditional Items

• Benin Bronzes are made from brass and bronze
• The Yoruba talking drum is called Dundun
• The Igbo traditional judicial symbol is the Ofo staff

Traditional Food and Clothing

• Moi Moi is a popular Yoruba dish made from beans
• Isi-Agu is an Igbo traditional attire
• The traditional Fulani attire for men includes Babban Riga

Nigerian Traditional Dances

• The Swange dance is performed by the Tiv
• The Bata dance is associated with the Yoruba
• The Ekombi dance is performed by the Efik

Traditional Festivals in Nigeria

• The Eyo festival is celebrated in Lagos
• The Argungu Festival is associated with Fishing
• The New Yam Festival is an important celebration of the Igbo

General Knowledge

• Obi is the highest traditional title among the Igbo
• The Durbar Festival is a major celebration among the Hausa-Fulani
• The Benin Kingdom was known for its military power
• The Hausa-Fulani empire was ruled based on Islamic governance

Nigerian Traditional Beliefs and Religion

• Traditional African religion is mostly polytheistic
• Olodumare is the supreme deity in Yoruba belief
• Ala is the goddess of earth among the Igbo
• Bori is name of the traditional religion of the Hausa-Fulani
• Belief in ancestors as spiritual intermediaries is called ancestral worship
• The Igbo spiritual messenger of Amadioha is Ofo

Major Conflicts and Ethnic Clashes in Nigeria

• Oil exploration and environmental degradation are the major cause of the Niger Delta conflict
• The Tiv-Jukun conflict in Benue/Taraba is mostly about political control
• The Aguleri-Umuleri conflict in Anambra is related to Land ownership

Colonial Economy and Administration

• The British introduced money economy in Nigeria
• Cocoa was the main cash crop in Western Nigeria during colonial rule
• The colonial economy was designed to exploit resources for Britain
• The Native Authority System was created under Lord Lugard
• Indirect rule helped expand Islam in Northern Nigeria

Nigerian Independence and Political History

• Nigeria gained independence in 1960
• Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s first Prime Minister
• The first military coup in Nigeria occurred in 1966

Modern Nigerian Culture and Society

• The Nigerian film industry is popularly known as Nollywood
• Nigeria’s national pledge was introduced in 1976
• English is the official language of Nigeria

Nigerian Art, Music, and Literature

• Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart
• The Mbari art form is associated with the Igbo culture
• Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize in 1986

Traditional Architecture and Housing

• The Hausa-Fulani traditional houses are made of mud bricks
• The Yoruba traditional compound is called Ile
• Igbo houses traditionally have Courtyards

Traditional Medicine and Healing Practices

• Traditional medicine in Nigeria is mainly based on herbs and spiritual healing
• The Yoruba traditional healer is called Babalawo
• Igbo traditional medicine men are known as Dibia

Nigerian Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

• The Osun-Osogbo festival is celebrated in Osun state
• The Argungu Festival is mostly associated with fishing
• Calabar Carnival is celebrated in Calabar annually

Major Rivers and Landmarks in Nigeria

• River Niger is the longest river in Nigeria
• Zuma Rock is located in Niger state
• Olumo Rock is found in Ogun state

Cultures of Southern Nigeria

• Ekpe is the traditional Efik masquerade

• Ekombi dance is performed by the Efik

• Nsibidi is the Efik traditional writing system

• Fishing is what the iIjaw people are mainly known for;

• Ogele is the Ijaw traditional boat festival

• Pere is the name of the traditional Ijaw masquerade

• Oba is the traditional ruler of Benin

• Brass and bronze artworks is what the Benin Empire was famous for

• Igue is the most recognized traditional festival in Benin

• Ovwuvwe is the Urhobo annual festival.

• Delta contains the Itsekiri people.

Festivals in Southern Nigeria

• The Igbo call the New Yam Festival Iri Ji
• The famous Yoruba festival that involves white-robed participants is Eyo
• The Calabar Carnival is held annually in December
• The Ojude Oba festival is mainly celebrated by the Yoruba (Ijebu)

Artifacts and Cultural Tools of Southern Nigeria

• The Yoruba spiritual board used for divination is called Ifa board
• The Yoruba traditional staff used by Sango worshippers is Ose Sango
• The Yoruba use Bata drum for religious rituals
• The Igbo sacred symbol of justice is Ofo
• The Igbo traditional wooden gong is called Ekwe.
• The Igbo masquerade associated with ancestral spirits is called Ekpe.

Social Justice and Development in Nigeria

• Social justice is the idea that laws should be applied equally
• A major way to promote social justice in Nigeria is through equal rights for all
• NHRC promotes human rights in Nigeria
• The Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of expression and rights

Nigerian Traditional Attires

• The traditional Yoruba male attire includes Agbada
• Igbo traditional male attire is called Isi Agu
• The Hausa-Fulani female attire includes Hijab and Abaya
• The Efik women’s traditional attire is called Ekombi

Major Historical Events in Nigeria

• The Aba Women’s Riot occurred in 1929
• The 1914 Amalgamation was led by Lord Lugard
• Usman Dan Fodio was the leader of the Sokoto Jihad
• The Oyomesi's role in Oyo Empire was advisors to the Alaafin
• The Ogboni cult in Yoruba society was responsible for maintaining justice

Nigerian Traditional Leadership and Governance

• The Alaafin of Oyo was advised by The Oyomesi
• The Emirate system of government was introduced by Usman Dan Fodio
• In the pre-colonial Hausa-Fulani system, power was centralized under The Emir
• The Ogboni cult in Yoruba society was mainly responsible for Administering justice

Amalgamation and Colonial Rule

• The amalgamation of Nigeria occurred in 1914
• The British adopted Indirect rule system of governance in Northern Nigeria
• The Aba Women’s Riot was a protest against Colonial taxation
• The major reason the British used indirect rule in Northern Nigeria was the North already had a centralized system

Cultural Practices and Attires

• The Hausa traditional attire for men is called Babanriga
• The Efik traditional women’s attire is called Ekombi
• The Igbo sacred staff of justice is called Ofo
• The Yoruba festival that honors ancestors is Gelede

Social Justice and Conflict Resolution

• Indigene vs settler conflicts in Nigeria are caused by Land ownership disputes
• The best way to promote social justice is through equal representation
• The NHRC agency protects human rights in Nigeria

Nigerian Art and Aesthetics

• The famous bronze heads of Nigeria come from Ife
• The Benin bronze plaques were used to decorate palaces
• Nsibidi writing is associated with Efik people

Nigerian Traditional Festivals

• The New Yam Festival is primarily celebrated by Igbo people
• The Argungu Fishing Festival is associated with Kebbi
• The Durbar Festival is a major celebration in Kano
• The Osun-Osogbo Festival is held in honor of Osun

Pre-Colonial Kingdoms and Empires

• The Oyo Empire was famous for its strong military cavalry
• The Benin Kingdom was known for its bronze and brass sculptures
• The Igbo political system was mainly republican
• The Sokoto Caliphate was founded in 1804

Colonialism and Nationalism

• Direct rule was used by the British in Southern Nigeria
• The Aba Women’s Riot was mainly against Colonial taxation
• Nigeria gained independence in 1960
• Nnamdi Azikiwe was Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor-General

Traditional Social Structure

• In Yoruba society, the king is called Oba
• The Hausa-Fulani traditional ruler is known as Emir
• The Igbo traditional council of elders is known as Aro Confederacy
• The Ogboni cult in Yoruba land was responsible for Traditional justice

Nigerian Cultural Foods

• Tuwo Shinkafa is a common dish among Hausa people
• The Igbo traditional food made from cassava is Fufu
• Banga soup is a specialty of Urhobo people
• The Yoruba are known for Ewedu soup

Nigerian Art and Craft

• The Ife bronze heads date back to 12th century
• The Nok culture is famous for its Terracotta sculptures
• The Benin bronze plaques were mainly used for Telling history

Nigerian Cultural Dance and Music

• The Bata drum is associated with Yoruba music
• The Igbo war dance is known as Atilogwu
• The Fulani are known for playing Kora musical instrument
• The Hausa praise-singing tradition is called Griots

Modern Nigerian Cultural Evolution

• The largest ethnic group in Nigeria is Hausa-Fulani
• The traditional way of communication in pre-colonial Nigeria was Town criers
• The most widely spoken language in Nigeria is Hausa
• The ethnic group known for fishing in Nigeria is Ijaw
• Majority religion in Northern Nigeria is Islam

National Symbols and Identity

• Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi designed The Nigerian national flag
• The Nigerian national anthem was first composed in 1978
• The Nigerian coat of arms features two Horses

Nigerian Cultural Values and Social Justice

• The Nigerian national motto is Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress
• Equal access to resources promotes social justice
• The principle of social justice ensures equal rights for all citizens
• Dialogue and integration can resolve indigene-settler conflicts

More Nigerian Cultural Attires

• The Igbo traditional male outfit is called Isi Agu
• The Efik women’s dance attire is Ekombi
• The Nigerian ethnic group known for tie and dye fabric is Yoruba
• The Tiv people are famous for wearing Striped black and white fabric

Nigerian Economic and Traditional Occupations

• The major occupation of the Fulani people is Cattle rearing
• The Igbo people are traditionally known for trading
• the Kanuri people are mainly farmers.
• The Niger Delta people are mainly engaged in fishing

Nigerian Traditional Religion and Beliefs

• The Yoruba god of thunder is Sango
• The Igbo god of creation is Chukwu
• The Hausa traditional belief system includes Bori spirit worship
• The Edo people worship Olokun for prosperity

Nigerian Colonial Resistance and Movements

• The Aba Women’s Riot occurred in 1929
• A major result of the Aba Women’s Riot was The abolition of colonial tax on women
• The Sokoto Jihad was led by Usman Dan Fodio
• The Egba Uprising of 1918 was against British taxation

Nigerian Independence and Political Movements

• Nigeria became a republic in 1963
• The first political party in Nigeria was NNDP
• The first Prime Minister of Nigeria was Tafawa Balewa
• The first military coup in Nigeria happened in 1966

Nigerian Contemporary Issues

• A major cause of ethnic conflict in Nigeria today is Resource control
• The MEND movement fights for the rights of the Niger Delta people
• The primary cause of farmer-herder clashes in Nigeria is Land and water resources
• The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was created in 1973

Nigerian Legal and Justice System

• The highest court in Nigeria is Supreme Court
• The Nigerian constitution was last amended in 1999
• Agency responsible for conducting elections in Nigeria is INEC
• The Nigerian currency is The Naira

Conclusion and Final Questions

• Franca Afegbua was the first Nigerian female senator
• Louis Edet was the first indigenous Inspector General of Police
• Nigeria is a member of the African Union
• The current capital of Nigeria is Abuja
• Nigeria’s first TV station was NTA
• The official language of Nigeria is English