Yoruba is undeniably the largest
ethnic group in Africa, with a
population estimate at about 35
million people in total. They mainly
occupy the South Western sides of
Nigeria, as well as Southern Benin,
with a great majority coming from
Nigeria.
Their acheivements makes them stand out among others
Abimbola Awoliyi is Nigeria’s first
female doctor -

Kolapo Hamzat is the youngest
professor of physiotherapy in Nigeria and Africa -

Adegoke olubunmo is the first professor of
Mathematics in Africa -

Momodu Mosobalaje Olaloye is
the first African professor of Geology -

Dele Olojede is
the first and only African to win a Pulitzer prize -

Abimbola jayeola is Nigeria’s First Female Helicopter
Pilot -

William Akinola Dawodu was the first Nigerian
car importer, he started importing cars into Nigeria in
1905 -

Prof. Jade Akande was the first female professor
of law in West Africa -

Kofo Ademola is the first black
woman to receive an undergraduate degree from
Oxford University -

Dr. Olaoluwa Hallowed Oluwadara
is the youngest African PHD Holder in Mathematics -

Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye is the first female physics
professor in Africa and also the first black African to be
named a fellow of the Geological society of London -

Wole Soyinka is the first black and only African to win a
Nobel prize for literature -

Thomas Adesanya ige grillo
is the first Nigerian professor of anatomy -

Taslim Eliasis the first African to be president of the International
Court of Justice (World Court) -

Folake Folarin-Coker
the first African-based fashion designer to stage a show
twice at the New York Fashion Week -

Latunde Odeku is
the first US-trained black neurosurgeon and the 1st
professor of neuro- surgery in Nigeria. -

Bode Thomas
created the First indigenous Nigerian law firm -I.K

dairo is the first Nigerian to be conferred title of
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British
Empire (MBE) -

Amzat Beyioku Adebowale is The first
Nigerian to bring Sharp range of electronic products in
Nigeria -

Prof. Taiyewo Kolawole is the first Nigerian
neuro- radiologist -

Prof. Arinola Olasumbo Sanya is the
first female Professor of Physiotherapy in Africa. -

Dr Olu Jaiyebo is The first Agronomist in Nigeria.

Professor Micheal Adepoju Adeyemo is The first
Nigerian Chartered Accountant

-Latola Films was the
1st film production company in Nigeria -

Prof. IlesanmiAdesida, is the first black Vice- Chancellor in an
american unversity -

Mrs. Sade Thomas-Fahm is the
First woman to own a boutique in Nigeria -

Nojim Maiyegun is the first Nigerian to win an Olympic medal

-Adenike Osofisan is the first African Female Professor
of Computer Science. -

Prof T.O Ogunlesi is the first
professor of Medicine in Nigeria -

Chief Akintola
Williams is the First African to qualify as a chartered
accountant -

Ezekiel Adekunle Ifaturoti is the first
mining engineer in Nigeria

-Rotimi Adebari is the First
black mayor of Ireland -

Folake Solanke is the First
Female Senior Advocate of Nigeria -

Elizabeth Abimbola
is the First Nigerian Female Doctor-1937

-Helen
Folasade Adu is the First Nigerian-born artist to win a
Grammy-1986 -

Prof. Bolanle Awe: Nigeria's first
female Professor of History -

Professor Thomas Adeoye
Lambo is Africa’s first professor of psychiatry. -

Engineer Dr. (Mrs.) Olatokubo A Somolu: is Nigeria’s
first Female to hold a PHD in Engineering -

Mrs Adetowun Ogunsheye is The first female professor in
Nigeria -

Mrs bisoye esther tejuosho is Nigeria’s first
female industrialist -

Michael Onafowokan is Nigeria’s
first Architect 1952 -

Aderonke Kale is the first Female
Nigerian Armed Forces (2 Star) Major General: -

Chief (Dr.) Bola Kuforiji Olubi is The first Female Chartered
Accountant in Nigeria -

George Olatokunbo Okikiolu,
has written more mathematics papers than any other
Black mathematician in history -

Katherline okikiolu is
the first black person to win the most prestigious
award for young mathematics researchers in the
United States and the first black woman to publish an
article in the Annals of Mathematics -

Samuel Layinka
Ayodeji invented the excision knife to treat tropical
ulcers. he won the Robert Wilson Memorial Prize in
Chemistry and the Welcome Prize in Medicine.

Rashidi yekinni the first player to score for nigeria in Fifa world cup

Rashidi yekinni is the Alltime highest goal scorer for nigeria

Teslim Balogun is nigeria's first proffesional footballer

Jomiloju Tunde Oladipo is the youngest nigeria microsoft certified pro at

Obateru Akiruntan olugbo of ugbo Land is the Richest monarch in Nigeria

Folorunsho Alakija is the richest woman in nigeria

Samuel ajayi crowther is the first anglican bishop in nigeria

Sapara williams is the First indigeneous nigerian Lawyer

Federick rotimi williams is the first solicitor to supreme court in nigeria

Herbet Macaulay is the first Nigerian to own a car

Yoruba bible is the First indigeneous bible in nigeria

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the first man to
introduce Universal Primary Education in Nigeria in the
then Western Region in the year 1956.

The Nigerian Flag was designed by a Nigerian student
in London as at then in the year 1960 by Mr. Taiwo
Akinkunmi

The first female to drive a motor car was Mrs.
Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti

Mrs. Latifat Okunnu was the first female deputy
Governor in Nigeria

Mrs Efunroye Tinubu was the first female to buy a
car in Nigeria.

Kafayat shau from Nigeria broke the world record in
longest dance with a time of 52 hours and 3
minutes. It happened in 2006.

Olusoji fasuba is the fastest nigerian on 100m track event with 9.85 seconds(2006)

Ajayi agbebaku holds All time best record in nigeria's tripple jump event (1983)

Adewale olukoju is all time best discus throw for nigeria (1991)

Honourable adeyemi ikuforiji is the longest serving speaker in Nigeria

Bishop oyedepo is the richest pastor in the world

Herbet ogunde and ola balogun re the first flim makers in nigeria

Iwe irohin the first newspaper in nigeria established in (1859)

Yoruba is The largest ethnic group in africa

Yoruba is the 3rd famous tribe in africa after zulu(south africa)
Massai. (Kenya)

-Oyo state is the largest producer of /Tobacco in
Nigeria
-Ondo state is the largest producer of oil after the
south-south
-Of the 28.6 million metric tonnes of cement
produced locally in Nigeria, 14 million metric
tonnes of this comes from Ogun State

-Ogun state has the largest concentration of
industries in Nigeria. Ota,sagamu and agbara
-Sagamu is the largest kola nut collecting center in
the nigeria

-Osun-osogbo international festival

-Yoruba pastors control 95% of religious tourism

Musicians

D'banj
Tiwa salvage
Davido
Wizkid
Olamide
Suspect
Korede bello
Reekado banks
Sheyi shey
Eedris Abdulkareem
Salawa Abeni - Waka singer
Sunny Ade - jùjú singer
Sade Adu
Tope Alabi
Yemi Alade - R&B and pop singe
Aṣa - R&B, country and pop singer-
songwriter
Alhaji Alamu Atatalo
Yinka Ayefele - gospel singer
Adewale Ayuba
Ayinde Bakare
Banky W - pop and R&B singer-songwriter
Adé Bantu
TY Bello - gospel sing singer and rapper

Femi Kuti - afrobeat, jazz singer-
songwriter and instrumentalist
Seun Kuti - afrobeat, Jazz singer-
songwriter and instrumentalist

Lagbaja
Niyola
Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere
Ebenezer Obey
Skales - rapper and singer
Sound Sultan
Fela Sowande
Sean tizzle

Can't remember all
My yoruba brothers and sisters can add to the list because it is not incomplete,
I didn't touch some areas..


AM PROUD TO BE OMO ODUDUWA..!!!

Even Seun na Yoruba!!

Cc: Lalasticlala

Put ur hands 2gether for OP

Uhmm make i use reverse park here first.

As a decorated member of NCAN western regional command , all names have been checked comprehensively and now let's jollificate.

When the westerners enter this thread,

This write up is totally unnecessary. It is myopic, and it does more to divide than unify us. Seun Osewa needs to do more to discourage bigotry and all these ethnic battles on Nairaland.

quiverfull:
This write up is totally unnecessary. It is myopic, and it does more to divide than unify us. Seun Osewa needs to do more to discourage bigotry and all these ethnic battles on Nairaland.

U took my words outta my mouth.

yes, it's true according to research

Largest ethnic group in Africa?

Baba fela
Pauma

Shaded
Best president we never had (AWO!)
Most developed part (Lagos)
Most accommodative tribe part ( western)
Best guy in Nigeria (me)

@op, you can't say Yorubas are the most successful people in Africa. There achievements are great, but they can't be categorized with the likes of Ancient Egyptians, Axumities(Ethiopians) and Abyssinians(Ethiopia) and Ancient Senegal, if we are talking about greatness.

Hati13:
@op, you can't say Yorubas are the most successful people in Africa. There achievements are great, but they can't be categorized with the likes of Ancient Egyptians, Axumities(Ethiopians) and Abyssinians(Ethiopia) and Ancient Senegal, if we are talking about greatness.

The places you mentioned aren't one ethnicity but multi lingual nations under one big Empire, in which the mighty kingdom succeeded in ruling the weaker ones. This is the reason that there were different lineages that ruled Egypt during her glorious days. In fact, Egypt was so big during her reign. Like wise Ethiopia Empire. Ancient Ethiopia covered Sudan belt and it is environs. The Op is specifically referring to 20th Century Africa. After all , Africa herself is not a tribe but over two thousands different tribes or ethnicity.

Olu317:
The places you mentioned aren't one ethnicity but multi lingual nations under one big Empire, in which the mighty kingdom succeeded in ruling the weaker ones. This is the reason that there were different lineages that ruled Egypt during her glorious days. In fact, Egypt was so big during her reign. Like wise Ethiopia Empire. Ancient Ethiopia covered Sudan belt and it is environs. The Op is specifically referring to 20th Century Africa. After all , Africa herself is not a tribe but over two thousands different tribes or ethnicity.

You are right, but are Yorubas the greatest African ethnic group? I don't thinks so, even though they had achieved many great things.

Hati13:

You are right, but are Yorubas the greatest African ethnic group? I don't thinks so, even though they had achieved many great things.

Truthfully, Yoruba has achieved a lot on terms of what she has contributed to Africa. Do you know, it was YORUBA THAT BROUGHT TELEVISION INNOVATION TO AFRICA? Do you know the first man from the African continent to travel around the world was a Yoruba . Late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola , was singlehandedly supporting CAF funds at one time in African football without any much benefits accrued to him. But on philanthropy perspective. I am not even one of those that like localising my ethnicity because I see my ethnicity having a divine blessing from God. We are unique in every way. Trust me when I infer on this. I am yet to see any tribe or ethnicity that has matched Yoruba's fit in Africa. Why on earth would even the Canadian Parliament want Ooni to come grace the 150 years anniversary of Canada? Do you see this as ordinary? Well, if you think it is ordinary, then you must be mistaken. Perhaps, some of the questions you should ask yourself ; why would a country invite a Yoruba king if his ethnicity isn't well known? Yoruba history is in the archive of the western world and they know our history because of their research on Yoruba's unknown identity by them . Yoruba religion is well established in the Americas.

Olu317:
Truthfully, Yoruba has achieved a lot on terms of what she has contributed to Africa. Do you know, it was YORUBA THAT BROUGHT TELEVISION INNOVATION TO AFRICA? Do you know the first man from the African continent to travel around the world was a Yoruba . Late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola , was singlehandedly supporting CAF funds at one time in African football without any much benefits accrued to him. But on philanthropy perspective. I am not even one of those that like localising my ethnicity because I see my ethnicity having a divine blessing from God. We are unique in every way. Trust me when I infer on this. I am yet to see any tribe or ethnicity that has matched Yoruba's fit in Africa.

All those achievements you listed are great, but they aren't that great to be considered the greatest.

I'm a half Amhara and half Agew, and Agews had built 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches chiseled from a single rock. There architecture are unique and they are a UNESCO heritage site, but it doesn't mean Agews are the greatest in Africa. The Amharas achievements were also great, but not the greatest in Africa. Oromos were practicing their own form of democracy long before any African states started to practice, but they aren't the greatest in Africa.

No offense, but I don't see Yorubas achievements to compete with those achievements I listed, let alone being greater than them.

Hati13:

All those achievements you listed are great, but they aren't that great to be considered the greatest.

I'm a half Amhara and half Agew, and Agews had built 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches chiseled from a single rock. There architecture are unique and they are a UNESCO heritage site, but it doesn't mean Agews are the greatest in Africa. The Amharas achievements were also great, but not the greatest in Africa. Oromos were practicing their own form of democracy long before any African states started to practice, but they aren't the greatest in Africa.

No offense, but I don't see Yorubas achievements to compete with those achievements I listed, let alone being greater than them.

The groups you mentioned are in no way related to the outstanding achievement of Yorubas. Have you for once read about the Yoruba Arts or Beads or even Solomon's of knot . If you are a researcher to a large extent , you will understand. There are many yet to be recognized Sites by UNESCO in Yoruba land because of the advent of military intervention in Nigeria. Take for instance, there is a place where hot water, and cold water meet without such place having volcanic eruption potential. There is the ERedo site, which is one of the largest walls constructed in the world. There is a spot in Idanre Hill, Yoruba enclave, where a foot spot is engraved on the ground. The foot spot easily adjust itself to any foot place on it. There are too many to be mention. If you doubt, you can ask anyone, who has been to this spot at Idanre, in Yoruba land.

Olu317:
[/b]The groups you mentioned are in no way related to the outstanding achievement of Yorubas.[b] Have you for once read about the Yoruba Arts or Beads or even Solomon's of knot . If you are a researcher to a large extent , you will understand. There are many yet to be recognized Sites by UNESCO in Yoruba land because of the advent of military intervention in Nigeria. Take for instance, there is a place where hot water, and cold water meet without such place having volcanic eruption potential. There is the ERedo site, which is one of the largest walls constructed in the world. There is a spot in Idanre Hill, Yoruba enclave, where a foot spot is engraved on the ground. The foot spot easily adjust itself to any foot place on it. There are too many to be mention. If you doubt, you can ask anyone, who has been to this spot at Idanre, in Yoruba land.

You are right, those achievements are way better than Yorubas achievements. Lalibela was registered to UNESCO heritage as a unique architecture achievement. You can't find any unique architecture achievements in Africa that can come close to it except the pyramid of Geza and sphinx in Egypt.

I know about Yoruba glass beads built in 11 or 12 century(from reading from your comment in another thread) and I admire them. There are also many unique Christian arts painted by Amharas and Agews like the Yorubas paint.

Look brother, I'm not doubting Yorubas great achievements, but what I'm saying is, they aren't that great to be considered unique or greater than other African ethnic groups achievements.

Hati13:

You are right, those achievements are way better than Yorubas achievements. Lalibela was registered to UNESCO heritage as a unique architecture achievement. You can't find any unique architecture achievements in Africa that can come close to it except the pyramid of Geza and sphinx in Egypt.

I know about Yoruba glass beads built in 11 or 12 century(from reading from your comment in another thread) and I admire them. There are also many unique Christian arts painted by Amharas and Agews like the Yorubas paint.

Look brother, I'm not doubting Yorubas great achievements, but what I'm saying is, they aren't that great to be considered unique or greater than other African ethnic groups achievements.

Let us believe,the greatness of each group is based on their development at every point in time. Whatever, you saw that made you think, the Work of Christian Art drawn by the Amharas and the Agew in comparison with a Yoruba group tentatively claimed to the largest Homogenous ethnicity in Africa is quite shocking. Even the Western Archeologists and historians made mention of this Terracotta and Glass bead production as incomparable to any part of Sub Saharan Africa. Even the Europeans didn't have such glass beads standard that was developed during this period before 18th century that it begun to dwindle. Let's not waste much time on this because, we won't get anywhere. Little study has been done on Yoruba land simply because of Nigeria which doesn't give much interest or financial aid to archeology findings and people's history within her territory. Unlike your part of the world that has existed thousands of years,even from Bible's perspective. You guys have advantages because ,Ethiopia was easy to access during the ancient times. If I may ask, how old is the Christian Arts painted amongst the Amharas and Agew 's UNESCO heritage site?

Olu317:
Let us believe,the greatness of each group is based on their development at every point in time. Whatever, you saw that made you think, the Work of Christian Art drawn by the Amharas and the Agew in comparison with a Yoruba group tentatively claimed to the largest Homogenous ethnicity in Africa is quite shocking. Even the Western Archeologists and historians made mention of this Terracotta and Glass bead production as incomparable to any part of Sub Saharan Africa. Even the Europeans didn't have such glass beads standard that was developed during this period before 18th century that it begun to dwindle. Let's not waste much time on this because, we won't get anywhere. Little study has been done on Yoruba land simply because of Nigeria which doesn't give much interest or financial aid to archeology findings and people's history within her territory. Unlike your part of the world that has existed thousands of years,even from Bible's perspective. You guys have advantages because ,Ethiopia was easy to access during the ancient times. If I may ask, how old is the Christian Arts painted amongst the Amharas and Agew 's UNESCO heritage site?

I forgot to mention also Tigrays and Axumities(even though Axum wasn't a single ethic group) Christian paintings. The paintings aren't UNESCO heritage sites.

The paintings started to be paint from 6th century onwards. Axumitie paintings were painted from 6th century to 10th century. Agew paintings were painted in the 12th and 13th centuries. Amhara and Tigray(Abyssinia) paintings were painted from 1270 AD onwards.

What about your paintings?

Hati13:

I forgot to mention also Tigrays and Axumities(even though Axum wasn't a single ethic group) Christian paintings. The paintings aren't UNESCO heritage sites.

The paintings started to be paint from 6th century onwards. Axumitie paintings were painted from 6th century to 10th century. Agew paintings were painted in the 12th and 13th centuries. Amhara and Tigray(Abyssinia) paintings were painted from 1270 AD onwards.

What about your paintings?

Many Art of Yoruba aren't shown to the world because of secrecy of ILE IFE. However, the Beads was said to be around 10th century but became established properly around 11—12th century when it was used by king, royal lineages and noble families, wealthy families to show their status in the society. Then on the terracotta, there is a Ram's head that was placed at the palace side of Ooni, where it depict it as being meant for slaughter. And here is some bronze casting head made around 11th—12th century.

@Hati13

Fascinating thread on the Yorubas. They might not have the most achievements in African history. But it is undoubtable that Yorubas have had the most achievements of the past century. From the 1st African to implement a television system, to the first African to fly around the world solo, separating Siamese twins, etc.

TheStronghold:
Fascinating thread on the Yorubas. They might not have the most achievements in African history. But it is undoubtable that Yorubas have had the most achievements of the past century. From the 1st African to implement a television system, to the first African to fly around the world solo, separating Siamese twins, etc.

Yes Yoruba did great in the past and still doing it. The new (IBF and WBA) World heavy weight boxing champion of the world, Anthony OluwaFemi Olaseni Joshua is Yoruba a chap.

TheStronghold:
Fascinating thread on the Yorubas. They might not have the most achievements in African history. But it is undoubtable that Yorubas have had the most achievements of the past century. From the 1st African to implement a television system, to the first African to fly around the world solo, separating Siamese twins, etc.

Yes Yoruba did great in the past and still doing it. The new (IBF and WBA) World heavy weight boxing champion of the world, Anthony OluwaFemi Olaseni Joshua is Yoruba a chap.....

Yoruba Bronze caste are comparable to ancient Middle East Art work.