Did You Know

Explore Hidden Facts About Nigeria

193

In 1979 former president Olusegun Obasanjo nationalised British Petroleum's holdings in Nigeria in protest at the British government's links with Rhodesia's (now Zimbabwe) white-minority regime.

194

Until 1904, cowry shells were used as currency in Nigeria.

195

Teslim Balogun was the first Nigerian footballer to be signed by a foreign club. He was signed by Petersborough United following the national team’s tour of England in 1949.

196

William Akinola Dawodu was the first Nigerian to import cars into the country. His business started in 1905 with a mechanic workshop, and he eventually became the sole agent for Firestone Tyres, Dodge, Charlotte and Reo Motors.

197

Zulu Sofola was Africa's first female Professor of Theatre Arts.

198

Rashidi Yekini scored Nigeria's first World Cup goal during a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria at USA 1994.

199

The Gwari people of Northern Nigeria believe that the head is sacred, and therefore do not carry loads on their heads. Items are carried on the back of the neck.

200

Ruins of the Oyo Empire can be seen in the Old Oyo National Park.

201

Nigerian high jumper and soldier Emmanuel Ifeajuna was the first black African to win a gold medal at a sporting event. He came first at the 1954 Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.

202

Eweka, the first Oba of the Benin Kingdom of present-day Edo State, was the son of the ooni (or ruler) of the Ife.

203

The city of Ife in Osun State is considered the spiritual home of the Yoruba people.

204

There is a town in Jamaica called Abeokuta. It was founded by former slaves from present-day Ogun State who were brought to a plantation in that part of Jamaica.

205

Scottish missionary Mary Slessor, famous for her work in Calabar, Cross River State, served as vice-president of the Ikot Obong native court.

206

Paul McCartney of the Beatles recorded his solo album Band on the Run at a music studio on Wharf Road in Apapa, Lagos.

207

The first Nigerian speaker of the Nigerian parliament prior to independence was Jaja Wachuku, an Ngwa royal prince and lawyer.

208

Nigeria’s leaders considered renaming the country after the West African empire of Songhai after independence (Ghana and Mali, known the Gold Coast and French Sudan during the colonial era, were also named after West African empires).

209

Nsibidi, an ancient form of writing, originated in south-eastern Nigeria over 1000 years ago. It was specifically reserved for initiations into mystical societies.

210

The wearing of agbada (or riga) in Nigeria and other West African states dates back to the 16th century.

211

The Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State is the highest mountain range in Nigeria.

212

The Bantu migration - a massive migration of people across Africa about 2,000 years ago - is believed to have begun in southeast Nigeria.

213

The Niger Bridge (which connects Asaba in Delta State to Onitsha in Anambra State) takes over 100,000 vehicles a day during the peak holiday travel season.

214

Ladi Kwali is the first and only Nigerian woman to appear on a currency note. She is depicted on the back of the N20 note.

215

Stephen Keshi is currently the highest ranked African football coach according to the Institute of Football Coaching Statistics.

216

Nigerian-American basketball player Chinenye Ogwumike was the first pick in the 2014 WNBA draft. Her older sister Nneka was also the first pick in 2012, making them the only siblings aside from the Manning brothers to achieve this feat in American sport h