I have been wondering if some of the things we learnt in primary school social study were not just stories. I mean, how could Mungo Park discover river Niger when people were already living around and fishing from the great river? Someone please school me.

Olodo, Mungo Park died in New Bussa and the “source” of the Niger was discovered by the Lander Brothers. What was discovered was the “source” and not the River itself. Oya say “Thanks Sir”!

wesley80: Olodo, Mungo Park died in New Bussa and the “source” of the Niger was discovered by the Lander Brothers. What was discovered was the “source” and not the River itself. Oya say “Thanks Sir”!

hmmm I thought I was dumb until you bounced along.

Mungo was actually the first European to discover the river Niger http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_discovered_river_Niger

Africans should endeavor to disabuse their minds away from the acts of brainwash they were subjected by the Europeans. The River Niger was flowing and Africans were fetching water from the river before Mongo Park and Lander Brothers ever set their dirty feet on Africa. If there was any form of discovery, it was making the existence of the river known to Europeans which occasioned colonization.

All these European (Mungo and Lander brothers) didn't discover river Niger or the source, rather they were the first European tourist to visit the source of River Niger/ also the first European tourist to sail through River Nigeria.
How could foreigners discover river our forefathers has been fishing on for ages. which kind lecture bi dis.

Yes, Mungo Park discovered the Niger where it was hiding from the natives. It was hard job in those days when natives had to rely on well and rainwater, until good ol' Mungo happened along, grabbing the Niger by the scruff of the neck and presenting it to the natives.

Correct

Dede1: Africans should endeavor to disabuse their minds away from the acts of brainwash they were subjected by the Europeans. The River Niger was flowing and Africans were fetching water from the river before Mongo Park and Lander Brothers ever set their dirty feet on Africa. If there was any form of discovery, it was making the existence of the river known to Europeans which occasioned colonization.

"They will teach you a white man called Mungo Park discovered River Niger. That is rubbish. Our people fished in the Niger long before Mungo Park's grandfather was born. But in you exam, write that it was Mungo Park. " (From "Half of a Yellow Sun).

I'm with Dede1 on this one.

Wily+Wily:
All these European (Mungo and Lander brothers) didn't discover river Niger or the source, rather they were the first European tourist to visit the source of River Niger/ also the first European tourist to sail through River Nigeria.
How could foreigners discover river our forefathers has been fishing on for ages. which kind lecture bi dis.

Nice one.

he opened up the areas in question to europe.