Transcript 1. THE 100 GREATEST NIGERIANS WE NEVER KNEW -PT 1 2. HOW AND WHY?!? 3. 100?!? Ans:Its always complicated, but we’ll try…… 4. THE GREATEST?!?: Ans: Substantial positive influence on Nigerian HistoryBy singular action or a medium to long term legacy. 5. NIGERIANS?Nigerian citizens by birth, parentage, naturalisation orregistration.British subjects permanently resident in Nigeria beforeindependence. 6. WE NEVER KNEW? ANS: Person’s not generally known, otherwise than to those with specialist or specific knowledge, OR, of whom there is littleavailable information OR who are known, but of which there is minimal information about their achievements. 7. THE LIST 8. 1. OHEN OKUN 9. • The Olokun Priest of the Port town of Ughoton, Benin during the reign of Oba Esigie (1504-1549)• Sent to Portugal as the Ambassador of Benin, while Affonso D’Aveiro remained in Benin as Portuguese envoy.• Treated with the utmost respect and learnt to speak Portuguese.• He later returned to Benin and can be described as the first known diplomat of Nigerian origin to Europe. 10. 2.OLU ATUWATSE (DOM DOMINGO) 11. • He was sent by his father to Portugal in 1601.• He graduated from the University of Coimbra in 1611, the first person of Nigerian Origin to obtain a European University degree.• He married the daughter of a Portuguese noble Dona Feira• - their son, Omonigheren (Antonio Domingo- the golden skinned King) succeeded him to the throne upon, his death in 1643.• Antonio Domingo wrote a letter to the Pope in 1652, asking For missionary assistance- the oldest letter written in Nigeria. 12. 3. MAMADI MAKE (Angelo Soliman) 13. • Born c.1721 in North-Eastern Nigeria of the Kanuri ethnic group.• Prince George Christian of Sicily’s valet, later Chief servant of Joseph Wenzel, Prince of Liechtenstein.• An associate of Mozart and Haydn. “Bassa Selim” in Mozart’s “Abduction from the Seragio” reputedly based on him. 14. • He joined the Vienna Masonic Lodge in 1783 and rose to become Grandmaster, changing its practices to include scholarship, which was adopted by other Lodges.• Upon his death, he was ironically skinned and his stuffed remains displayed in the Imperial Museum of Natural History- in the cabinet of curiosities (!) 15. 4. MOHAMMAD IBN FULANI AL KISNAWI 16. • A Fulani from northern Nigeria and a Mathematician, he travelled to Egypt in 1732• He wrote a manuscript (in Arabic) of procedures for constructing magic squares up to order 11• Magic squares are complex mathematical algorithms.• A quote from his manuscripts Do not give up, for that is ignorance and not according to the rules of this art. Those who know the arts of war and killing cannot imagine the agony and pain of a practitioner of this honourable science...You cannot hope to achieve success without infinite perseverance.• He died in Cairo, 1741. 17. 5. NANA ASMAU 18. • She was the daughter of Usman Dan Fodio• She is the first known Nigerian female poetess.• “Wakar Gewaye” (The Journey) was her greatest work -the first of 60 surviving works (written in Arabic) still studied today.• A respected adviser to the Caliph Muhammad Bello (her brother). 19. • There are records of debates with Governors of the Caliphate + foreign scholars on state policy.• She formed a cadre of female Islamic scholars- “the Jaji’s”, in line with Dan Fodio’s policy of women’s education.• She was greatly Instrumental to the Islamic education of women in the Caliphate and beyond. 20. 6.PROFESSOR R.A.COKER 21. • Classical Pianist born in Abeokuta• He studied music at the Abeokuta Institution between 1861 and 1864, under Professor Buhle and further in London in 1880• He taught at the Lagos Female Institution, between 1881 and 1894, specialising in the Pianoforte.• Described by the Observer in 1915, as the first indigenous Organist in Nigeria and conducted the Lagos Handel Festival of 1882. 22. 7. ROBERT CAMPBELL 23. • Born in Jamaica, an abolitionist, he had been a Science Lecturer at the Institute for Coloured Youth, Philadelphia, before settling In Nigeria in 1859.• He published the first English language newspaper in Nigerian history The Anglo-African in 1863• He established himself as part of Lagosian society and upon his death, he was buried in Lagos, where his descendants still live.• Campbell Street in Lagos, was named after him. 24. 8. William Broughton Davies 25. • Davies was born in Sierra Leone of Yoruba parentage.• He and Africanus Horton were selected by the Army, for Medical training, qualifying from Kings College and Edinburgh in 1858/1859. Enlisted as an Assistant- Surgeon in 1859.• He practised in Ghana and then Sierra Leone, promoted Surgeon-Major in 1875 and retired in 1881• He and Horton were the 1st Nigerian Doctors and the 1st African Army Officers. 26. 9. ANDREW THOMAS• The first Nigerian-born Newspaper Editor- he edited The Lagos Times and Gold Coast Colony Advertiser- in 1880.• He was later to publish and edit the newspaper Iwe Irohin Eko, which was focused on Yoruba culture and traditions. 27. 10. Nathaniel king 28. • Generally described as the first Nigerian Doctor• Born 1847, in Freetown to a Yoruba Clergyman, returned to Abeokuta where he received some training in medicine from Dr. A.A Harris at the Abeokuta Theological Institution in 1861.• Studied at Kings College London, where he qualified in 1874 and returned to Nigeria in 1878 and practised with the CMS Mission, till his death in 1884. 29. 11. JONATHAN ADAGOGO GREEN 30. • He was born in Bonny in 1872 and studied Photography at Fourah Bay College.• He became the photographer of choice for the British authorities, with some of his works including the famous portraits of Oba Ovonramwen, Dore Numa etc.• He was the first Nigerian-born photographer.• His work has been exhibited all over the world. 31. 12. NEILS WALWIN HOLM 32. • He was born in Ghana in 1865 and started his career as a photographer in 1882 and travelled around West Africa on commission from the British authorities.• He settled permanently in Nigeria in 1896,setting up his Photo studio in Lagos and was the first African to be admitted to the Royal Photographic Society in 1897.• He studied Law, whilst on medical leave in the UK and was called to the Bar in 1910. He returned to Nigeria in 1917 and set up, this time as a Barrister, running one of the most successful Chambers in Lagos. 33. 13 . IGWE ISRAEL IWEKA 34. • Born in 1879, he was an early Christian convert in The Lower Niger area and received a secondary school education.• He was one of the first Nigerian Civil Engineering contractors and built the massive Iweka Road at Onitsha, amongst others.• He wrote the first History of the Igbo people, both in English and Igbo in 1922.• He became a Warrant Chief of Obosi, his hometown in 1932. 35. 14. SARKIN KATSINA MUHAMMAN DIKKO 36. Installed Emir of Katsina in 1901 and made his mark as the greatestEmir of Katsina. His achievements included:• The sub division of the Native authority into various depts: Health, Works, Tax, Police etc.• The establishment of the first school for girls + encouragement of western education amongst his subjects. During his reign Katsina (later Barewa) College was established.• The first Emir to travel on the Hajj, to visit Britain and to fly in a plan. 37. 15. SIR KITOYI AJASA/ERIC MOORE 38. • Kitoyi Ajasa and Eric Moore were born in in 1866 and 1878 respectively. Both attended CMS Grammar School and were called to the Bar in 1893 and 1906 respectively. They set up two of the most successful Law Chambers in Lagos• They were selected for membership of Lugard’s Nigerian Council in 1914 and 1917 respectively and Clifford’s Legislative Council in 1922. Kitoyi Ajasa was the first Nigerian to be Knighted, while Eric Moore co-founded the first major political party- NNDP.• They were the first Nigerians to sit on a panel of enquiry- The Aba Women’s riot enquiry, grilling Colonial officials on their conduct relating to the incident (much to their displeasure!!) 39. 17. OREOLUWA GREEN 40. Born in 1885, she attended St Peters School and the CMS GirlsSeminary, as well as private tuition under Rev W.B.Euba.She travelled to the UK in 1912 and obtained the followingqualifications:• 1st Class Certificate,- Theory of Music- The London School of Music;• Certificate of the Central Midwives Board (Honours Certificate)- Clapham School of Midwifery and Clapham Maternity Hospital; 41. • Certificate of the Apothecaries of the Pharmaceutical Society of London- the first West African woman to achieve this;• Certificate of the Westminster College of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Botany;• Certificate of Licence as a qualified Druggist, and lastly• Certificate of Cookery (Distinction for Invalid Cookery).She worked at the as a dispenser at the Eye and Ear HospitalSoho, before returning to Nigeria in 1917. She then worked withDr Savage as a Druggist and Midwife and later with Dr LadipoOluwole, as a Health Visitor. 42. 18. DR OGUNTOLA ODUMBAKU SAPARA 43. • Born in 1861 in Sierra Leone. He moved to Lagos in 1876 with his family and attended the CMS Grammar School.• He worked as a Dispenser, then went to the UK to study medicine, qualifying in 1891 from Edinburgh University and specialist training at Glasgow University and St Thomas’s.• He returned to Nigeria and worked in Public Health, famously working on Smallpox eradication, achieved by his work in banning the Soponna Cult and promoting vaccination.• He also campaigned actively against race discrimination on salaries between Europeans and Africans. 44. 19. FREDERICK BARON MULFORD 45. • Born in Shropshire + arrived Nigeria, as a Commercial Agent with Lagos Stores Limited c.1904.• The first to organise desegregated Football matches in Lagos at the old Race Course from 1914 -between Europeans and Africans. Also became Games Master of CMS Grammar School, Kings College, + St Gregory’s College.• He organised the first Football tournament in Lagos, the Lagos City Cup even playing for the winning team- Diamond Club, alongside Zik in 1923.• He donated one of the first League trophies -the Mulford Cup in 1930.• One the first board-members of the NFA in 1933-Vice-President. 46. • He was instrumental to the forming of a national team in 1938.• He was instrumental to the inauguration of the War Memorial Cup in 1942, won once again by Zik’s club ZAC. The competition that became the Governors Cup/Challenge Cup• Himself and D.H.Hooley were instrumental to the UK Tourists tour of 1949, he died when the team was on its way home in September 1949.• He was fondly known as Baba Eko (Father of Lagos), where he was buried in 1949. 47. 20.JUSTUS DOMINGO 48. • Justus Domingo is said to be of Afro-Brazilian origin. Who lived in Lagos in the late 19th/early 20th century, before moving to the UK in The early 1920’s.• He is said to have been recording music in London, on the Zonophone label since 1925, singing in Yoruba language. Joint first Nigerian to record a popular music album alongside Ladipo Solanke. J.J.Ransome Kuti was the first to record an album.• His compilation of Yoruba popular and folk songs was released by• Zonophone in 1928.• Census records showed he lived in the Liverpool docklands at least up till 1930. 49. 21. DR YEWANDE SAVAGE 50. • She was the first Nigerian female Medical Doctor and daughter of the renowned Dr W.A.Savage.• She attended Edinburgh University, qualifying in 1929.• She did not however, practice in Nigeria, moving to the Gold Coast. The reason why the first female Doctor tag was attributed to Dr Abimbola Awoliyi. 51. 22. NWANYEREUWA 52. • Nwanyereuwa was a widow in the village of Oloko, on the Outskirts of Aba.• She was approached by an agent of the Warrant Chief Okugo, ostensibly on a tax assessment, upon which a scuffle ensued, She rallied women to her aid in the traditional method, by sending Palm fronds to her fellow women, who came out in their 1000’s.• This set in motion the most violent protest of the early Colonial era, in which several persons were killed.• This became a rallying call of protest, for women not just in Nigeria but all over the world. 53. 23. S.A FASHOLA 54. • S.A Fashola was the Captain of the first Nigerian football team, which played its first match in 1938, against Ghana.• An employee of the P+T Department, he also played for the P+T football team. A commanding presence on the pitch in spite of his relative youth at the time.• He is described by some experts (inc Sam Akpabot), as the greatest Captain of the National team.• He went on to a career in the Nigerian Ports Authority as a Senior Manager, where he retired.• The Grand-Uncle of the present Governor of Lagos State. 55. 24. SAADU ZUNGUR 56. • Born in 1915. A poet, journalist and nationalist. Highly intelligent, articulate political activist. He was the first Northerner to attend the Yaba Higher College in Lagos• He used Poetry as a form of passive protest. He was responsible alongside Abubakar Imam, Aminu Kano + Abubakar Tafawa Balewa for forming quasi-political associations geared towards political discussion.• He was recruited by Zik to write for the West African Pilot, later joining the NCNC and becoming Secretary General. He left the NCNC and co-founded the NPC, with R.A.B Dikko and others. Later leaving to form NEPU, where he remained active till death in 1958, from long term ill-health. 57. 25. CHARI MAIGUMERI 58. • The most decorated soldier in the Nigerian Army, RSM MaigumerI. First fought for the Germans in WW1, earning an Iron Cross Medal for gallantry. He switched sides and fought on the side of the British from 1917.• In WW2, he fought in Somaliland, earning a Military Medal, He also fought in Burma, earning a British Empire Medal and Mention In despatches.• On retirement in 1953, he was awarded the rank Honorary Captain for his service to the Army. He was honoured by the Nigerian Army, with a barracks named after him.• The respected book The History of The Royal West African Frontier Force, has a whole page dedicated to him. 59. 26. RAJI ABDALLAH 60. • Born in Northern Nigeria, after his secondary school education, he was employed by the Post Office.• He joined the Revolutionary Zikist movement in the early 40’s rising to the rank of Secretary-General.• He defied a 1947 banning order and addressed a Zikist rally Protesting against the Colonial Government.• He was tried for Sedition and Misconduct in Public Office And sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.Before his sentence, his response in mitigation was thus: 61. “If you sincerely believe it is a crime to fight for freedom, thenby all means condemn me to death. Were I to be set free today,I cannot give assurance to muzzle my tongue. Proceed to fulfilThe pleasure of those who put you here, I shall be satisfied toLeave the final verdict to God”.• After he serving his sentence, he emerged unrepentant however He was disillusioned by the lack of support he perceived from Dr Azikiwe.• He retired to his native Igalaland, living a quiet life as a petty trader. He remains one of the quiet heroes of the nationalist and labour Movement in Nigeria. 62. 27. AUGUST AGBOOLA BROWNE 63. • Born in Lagos in 1895, he moved to Poland in 1922, got married to a Polish lady and started a career as a Jazz singer and Percussionist• On the outbreak of World War 2, he joined the Polish resistance and fought in the defence of Warsaw during the German Invasion, as well as during the Warsaw uprising of 1944.• His claims having been verified in 1949 , he became a modern day hero of the Polish resistance.• He moved to the UK after the war with his family, where he died. In 1958. 64. 28. LAUD (LOUIS) VICTOR UGBOMA 65. • Born at Atani in Ogbaru, Anambra State, and Initially trained as a teacher.• He received emergency commission into the Army on 28th August 1948, becoming the first Nigerian born Officer.• He is said to have been instrumental to the award of Commissions, to other Nigerians.• He relinquished his commission in April 1953 and went back to teaching- at Zixton Grammar School Ozubulu. He passed away In 2002, after proving his primacy in the officer corps. 66. 29.JOSIAH MAJEKODUNMI 67. • A High Jumper, he was born in 1927 at Abeokuta and competed for Abeokuta Grammar School in the Grier Cup competition in 1947• He also competed at the 1948 London Olympics, coming 9th.• He won Nigeria’s first medal in International competition, at the 1950 Vancouver Empire Games, with Silver in the High Jump. 68. 30.TUNJI SOWANDE 69. • Born in Lagos in 1912, to a clergyman, siblings included Fela Sowande attended Kings College, Lagos and Yaba Higher College, qualifying as a Pharmacist in 1946.• Travelled to the UK in 1947, to play music his first love. A Baritone, he also played the Saxophone and Piano, forming a band called the Chocolate Dandies. He also played as a duo with Pianist Rita Cann and was part of the Regents Park set of young activists that included Paul Robeson and John Payne. He recorded a number of singles, including: “Ihin rere” and “Igi t’olorun”.• He studied Law at Kings College and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1952, practising at 3 Kings Bench Walk, from where he rose to become the first Black Head of Chambers- 1968 and first Black Crown Court Judge- 1978• Mentored several Lawyers- including Kim Hollis QC. Died in 1999, aged 87. 70. 31. CAPTAIN ROBERT HAYES 71. • He was among the first set of Nigerian Commercial Pilots, who qualified in 1955 and were employed by the West African Airways Corporation.• He (and Festus Orimoloye) were the first Nigerian Pilots to gain Captain’s Wings in 1962.• He rose to Managing Director of Nigeria Airways, from where he retired. The first Nigerian Pilot to head an Airline. 72. 32. PROFESSOR AUGUSTINE NJOKU-OBI 73. • He was born in Owerri in 1930, studied Microbiology obtaining a PhD from the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama USA.• He returned to Nigeria lecturing at the University of Lagos in 1965, and later at the University of Nigeria Nsukka after the Civil War, Where he became a Professor of Virology.• He produced a Cholera Vaccine, which was approved by the World Health Organisation as efficacious in 1971 and employed successfully in the Kano Cholera epidemic of 1972.• He died in the USA in 2003. 74. 33. LATUNDE ODEKU 75. • He was born in 1927, at Awe near Oyo and attended MethodistBoys High School and Howard University in the USA, graduating as the best student in his Undergraduate Class in 1950.• He studied Medicine at Howard University between 1950-1954 and returned briefly to Nigeria in 1955, working at the General Hospital, Lagos. He returned to the USA in 1956, qualifying as a Neuro-Surgeon in 1962- the second black man and the first African.• He returned to Nigeria in 1962, refusing several job offers globally to work at the University of Ibadan. Notably had to negotiate beds for his patients back then.• Carried out a revolutionary procedure excising a Brain tumour from a 12 year old boy. The first OF several procedures to follow over the years till his death in 1974. 76. 34. DAVID OGUNEWE + MUSA USMAN 77. • David Ogunewe and Musa Usman were both commissioned into the Army in 1958 and 1962 respectively after attending Sandhurst Military Academy.• Ogunewe took over command of the Enugu Garrison in 1965, Usman transferred service to the Nigerian Airforce in 1964, taking over command of the Airforce Training Command at Kaduna.• In aftermath of fraternal killings post the July 29 1966 coup. These two Commanders, acted to prevent any further killings in their bases, by adopting what became known in the Army as “Operation look me I look you”.• This saved the lives of several Army officers and men. 78. 36.CAPTAIN FRANCIS OSAKWE 79. Francis Osakwe was born at Onitsha in 1938 and after his SecondarySchool education, enrolled at the West African Airways CorporationFlying School at Ikeja, qualifying in 1963, among the second set ofNigerian Commercial Pilots.Flew with Nigeria Airways, till the 1966 crisis, when he transferred toBiafra and became Ojukwu’s Chief Civilian PilotHe piloted the last aircraft that left Biafra with Ojukwu and his familyHe returned to Nigeria after the war, rejoining Nigeria Airways.He became General Gowon’s preferred choice Pilot and flew theAircraft that took Gowon to Kampala on 28 July 1975. 80. 37.CHINYERE ASIKA 81. • Born at Owerri, to famous educationist Nathaniel Ejiogu. She attended Queens College Lagos and was admitted to Mills College, California in 1959- all on a full scholarship. The first African woman to obtain a Post-graduate degree in Information Technology and Library Science -from UCLA(as well as the first to play drums In a rock band!!)• One of the spokesperson’s for the Black Panther Movement- she was interviewed on American network television in 1965.She and her husband – Ukpabi Asika, spent time in Southern Africa, embedded with the FRELIMO liberation fighters of Namibia.• She founded Otu Olu Obodo, in the old ECS. The largest non- Governmental Women’s co-operative in Nigerian history (1 Million+ women) and was the first person to hold a Woman focused appointment in Government- 1983. 82. 38. ADEKUNBI MACAULAY 83. • Born 1925 in Lagos, she attended Queens College Lagos, later qualifying as a Nurse, from St James Hospital London, in 1955 (Midwife in 1958 and PG qualification (Polio) in 1958• She returned to Nigeria in 1961, working firstly at the General Hospital and Island Maternity.• She was commissioned into the Army Medical Corps as a Captain in 1963, the first Nigerian woman to receive an officers commission.• She was promoted Lieutenant Colonel in 1975 and Army Chief Nursing Officer.• She was promoted Colonel in 1976 (PSC) and Army Director of Nursing. Decorations FSS;DSM;RSM. She retired 1983. 84. 39. MAJOR-GENERAL RABIU ALIYU 85. A graduate Engineer (ABU), he was among the pioneer set of theNigerian Defence Academy 1964-1967 (Inc. Abacha and Diya) andsaw action during the Nigerian Civil War.He rose to the rank of Major-General, retiring in 1993. Alongside LtGen Salihu Ibrahim and Major-General Ishola Williams, he refusedall offers to accept political appointments throughout his career.Quotes:a. “The Army died the day we turned our guns on each other”b. “The Military had no business in politics, none whatsoever!”c. They tried to compromise us and we refused, we were soldiers, not Politicians or businessmen. 86. 40. LAITAN OYERINDE 87. Attended the University of Lagos, a Student Activist- University and Nationallevel -as a member of NANS. One of the organisers of the ASUU and SAPdemonstrations. One of founders of the Patriotic Youth Movement of NigeriaHe became a Trade Unionist firstly- Assistant Secretary of the Iron and SteelSenior Staff Association of Nigeria. He founded the Nigerian Tenants Association,which successfully protected the rights of displaced Maroko residents.He joined the Campaign for Democracy (CD), becoming Chairman (LagosState) and was the key organiser of the pro-democracy activities of 1993-1995.He later rose to become Deputy-Secretary General of the Nigerian LabourCongress.Killed in front of his family on 7th December 2012. 88. 41. IMEH USUAH/TOCHUKWU MOKAH/OYIBO SHUAIBU SULEIMAN 89. Imeh Usuah, a taxi driver august 2012, found a bag containing N18Million in his taxi- he handed it in for return to the owner. In August 2009, a 4 year old boy, Benjamin Nelson-West, fell undera Tube train and was saved at the last minute by a mystery strangerwho pulled him out from under the train and handed him over tohis mother. The train pulled away and the grateful parents initiateda search for the guardian angel, who was found a few days later andturned out to be…a Nigerian Tochukwu Mokah.Shuaibu Oyibo Suleiman a Police Superintendent (!?!) came intothe news in 2009, when he discovered the sum of N7 Million(£28,000) wrongly paid into his bank account, which he promptlyreturned. 90. THE STREET TRADER HEROES
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