Nigerian History: Pre-Colonial & Colonial Eras

Pre-Colonial Kingdoms

• Uthman Dan Fodio established the Sokoto Caliphate.
• The Alaafin held rule over the Oyo Empire.
• The Oyomesi were key figures in the Oyo Empire, acting as kingmakers and advisors.
• The Ogboni cult possessed judicial and spiritual power within Yoruba society.
• The Benin Kingdom was renowned for its production of Benin Bronzes.
• Islamic scholarship flourished in the Kanem-Bornu Empire.
• Igbo communities were governed by councils of village elders.
• The Sokoto Caliphate's founding occurred in the 19th century.
• The Oba of Benin held the position of political and spiritual leader.
• The Kanem-Bornu Empire's economy greatly relied on Trans-Saharan trade.

Colonial Rule and Resistance

• Lord Lugard, a British governor, carried out the amalgamation of Nigeria.
• The amalgamation of Nigeria took place in 1914.
• The system of Indirect Rule made use of traditional rulers in colonial governance.
• The Aba Women’s Riot happened in 1929.
• Colonial taxation policies served as the main catalyst for the Aba Women’s Riot.
• Indirect rule saw greater success in Northern Nigeria.
• Direct rule saw implementation more in Igbo and Yoruba territories.
• British economic interest stood as the primary reason for the amalgamation of Nigeria.
• Sultan Attahiru resisted British dominion in Northern Nigeria.
• Oba Ovonramwen spearheaded resistance against British rule in the Benin Kingdom.

Social Justice and Conflict

• Social justice entails equitable access to rights and opportunities.
• Reinforcing just laws can further social justice.
• Competition for land and political authority stands as a significant source of indigene-settler conflicts in Nigeria.
• Disputes over land ownership triggered the Ife-Modakeke crisis.
• The Jos Crisis involves clashes between the Berom and Hausa-Fulani groups.
• Social justice guarantees equal access to opportunities.

Culture and Its Importance

• Culture encompasses the way of life of a group of people.
• Culture is learned and shared among people.
• Promoting national identity represents a key function of culture.
• Society sees culture play a major role in promoting development.
• Culture changes over time due to its dynamic nature.
• Festivals exemplify intangible cultural heritage.

Artifacts, Tools, Food, and Attire

• The Ifa Divination Board has links to Yoruba culture.
• Abacha stands as a popular traditional food of the Igbo.
• The Hausa-Fulani ethnic group is recognized for its leatherwork and pottery.
• Red coral beads feature in the traditional attire of the Edo people.
• The Swange dance has ties to the Tiv ethnic group.
• Mbari House represents a cultural artifact of Igbo culture.
• Benin Bronzes consist of brass and bronze.
• The Yoruba talking drum takes the name of Dundun.
• The Ofo staff in Igbo culture serves as a traditional judicial symbol.

General Knowledge

• Anger Cloth refers to the Tiv people's traditional black and white striped fabric.
• Fura da Nono serves as a traditional Hausa-Fulani drink.
• The Ibibio/Efik ethnic group is noted for the Ekombi dance.
• The Ofo Staff is used in Igbo culture for traditional decision-making.
• The Ife Bronze Heads are linked to the Yoruba ethnic group.
• 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.
• Nigeria introduced its national pledge in 1976.

Traditional Leadership and Governance

• The Sultan held the highest political office in the Sokoto Caliphate.
• The Eghaevbo N’Ore assisted the Oba of Benin.
• The Ogboni cult held judicial and spiritual authority within Yoruba society.
• The Oyomesi acted as the highest ruling council in the Oyo Empire.
• The Emirate System of the Hausa-Fulani was rooted in Islamic governance.

Colonialism and Resistance

• Economic exploitation constituted the primary aim of British colonial rule in Nigeria.
• Direct rule saw predominant use in Eastern Nigeria.
• Traditional rulers in the North had authority which is why indirect rule worked best.
• Nwanyeruwa spearheaded The Aba Women’s Riot of 1929.
• The 1914 Amalgamation of Nigeria unified the Northern and Southern Protectorates.
• The Aba Women’s Riot mainly protested Colonial taxation.

Indigene-Settler Conflicts in Nigeria

• Land disputes sparked The Ife-Modakeke conflict.
• The Berom and Hausa-Fulani engaged in conflict in The Jos crisis.
• The Hausa-Fulani and Kataf (Atyap) were parties in the Zangon Kataf crisis in Kaduna State.

Artifacts, Tools, and Traditional Items

• The Yoruba talking drum is called Dundun.
• The Igbo traditional judicial symbol is the Ofo staff.

Traditional Food and Clothing

• Moi Moi stands as a well-liked Yoruba dish prepared from beans.
• Isi-Agu constitutes an Igbo traditional attire.
• The traditional Fulani attire for men includes Babban Riga.

Nigerian Traditional Dances

• The Swange dance finds performance 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 has associations with Fishing.
• The New Yam Festival holds importance as an Igbo celebration.
• The Osun-Osogbo festival is celebrated in Osun state.
• The Argungu Festival is mostly associated with fishing.
• Calabar Carnival is celebrated in Calabar annually.

General Knowledge

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

Nigerian Traditional Beliefs and Religion

• Traditional African religion practices polytheism.
• Olodumare stands as the supreme deity in Yoruba belief.
• Ala represents 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.
• Ofo acts as the Igbo spiritual messenger of Amadioha.

Major Conflicts and Ethnic Clashes in Nigeria

• Oil exploration and environmental degradation are the root cause of the Niger Delta conflict.
• The Tiv-Jukun conflict in Benue/Taraba largely centers on political control.
• The Aguleri-Umuleri conflict in Anambra stems from Land ownership.

Colonial Economy and Administration

• The British introduced money economy in Nigeria.
• Cocoa represented the main cash crop in Western Nigeria during colonial rule.
• The design of the colonial economy was to exploit resources for Britain.
• The Native Authority System was a creation under Lord Lugard.
• Indirect rule contributed to the expansion of Islam in Northern Nigeria.

Nigerian Independence and Political History

• Nigeria achieved independence in 1960.
• Tafawa Balewa held the distinction of Nigeria’s first Prime Minister.
• The occurrence of the first military coup in Nigeria took place in 1966.

Modern Nigerian Culture and Society

• The Nigerian film industry is popularly known as Nollywood.
• English serves as the official language of Nigeria.

Nigerian Art, Music, and Literature

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

Traditional Architecture and Housing

• The Hausa-Fulani traditional houses consist of mud bricks.
• The Yoruba traditional compound takes the term Ile.
• Igbo houses traditionally have Courtyards.

Traditional Medicine and Healing Practices

• Traditional medicine in Nigeria relies mainly on herbs and spiritual healing.
• The Yoruba traditional healer goes by the name Babalawo.
• Igbo traditional medicine men are known as Dibia.

Major Rivers and Landmarks in Nigeria

• River Niger represents the longest river in Nigeria.
• Zuma Rock can be found in Niger state.
• Olumo Rock sits in Ogun state.

Cultures of Southern Nigeria

• Ekpe constitutes the traditional Efik masquerade.
• Ekombi dance is performed by the Efik.
• Nsibidi represents the Efik traditional writing system.
• Fishing is what the Ijaw people are mainly known for.
• Ogele represents 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 refer to the New Yam Festival as Iri Ji.
• The Eyo is white-robed Yoruba festival.
• The Calabar Carnival occurs annually in December.
• The Yoruba people of Ijebu celebrate the Ojude Oba festival.

Artifacts and Cultural Tools of Southern Nigeria

• The Yoruba spiritual board that is 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 means 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.
• The Tiv people are famous for wearing Striped black and white fabric.

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.
• Dialogue and integration can resolve indigene-settler conflicts.
• Equal access to resources promotes social justice.
• The principle of social justice ensures equal rights for all citizens.

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.
• The Gelede Yoruba festival honors ancestors.

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.

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.

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.

Colonial Resistance and Movements

• 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.

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.

Contemporary Issues

• 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.

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.