Federal Republic of Nigeria gained their independence on October 1, 1960. Nigeria comprises of 36 states and the capital city is Abuja, located in the centre of the country within the Federal Capital Territory.
History of Nigeria
The Nok culture was in the Northern area of Nigeria (Kaduna State) in 1500 BC. The Nok culture was an early Iron Age population, which were well known for their terracotta sculptures which were first discovered in 1928.
Within the Nok culture iron smelting, and major advancements in tools were also forged from around 550 BC and and also a few centuries earlier.
Portuguese and British Rules
Portuguese explorers in the 16 century were the first Europeans to begin direct trade with people from the South of Nigeria, the the two ports that they named Lagos and Calabar.
Trading with Europeans also marked the beginnings of the Atlantic slave trade. The port of Calabar was one of the largest slave trading ports in West Africa.
From 1885, with the formation of the Royal Niger Company The British ruled over the Southern kingdoms along the Niger River, and this also included Benin.
History of Nigeria's People
Nana Asmaʼu
Nana Asmaʼu was a princess, poet, teacher, and a daughter of the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman dan Fodio. She remains a revered figure in northern Nigeria.
A list of other amazing greats
- Sade Adu (16 January 1959- Present)
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (15 September 1977 - Present)
- Fela Anikulapo Kuti (15 October 1938 – 2 August 1997)
- Christine Ohuruogu (17 May 1984 - Present)
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