Culture is dynamic, it is not static. Culture changes over time. Quite a few Nigerians believe that culture is static (we just must keep repeating the same things that were done in the past). When arguing with them, I sometimes tell them this true story.

A case that happened in 1927 in Ekpoma (a part of Ishan) in present day Edo State. There was a custom that if a cow had two calves at the same time, BOTH THE COW AND THE CALVES AUTOMATICALLY BECAME THE PROPERTY OF THE ONOJIE (king) OF THE LAND (no matter who the owner was, or how far the village was from Eguare, the capital of Ishan). Custom added that the Onojie himself had to give the owner of this wonderful cow A PREGNANT WOMAN AND A CASTRATED HE GOAT as a reward for his "good hand". In those days the Onojie had several female slaves and so there were no difficulties in his fulfilling his own part of the custom.


However, in 1927, Ędętalęn of Uwenlenafua, Ekpoma had a cow that gave birth to twin calves. An informant went to tell Akhimien, the Onojie of Ekpoma, of this rare happening. The Onojie at once sent instructions that Ędętalęn should send him the cow with the two calves according to custom. Ędętalęn would do no such thing. After repeated warnings and threats, the Onojie reported this gross act of challenge to the Enijie Council holden at Ubiaja.

The Enijie were furious, so much so that they shifted their meeting right to Ekpoma, a few hundred yards from the insubordinate subject that went by the name Ędętalęn, who they were prepared to deal with in such a way that no one else throughout the length and breadth of Ishan would attempt to undermine their authority again.


Recalcitrant Ędętalęn was summoned to Eguare and in one voice packed with authority, he was first welcomed with a fine of five solid pounds “FOR CALLING THE ONOJIE’S COWS HIS” and told to go home and fetch the cow and two calves, lawful property of Akhimien, Onojie of Ekpoma!

Ędętalęn, who was no fool, knew his own side of Ishan Native Laws and Custom and on his knees before the Enijie, he said he was quite prepared to bring the cows to the Onojie, according to the ruling of custom, on the condition that he, the Onojie, gave him a pregnant woman and a castrated he-goat. Obligingly he added that since he and the Onojie were cousins, he was quite willing to forego the castrated he-goat, BUT THE PREGNANT WOMAN, HE MUST HAVE!

All eyes turned to Akhimien who had no castrated he-goat in his possession. More important still was the fact that the only women Akhimien had authority upon were his wives; at that particular time none of them were pregnant and even if they were, he could not exchange his wife and child unborn for cows! (Ędętalęn also knew that the white man was near to protect him and his lawful property).

There was hot air in the Council Chamber! The Enijie went into hasty consultation and came out with a novelty in Ishan laws and custom: they knew that if they allowed this man to get away with the challenge against a custom affecting an Onojie, soon they too would come face to face with greater challenges; Chief Akhimien was asked to give the man £10 in exchange for the cows! Ędętalęn respectfully stuck to the letter of Ishan laws and custom: it was a pregnant woman with a castrated he-goat or he kept his cows. Ędętalęn won! In this way the custom was changed.

Ishilove: @naptu2, I am so going to involve you in my MA project

Naptu2

Make i join book you down

Abeg, when I wan do my phd on business and strategy for Harvard I go involve you too o

esere826:

Naptu2

Make i join book you down

Abeg, when I wan do my phd on business and strategy for Harvard I go involve you too o

I'll tell my accountant to start preparing a price list.

naptu2:

I'll tell my accountant to start preparing a price list.

em, em
9ja solidarity is priceless

naijababe:

@moredendisc, would you mind sharing Odutola's biography or is it readily available online?

@naijababe

At your service. Your wish is my command

The biography of T. ADEOLA ODUTOLA
By:
Reuben Abati & Sesan Ajayi

http://www.africaleadership.org/rc/Odutola%20biography.pdf

Odusote's makeshift bio is worth reading too

You guys have inspired me to finish typing the history of the Nigerian Army (World War 1 & 2) which I've been typing for the past 4 or 5 years.

[size=16pt]Nigerian armed forces[/size]

The Nigerian Army grew out of the Royal Niger Company Constabulary and the forces of the old Lagos Colony and Niger Coast Protectorate.

When in 1886, the Royal Niger Company received its charter, it organised its constabulary which at first consisted of five British and two African officers and about 400 rank and file, of whom more than half were Fantis (from the Gold Coast). In view of the critical situation that followed French encroachments on the territory of the Niger Company in 1894-1897, the British Government decided to raise a local force and Colonel (later Lord) Lugard was sent out to raise and command it.

By the beginning of 1900, the force had become a thoroughly well-organised and disciplined corps which was called the West African Frontier Force. In that year, the greater part of it under Colonel (later General) Sir William Wilcocks took a very prominent part in the Ashanti campaign.

At the end of 1901, all the colonial military forces in British West Africa were modelled on the same basis and constituted into the West African Frontier Force, each dependency being responsible for the maintenance of its own regiment or battalion. The Northern Nigeria Regiment consisted of two batteries and two battalions, to which was added a third Mounted Infantry Battalion. At the same time, the Lagos Constabulary became the Lagos Battalion and the Niger Coast Protectorate Force, with a portion of the Royal Niger Company Constabulary, became the Southern Niger Regiment.


On the amalgamation of Lagos and Southern Nigeria, the Lagos Battalion became the second battalion of the Southern Nigeria Regiment.

When the Northern and Southern Nigeria were amalgamated on January 1st, 1914 the two Regiments became one, which was designated the Nigeria Regiment.


[size=14pt]First World War[/size]

On the outbreak of war with Germany in August 1914, steps were immediately taken for the defence of Nigeria and for offensive action against the neighbouring German colony of The Cameroons. The Nigeria Regiment and Police were mobilised and volunteers from the European community were enrolled as members of the Nigeria Marine Contingent and the Nigeria Land Contingent.


Colonial troops of the 1st Battalion, Nigerian Regiment, about to depart Kaduna for action in German Kamerun (1914). 

An early advance into German territory along the Benue and Cross Rivers met with failure, our troops in the north being driven back from Garua, a strongly defended position and in the south being similarly overpowered by superior forces at Nsanakang, after inflicting very heavy losses on the Germans.

However, a large expedition under Brigadier-General (later General) Sir Charles Dobell compelled Duala, the chief town of the Cameroons, to surrender unconditionally on September 27th 1914. The expedition consisted of African troops from all the British West African Colonies and French African troops. It included two battalions and a battery of the Nigeria Regiment and a large number of civilians were attached as temporary officers and non-commissioned officers. Ships of The Royal Navy and of the Nigeria Marine co-operated with the troops. After the fall of Duala, General Dobells troops secured both lines of the railway, but the heavy rains prevented a further advance till the end of 1915.

Early in 1915 Colonel (later Brigadier-General) Cunliffe. Commandant of the Nigeria Regiment, who had taken over command of the troops on the Nigerian border, had invaded Garua. He was assisted by French troops from the Chad district by a naval gun, the moral effect of which so affected the native garrison that the German commander was compelled to surrender on June 10th, 1915.

Leaving a small force to watch the German garrison at Mora, an almost impregnable mountain position, General Cunliffe then marched south to Banyo, where a powerful German force had deliberately prepared a very strong position on an extended hill feature similar in many ways to Mora Mountain. Cement had been freely used in the construction of fortifications, there was an ample water supply and the Germans had announced their intention of holding out there till the end of the war.

General Cunliffe advanced on the position under cover of darkness and at daybreak became heavily engaged at close quarters. The attack was pressed for two days and nights, but on the third night, under the cover of a heavy tornado, the larger part of the Germans succeeded in making their escape from the hill. However, a considerable number remained and surrendered at daybreak the next day. General Cunliffe continued on his way south to effect a junction with General Dobell’s troops and a simultaneous advance was made by another column from the Cross River.

Towards the end of 1915, a general advance was made on Yaunde, the new German Headquarters.

General Cunliffe’s troops from the north, General Dobell’s from the west and French and Belgium troops from the south-east converging on the town left the Germans no option but to evacuate it and it was entered by our troops on January 1st. 1916. The German troops retired towards Spanish Guinea and in spite of a close pursuit, succeeded in escaping into neutral territory, where they were disarmed. Mora, the last stronghold of the Germans, capitulated on February 18th, 1916 and the conquest of the Cameroons was completed.

In November 1916, a contingent from the Nigeria Regiment proceeded to East Africa under the command of Brigadier-General Cunliffe. It consisted of nearly 200 British and over 3,000 African and later 330 British and 3,000 more Africans were sent to reinforce the contingent. In addition to this, about 4,000 carriers were recruited in Nigeria for service in East Africa and a number of men were also recruited for service with the inland water transport in Mesopotamia. The Nigerian troops took part in some of the severest fighting in East Africa and they suffered heavy casualties, but their gallantry in action and the uncomplaining way in which they bore the hardships of a particularly arduous campaign won for them the highest praise. Over 80 decorations were awarded to the British and about the same number to the African ranks.

The contingent returned to Nigeria in March 1918 and received an enthusiastic welcome. After the return of the contingent from East Africa, it was reorganised as a brigade for further service abroad and was about to proceed to Palestine when the armistice was signed. The brigade was then demobilised and the regiment reduced to its normal size. In recognition of its services during the Great War, His Late Majesty, King George V of Britain awarded Colours to the Regiment, bearing the following honours: Ashanti 1873-1874, Ashanti 1900, Behobeho, Nyangao, East Africa 1916-1918, Duala, Garua, Banyo and Cameroons 1914-1916.

On March 14th, 1928, His Late Majesty King George V approved that the title of the forces be changed to the Royal West African Frontier Force.

[size=14pt]The Second World War[/size]

During the Second World War, the Regiment served in many parts of the world and played a distinguished part in the defeat of the Italians in East Africa and the Japanese in Burma. The Royal West Africa Frontier Force provided the largest colonial expeditionary force to leave any colony and it was a West African division which was the first ever to be entirely supplied by air. The following paragraphs give, but a brief outline of the most complex and diverse operations in which the Nigeria Regiment took part.


Troops of the Nigeria Regiment, 3rd West African Brigade (Thunder), boarding a Dakota Transport plane (circa 1943).

At the outbreak of the war, the Nigeria Regiment consisted of five regular battalions with supporting arms and services. In the early part of 1940, plans were made for the move of the 1st West African Brigade to East Africa. The Brigade consisting of 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions, Nigeria Regiment, 1st Light Battery, 1st Field Ambulance, 1st Infantry Brigade, Signals, and the 1st Field Company, R.E.; left Nigeria on June 3rd, 1940, together with a Gold Coast brigade. After taking part in the defence of Kenya, these brigades distinguished themselves in the Abyssinian Campaign. The Gold Coast brigade secured the west bank of the Juba after defeating the Italians at Bulo Erillo, whilst the Nigerian Brigade, by the capture of Merca, played an all-important part in the capture of Mogadishu. On February 13th, 1941, in company with the 22nd East African Brigade, the Nigerian Brigade advanced on Brava.

Despite their training in bush warfare based upon the lessons of the First World War and their short training in mobile warfare, they covered 600 miles between Mogadishu and Harar in twenty-six days, pushing the enemy before them and taking a number of guns, machine guns and prisoners. In the opinion of experts, this advance was the most rapid in the history of the East Africa Campaign.

The Brigade returned to Nigeria on September 5th, 1941 when it received an enthusiastic welcome and it provided the leaven of war-trained men for the great Expeditionary Force which was later to take part in the final defeat of the Japanese in Burma.

In 1940 it had not been anticipated that further troops would be required except for reinforcements and no further units were raised in the earlier part of the year. On the collapse of France in May and June, 1940 however, it was immediately decided to expand the Royal West African Frontier Force on a large scale and an extensive recruiting campaign was started. By the end of 1941 the Nigeria Regiment had, apart from other services, raised thirteen battalions.

These wartime battalions were built around a nucleus of 150 men from the old Reserve Battalion. The 7th Battalion came into official existence on June 8th, 1940 and from a cadre of this battalion a few months later and by local recruitment, the 12th battalion was raised.

Meanwhile the Reserve Battalion had moved to Enugu where the 9th Battalion, which was originally composed chiefly of Nigeria Police (including officers) with a few regular soldiers, was raised: after some time, some of the police were recalled and the battalion on its arrival at Sokoto in January 1941, (after a few months in Calabar) absorbed a large proportion of local recruits. At the same time, the battalions which were at first to make up the 6th Battalion, the 4th Brigade Group, were being formed at Kaduna and the 6th Brigade group was being established in Sierra Leone with the 4th and 11th Nigerian Battalions under command together with a Sierra Leonean and a Gambian battalion and mostly Sierra Leonean supporting arms and services.

In the early months of 1914 the 3rd Brigade Group consisting of 7th, 9th, and 12th Battalions, 3rd Light Battery, 3rd Brigade Group Company W.A.A.S.C, was formed with headquarters at Zaria. Later the 9th Battalion transferred to the 4th Brigade Group at Kaduna and the 6th Battalion came from that group to join the 3rd.

The 81st and 82nd West African Divisions were then formed for service in India and Burma. The Nigeria Regiment provided the 1st (West African) Infantry Brigade (1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions) the 3rd (West African) Infantry Brigade (5th, 9th and 10th Battalions) whilst the 4th and 11th Battalions had gone to Sierra Leone as part of the “mixed” 6th (West African) Infantry Brigade. When the Divisions went to India, the 11th Battalion remained in Sierra Leone and the 8th Battalion in Nigeria as holding battalions: the 13th Battalion was eventually disbanded and used to strengthen the 8th. In addition to these units with them supporting arms and services, the Royal West African Frontier Force also raised 43 Pioneer Companies and other group of 20 Garrison Companies which saw service in the Middle East, Palestine, Morocco and Sicily.

On their arrival in India in 1943, the 3rd (West African) Infantry Brigade was detached from the 81st (West African) Division and came under the command of General Wingate who was forming a “Special Force” to carry out the Second Chindit campaign. The remainder of the two divisions took part in the campaign in the Arakan.

A detailed and authentic history of the 1st (West African) Infantry Brigade in the Arakan has been published in “A Short History of the 1st (West African) Infantry Brigade in the Arakan 1944-45”.

It has been seen how the brigades came into being and that the history of the Arakan campaign is available for the students of the roles played by the 1st and 4th Brigades, but this account would be woefully incomplete, as there is nothing published without some special preference to the 3rd and 6th Brigades. The two West African Divisions were made up as follows: The 91st from the 3rd Nigerian Brigade Group, the 5th Gold Coast Brigade and the 6th Brigade with the 4th battalion of the Nigerian Regiment and Brigade groups from Sierra Leone and the Gambia and their supporting services, the 82nd from the 2nd Gold Coast and 1st and 4th Nigerian Brigades and the Nigerian Recce Regiment which became one of the greatest thorns in the Japanese side in Burma.

The original role of the 3rd Brigade was defence against Vichy French to the north and north-west of Nigeria and training was pursued with a view to fighting in open country and orchard bush. A similar role was the part of the 6th Brigade in Sierra Leone.

In August 1914, the 3rd Brigade Reconnaissance Company was formed and by January of the following year it had become a complete unit with a full complement of equipment. Meanwhile the first Auxiliary Group was being formed in Ibadan. They were originally W.A.A.S.C and enlisted as first-line carriers trained to arms and as stretcher-bearers: their services earned much praise later on in Burma and in Nigeria they undertook important duties on works of construction.

Training was interrupted intermittently from the middle of 1941 due to supposed threats of French invasion. The most important of these alarms was at the time of ‘Richelieu’ incident at Dakar and the last at the time of the British and American landings in North Africa in November, 1942. At that time, a brigade with a squadron of Free French Tanks was massed along the northern frontier of Nigeria ready to start a counter-offensive if the Vichy French should attack. All however, went off peacefully.

Following exercises in January 1943, the news of the future employment of the West African Expeditionary Force was divulged and from then onwards till embarkation there was feverish activity. Training in thick jungle fighting was carried out at the Olokemeji Battle School and in swamp fighting around Lagos.

On September 27, 1943 the brigade embarked at Lagos and landed in India on November 5, 1943.

The 3rd Brigade which was detached from the 81st (West African) Division was introduced to a very specialised form of warfare. Shorn of its Field Battery, Recce Squadron, Group Company and Auxiliary Group, the remaining units were reorganised into ‘columns’ two to each battalion. The columns were trained for long range penetration. Equipped with unfamiliar weapons including flame-throwers and carrying their heavier weapons on mules they were required to operate behind enemy lines dependent on air-supply drops and living for long periods on the rations they carried in their packs.

The brigade went into action alongside British and Ghurkha troops in March 1944. The Special Force’s object was to establish itself in the heart of Burma on the Japanese lines of communication supplying the Japanese forces including Assam and those retreating slowly in front of General Stilwell’s Chinese-American Army advancing on Myitkina from the north. Third Brigade’s initial role was to hold ‘fortresses’ on the lines of communication, based on which other columns operated against the Japanese.

The six Nigerian columns, having being flown into Burma from Assam, were concentrated near Mawlu in two fortresses, ‘Aberdeen’ and ‘White City’, 6th Battalion was at the road and rail block at White City, and 7th Battalion was allocated a mobile role in the White City area. White City was almost immediately subjected to a very strong Japanese ground and air attack which was successfully resisted during the whole of April. In May it was decided that Special Force should move northward to join forces with General Stilwell. White City, was evacuated, a column of 12th Nigeria Regiment being the last to leave and the brigade moved northward, fighting a series of actions on the way.

Concentrating in the area near Mogaung at the northern end of the “Railway Corridor”, later to be the main axis of the final victorious southward thrust into Burma, the brigade mounted a series of attacks on a strong Japanese defence position known as “Hill 60”. This position had orders to resist to the last man and succeded in holding out until eventually reduced by the British 36th Brigade heavily supported by artillery and air craft. Third Brigade had almost succeeded in capturing the feature on one occasion and only failed through lack of artillery and air support.

By this time the brigade had suffered heavy casualties. It had fought in the most appalling conditions through the heaviest rain for four months, living on hard rations – sometimes lucky to get five days rations in a week – and seldom having a roof over its head. When hill 60 had been taken, the brigade was therefore withdrawn and after a period of recuperation, started training again in Central India at the end of 1944 for a further campaign. This time, the three battalions were divided up among composite brigades of British and Gurkha troops, with whom the Nigerians established excellent relations.

The third Chindit campaign did not, however, materialise. The successful British advance in Burma had made long-range penetration no longer necessary or practicable, so Special Force was disbanded

Reorganised once more on orthodox lines, the brigade joined the 81st (West Africa) Division in an arear near Madras, where training was commenced for a sea-borne invasion of Malaya.

The 6th Brigade, including the 4th Battalion, Nigeria Regiment and the 6th Light Battery and a Field Survey Section, were in August 1943, the first West Africa troops to land in India. After training they proceeded to the Burma frontier area in the Arakan and before the end of the war, the 4th Battalion was established over the frontier on the headwaters of the Kaladan River valley which was the scene of its operations for nearly 14 months. The 4th Battalion was supplied entirely from the air , whilst a jeep track , known as “West Africa Way”, was constructed behind it through what seemed impossibly precipitous country. This remarkable feat covered no less than 73 miles. The rest of the Brigade and a Gold Coast brigade (the 5th) together forming the 81st Division, from which the 3rd Brigade had been detached to serve with the Chindit under General Wingate, followed and together were the first large force ever to be supplied entirely by air.

In the early months of 1944 the brigade advanced down the Kaladan valley as a left flank guard to the main 15th Indian Corps’ attack on Akyab. This attack for various reasons failed and though the 4th Battalion reached further south that year than any other large body of troops on the whole front. The division had to withdraw with the rest of the corps; after delaying tactics supported by detachments of the Reconnaissance Regiment, which up to this time had been undertaking aggressive landing operations along the coast towards Akyab, it held positions near the frontier throughout the monsoon and so forestalled the much vaunted Japanese advance on Calcutta.

The 4th Battalion led the return to Burma after the Monsoon by driving the Japanese off the precipitous slopes of Frontier Hill and the brigade advanced again down the Kaladan and parallel valleys. So successful was this outflanking movement, which was joined in January 1945 by the 82nd West African Division and resulted in joint capture by the two West African Divisions of Myohaung, that little resistance was put up in Akyab to the rest of the Corps. After the capture of Myohaung, the 81st Division, including the 6th Brigade, returned to India for rest and further training for an attack on Malaya, but an armistice was signed before this was launched. During the operation in the Kaladan Valley, the troops lived and fought in extreme jungle conditions, the only adjuncts of civilisation in the way of weapons, food, clothing, or shelter, being what they could carry themselves or what could be dropped from the air they faced these conditions for months on end in a way no other troops were ever called upon to do for such long periods. They acquitted themselves well and played a major part in driving the Japanese out of the Arakan.

The end of the war came before the West African Divisions could carry out their plans for the attack on Malaya and so, after a period of rest and vocational training in India, they returned to their home countries in 1946 with a record of which they could be well proud.

The Japanese were usually contemptuous of their foes and the following extract from a captured Japanese war diary is therefore worth recording.

The enemy soldiers are not from Britain but from Africa. Because of their belief, they are not afraid to die, so even if their comrades have fallen they keep on advancing as if nothing had happened. It makes things rather difficult. They have an excellent physique and are very brave, so fighting against these soldiers is somewhat troublesome.

The following are some of the honours won by Nigerian troops of the Royal West African Frontier Force during the Second World War 1939-1946: Distinguished Conduct Medal, 8; Military Medal, 58; British Empire Medal, 20; Mention in Despatches, 243; Certificates of Good Service, 39; Act of Gallantry, 1.

Myohaung Day ( January 24th) is the annual day of remembrance in honour of Nigerian soldiers killed in Burma. November 11th of each year is the annual commemoration day of Nigerian soldiers killed in the two World Wars.

naptu2:

I see. The other day the Oba of Lagos support the assertion of Oba of Bini in his new book that Oduduwa came from Bini kingdom. I was so surprise why a Yoruba Oba will support such statement but now i know better. The Oba of Lagos came from Bini so he was supporting his kith and kin

Good job OP. I have more incite into the political history of Nigeria and the very cunny politics of this nation.

Please naptu2. Can you confirm that all political leaders belong to cults? I want to join politics in the nearest future (Governorship to be precise) but people keep telling me that i must be ready to belong to a secret cult, is it a 'criteria'?

Tanx.

Shine1177:
I see. The other day the Oba of Lagos support the assertion of Oba of Bini in his new book that Oduduwa came from Bini kingdom. I was so surprise why a Yoruba Oba will support such statement but now i know better. The Oba of Lagos came from Bini so he was supporting his kith and kin

Good job OP. I have more incite into the political history of Nigeria and the very cunny politics of this nation.

Please naptu2. Can you confirm that all political leaders belong to cults? I want to join politics in the nearest future (Governorship to be precise) but people keep telling me that i must be ready to belong to a secret cult, is it a 'criteria'?

Tanx.

Thanks very much.

Politics is what you make of it. If "all political leaders belong to cults", then you can become the first non-cult member to be a political leader. Remember, Obama is the first black man to become President of the United States.

naptu2:

pls visit this thread https://www.nairaland.com/1112117/wooing-challenge-season-2-reloaded/50#1112117.1607 and woo Ishilove for me. this chemistry between you guys needs to be sorted out once and for all. i don jealous tire . better do it o!

naptu2:

Thanks very much.

Politics is what you make of it. If "all political leaders belong to cults", then you can become the first non-cult member to be a political leader. Remember, Obama is the first black man to become President of the United States.

Wow! I love your answer. You just gave me courage instead of the discouragement i have been facing from people around me.

Good job and God bless you. Am diligently following your posts. Tanx.

Shine1177:

Wow! I love your answer. You just gave me courage instead of the discouragement i have been facing from people around me.

Good job and God bless you. Am diligently following your posts. Tanx.

My pleasure

[size=14pt]Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther[/size]
(Bishop of the Niger Territory)

Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther (c. 1809 – 31 December 1891) was a linguist and the first African Anglican bishop in Nigeria. Born in Osogun (in today's Iseyin Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria), Rev. Dr. Samuel Ajayi Crowther was a Yoruba man who also identified with Sierra Leone's ascendant Creole ethnic group.

Career

Ajayi was 12 years old when he was captured, along with his mother and toddler brother and other family members, along with his entire village, by Muslim Fulani slave raiders in 1821 and sold to Portuguese slave traders. Before leaving port, his ship was boarded by a Royal Navy ship under the command of Captain Henry Leeke, and Crowther was taken to Freetown, Sierra Leone and released.

While there, Crowther was cared for by the Anglican Church Missionary Society, and was taught English. He converted to Christianity, was baptized by Rev. John Raban, and took the name Samuel Crowther in 1825.

While in Freetown, Crowther became interested in languages. In 1826 he was taken to England to attend St Mary's Church in Islington and the church's school. He returned to Freetown in 1827 and attended the newly-opened Fourah Bay College, an Anglican missionary school, where his interest in language found him studying Latin and Greek but also Temne. After completing his studies he began teaching at the school. He also married Asano (i.e. Hassana; she was formerly Muslim), baptised Susan, a schoolmistress, who was also on the Portuguese slave ship that originally brought Crowther to Sierra Leone.

Crowther was selected to accompany the missionary James Frederick Schön on the Niger expedition of 1841. Together with Schön, he was expected to learn Hausa for use on the expedition. The goal of the expedition was to spread commerce, teach agricultural techniques, spread Christianity, and help end the slave trade. Following the expedition, Crowther was recalled to England, where he was trained as a minister and ordained by the bishop of London. He returned to Africa in 1843 and with Henry Townsend, opened a mission in Abeokuta, in today's Ogun State, Nigeria.

Rev. Dr. Crowther began translating the Bible into the Yoruba language and compiling a Yoruba dictionary. In 1843, a grammar book which he started working on during the Niger expedition was published; and a Yoruba version of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer followed later. He also began codifying other languages. Following the British Niger Expeditions of 1854 and 1857, Crowther produced a primer for the Igbo language in 1857, another for the Nupe language in 1860, and a full grammar and vocabulary of Nupe in 1864.

In 1864, Crowther was ordained as the first African bishop of the Anglican Church. That same year he was also given a Doctorate of Divinity by the University of Oxford. Bishop Crowther was on the island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean west of Morocco for a conference. He was accompanied by his son, Dandeson, an archdeacon, on church business in March 1881.

Crowther's attention was directed more and more to languages other than Yoruba, but he continued to supervise the translation of the Yoruba Bible (Bibeli Mimọ), which was completed in the mid-1880s, a few years before his death. In 1891, Crowther suffered a stroke and died on the last day of that year.

His grandson Herbert Macaulay became one of the first Nigerian nationalists and played an important role in ending British colonial rule in Nigeria.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Ajayi_Crowther

Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie (Archbishop Emeritus of the Lagos Catholic Archdiocese)

Archbishop Benson Idahosa.

Col Pedro Martins being made a monsignor by Archbishop John Kwawo Aggrey (Archbishop of Lagos), while Reverend Father Anthony Okogie looks on.


[img]http://www.sma.ie/images/stories/msgr%20pedro%20martins%20at%20100.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.sma.ie/images/stories/msgr%20pedro%20martins%20at%20100%202.jpg[/img]

[size=14pt]Reverend Monsignor (Colonel) Pedro Ayodele Martins.[/size]

At age 102 he is the oldest catholic priest in Nigeria. He was ordained as a priest on 8 August 1943.

After Ordination, the then Fr Martins studied at the University College, Cork where he was a familiar face to the people of Cork as he cycled to and from College and the SMA Residence at Doughcloyne in the Cork suburbs.

The Centenarian filled many positions of responsibility, teaching at St Gregory's College in Lagos as well as ministering in several parishes throughout the Archdiocese. He also served as Vicar General to the then Archbishop, now Cardinal, Okogie. In 1970 he was made Monsignor. 

During his military career he served with the Nigerian Armed Forces rising to the position of Head Chaplain to the Armed Forces. He served in the Congo and with many Army Formations in Nigeria.

I remember that a ceremony was held on the anniversary of Murtala Muhammed's death in the 1980s. President Babangida unveiled an obelisk at the junction of Bank Road and Ikoyi Road (where Murtala died). There was also a ceremony at the radio station. Colonel Martins was present. General Babangida said that it was Colonel Martins who handed over the radio station to him after Dimka's coup had collapsed.

He was interviewed by Frank Olize on his 80th birthday. He complained about how these lazy young ones slouch about and demonstrated how he gets up from a chair with one swift motion. He didn't want anyone to wish him long life (when they sang "happy birthday to you" ). When Frank asked him why he replied "what more do I want? Have you heard of lumbago?".

Professor Wole Soyinka wrote that he heard a nasty rumour about Colonel Martins and wanted to ask him if it was true. However, when he eventually met Colonel Martins and stood up so that the elderly colonel could have his seat, Colonel Martins sat him down with such force that he decided he'd better keep the rumour to himself.

Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye. Archbishop Emeritus of Nigeria (Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion).

Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola. Archbishop Emeritus of Nigeria (Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion).

Joseph Ayo Babalola (founder, Christ Apostolic Church).

Prophet SBJ Oshoffa (founder, Celestial Church of Christ).

Professor Wande Abimbola. Renowned babalawo, former vice chancellor of the University of Ife and senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Professor Wande Abimbola, one of my favourite people.

Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi

Sheikh (Dr) Ahmad Abubakar Gumi

Dr Lateef Adegbite

Naptu2

I hope you don't mind me providing a bio for Awise Awo Agbaye.

[size=16pt]Wande Abimbola[/size], (born June 26, 1932 in Oyo, Nigeria) is a Nigerian academician, a professor of Yoruba language and literature and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), and has also served as the Majority Leader of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was installed as Awise Awo Agbaye in 1981 by the Ooni of Ife on the recommendation of a conclave of Babalawos of Yorubaland in West Africa. Born in 1932 in the historic city of Oyo, Nigeria, the Awise comes from a family of traditional title-bearers. His late father, Abimbola Iroko, a renowned hunter and warrior whose brave exploits are still being celebrated by Ijala oral artists, was the Asipade (Leader of the Ogun Community) of Oyo until his death in 1971. His mother, a high priestess of Sango, is still both mentally and physically well at the age of 110.

Abimbola received his first degree in History from University College, Ibadan, in 1963 when that college was a college of The University of London. He received his Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, in 1966, and his Ph.D. in Yoruba Literature from the University of Lagos in 1971. Abimbola was the first PhD graduate of the University of Lagos. He became a Full Professor in 1976.

The Awise's academic background is very much rooted in oral traditions. He was an apprentice in Ifa chanting and oral artistry before he began formal schooling. The Awise Awo Agbaye has taught in three Nigerian universities, namely the University of Ibadan from 1963-5, University of Lagos from 1966–72, and the University of Ife from 1972-91. He has also taught at several U.S. universities, including Indiana University, Amherst College, Harvard University, Boston University, Colgate University, and most recently, the University of Louisville. Professor Abimbola has written many books on Ifa and Yoruba culture.

University Administration

1982–1990 Vice-Chancellor, University of Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
1977-1979 Dean, Faculty of Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
1975-1977; 1979–80; 1981-82 Head, Department of African Languages and Literatures, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. (Wande Abimbola was the founder of this department.)

Academic Experience

2004—2005 Distinguished Visiting Scholar in the Department of Liberal Studies, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
1999 Professor of Humanities in the Department of English, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY.
1998—2003 Professor in the Department of Religion, Boston University, Boston, MA.
1997 Professor of the Humanities in Africana and Latin American Studies, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY.
1996—1997 Fellow, W.E.B. Du Bois Institute & Department of African American Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge.
1990—1991 Scholar-in-Residence and Visiting Professor of Black Studies, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
1980—1981 Visiting Henry R. Luce Professor of Comparative Religious Ethics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
1976—1990 Professor of African Languages and Literatures, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
1973 Associate Professor of Folklore, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
1971 Visiting Assistant Professor of Folklore, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
1966—1972 Lecturer, School of African and Asian Studies, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
1963—1965 Junior Research Fellow, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Political, Cultural and Public Service Appointments

2005—to date Director, UNESCO Proclamation of Intangible Cultural Heritage award to Nigeria, Subject Matter: Ifa.
2003–2005 Adviser to the Nigerian President on Traditional Matters and Cultural Affairs, Office of the Presidency,

Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.

1995—1998 Member, Council for the World’s Religions.
1992—1993 Senate Majority Leader, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
1992 Special Adviser to the Governor of Oyo State, Nigeria.
1990—to date Installed as Asiwaju Awo of Remo, Nigeria.
1988—1989 Member, Executive Committee, Association of Commonwealth Universities.
1986—to date Installed as Elemoso of Ketu, Benin Republic.
1981—to date President, International Congress of Orisa Tradition and Culture.
1981—to date Installed as Awise Awo Ni Agbaye ( literally World Spokesperson for Ifa and Yoruba Religion).
1981—1989 Chairman, Governing Board, Oyo State College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife.
1979—1982 Chairman, Oyo State Tourist Committee.
1978—1984 Chairman, Board of Directors, University of Ife Guest Houses Limited.
1976—1978 Chairman, Oyo State Broadcasting Corporation.
1974—1984 Chairman, Board of Governors, Oliver Baptist High School, Oyo.
1974–1976 Chairman, Oyo Zonal Health Board and Member of the State Health Council.
1971—to date Consecrated as Babalawo (Ifa Priest).

Other Professional Experience

1972—1979 Editor, Yoruba, Journal of the Yoruba Studies Association of Nigeria.
1970—1972 Editor, Lagos Notes and Records, Bulletin of the Institute of African and Asian Studies, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

Oops! Forgetful me. I meant to post a documentary on West African participation in the First and Second World War, but I totally forgot.

Barnaby Philips was the BBC's Nigeria correspondent in the early 2000s/late '90s (I remember when President Obasanjo tongue lashed him during an edition of the Presidential Media Chat). He did a documentary in which he interviewed some Nigerians and Ghanaians who fought in the Second World War. I first heard that documentary in the late '90s/early 2000s. He is now an Al-Jazeera correspondent and he did this documentary for them. Enjoy "Burma Boy".


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BREOezfAJSU

^ There's a novel of the same title by Biyi Bandele. It's supposed to be loosely based around historical facts.

@ Katsumoto: Thank you very much. I would have quoted you, but I'm afraid of Pyguru.

naijababe: ^ There's a novel of the same title by Biyi Bandele. It's supposed to be loosely based around historical facts.

Yes, thank you. I've never actually read the book, but I heard excerpts of it on a radio show.

Funny thing I heard about Professor Abimbola.

A guy who attended Ife told me that sometimes they would plan a massive aluta and call out the students for a major demonstration (Ife was well known for their culture of "activism" ).

Professor Abimbola would come out to address them, "My children, I've heard you very well, you can now return to your hostels", and they would all go back to their hostels.

Getting back to their hostel, it's like they've just awoken from a trance or from a hypnotic state, "What just happened?", "Why are we back here", would be the questions on everybody's lips.