Did You Know

Explore Hidden Facts About Nigeria

217

The construction of the famous Kainji Dam in Niger State took 4 years to complete.

218

Cyprian Ekwensi’s book The Drummer Boy was based on a real-life figure called Benjamin ‘Kokoro’ Aderounmu. He was a well-known blind minstrel from Lagos.

219

The full title of the current Oba of Benin is “His Royal Highness Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa I”.

220

Nigeria’s federal government first introduced universal primary education (making primary education free and compulsory) in 1976.

221

The Nsibidi script originated amongst the the Ejagham people of Cross River State (who call it Nsibiri).

222

The Nigerian football team are the current champions of the Nelson Mandela Challenge.

223

Carter Bridge (which connects Lagos Island to the mainland) was built in 1901.

224

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach the Nigerian coast.

225

Nnamdi Azikiwe served as Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 1972 until 1978.

226

Tinubu Square (formerly known as Independence Square) in Lagos was built as a gift from the state’s Lebanese community.

227

Akintola Williams was Nigeria’s first Chartered Accountant.

228

Emmanuel Okala was the first Nigerian to win the title of African footballer of the year? Okala received the award in 1978 while serving as goalkeeper for the Super Eagles.

229

Francis Akanu Ibiam was the first Nigerian governor of the former Eastern Region. He held the position from 1960 until 1966.

230

The oldest evidence of habitation at the site of Ife, Osun State dates back to as early as 600BCE.

231

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

232

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

233

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

234

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.

235

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.

236

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

237

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

238

Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart has been translated into over 50 languages.

239

Blessing Okagbare of Delta State is currently Africa’s women’s 200m outdoor champion.

240

As far back as World War II, Lagos-based radio stations were broadcasting the news in pidgin English.