15 Facts about History of Nigeria before independence 2022 Update
– History of Nigeria before Independence –
History of Nigeria Before Independence: This article brings details certain facts you should know as an individual about pre-independence Nigerian history. Histories and events shape a nation, shape the future of such a nation and make it a great one.
Facts about History of Nigeria before Independence
Below are the facts of Nigeria before Independence
1. Christian Missionary Movement in Southern Nigeria
Christain missionaries came along with the British as they were coming to Nigeria to establish their missionary work. The missionaries made a serious influence on religious life in Pre-Independence Nigerian History, especially Nigerians who were in the southern part of the country.
Many Nigerians keyed into the Christian religion seriously as its spread continued to wax stronger.
Religion in Nigeria has for some time brought and resulted in conflict between the Muslims in the north and the Christians in the south.
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2. Metallurgy of Iron Arrived in Nigeria Much Earlier Than Europe.
They found the earliest evidence of iron production in Africa near Tarugi and Samun Dukhiya, which were the settlements entitled to the Noc culture and were in the Jos Plateau in Nigeria.
Furnace for the making of iron which was found there was dated to be made at 500-450 years BC. It had a cylindrical shape and was made of clay.
3. By 700, Kanem state was created in the North-East of Nigeria (lake Chad). Nomadic Nilotic peoples Zaghawa established it. It was a large country (Kanem–Bornu) stretching from Libya to Nigeria.
4. By 850, they formed a new nation in South-West Nigeria, called Igbo. They formed this nation on the basis of the Eastern Akan tribes. The Hausa state appeared on the Northern outskirts of Nigeria.
5. In 1085, the rulers of Kanem-Borno converted to Islam under the influence and rule of Arab merchants. The basis of the economy of the state was a transit trans-Saharan trade and collection of tribute from the conquered tribes.
6. By 1150 Benin emerged in the South of Nigeria (the West bank of the lower Niger), Kano emerged in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria
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7. In the 15th century, Europeans arrived on the shores of the Gulf of Guinea The first of them were Portuguese. Unlike other regions of the world, the Europeans weren’t trying to gain a foothold in this territory, to build their cities, or to convert the local population to their religion.
They contributed to strengthening and developing native kingdoms (Oyo, Benin) because of their involvement in the world market.
8. By 1600, the Saharan Kanuri tribes entered the North-Eastern of Nigeria (from the North). And the Fulani tribes entered from the West to the Northern part of Nigeria.
Tribes such as Brass, Bonny, and Calabar appeared on the coast (in southern Nigeria) by 1700. Ekiti and Igbomina appeared on the Western edge of Nigeria. Zaria emerged in Central Nigeria.
9. By 1849 in a big settlement appeared in Northern Nigeria called Sokoto Caliphate. Also, there were such others as Bornu and Baguirmi to the East of it.
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10. The British Conquest of Nigeria
One of the remarkable events in Nigeria was that which took place in 1901, where Nigeria was formally made a protectorate country by the British.
The British made their way into Nigeria initially as traders willing to trade with Nigerians.
The British dictated and decide the affairs of the territory once they took over Nigeria, it enslaved a large population of the people.
They made and enforced colonial rule and took control of the country for 50 years. The British modernized the country and introduced western culture.
Because of the “Africa partition” in 1885, Britain laid claim on the part of the coast of Guinea, the coast of modern southern Nigeria.
11. Lord Lugard’s Ruthless Government in Nigeria.
Frederick Lugard was vested with the responsibility to run Nigeria in 1912, Fredrick was an ex-British soldier and while running Nigeria, he spent most of his time running the country from England because he did not like Nigeria.
Frederick Lugard did outrageous things and permitted slavery in some parts of Nigeria and used millions to keep the country in control.
Frederick Lugard is one of the worst colonial rulers, regime motivated some Nigerians to begin to sort and fight for their freedom.
12. The Establishment of the Hausa Kingdom
An old city-state that lay between the Niger River and Lake Chad established the Islamic Hausa Empire, the Hausas were gravely influenced by the Islamic religion as it was equally a strong site for trade and commerce.
The Hausas were known to have considerable influence over many people in central Nigeria.
The Hausas displayed an economic and cultural challenge to major empires, such as Mali. The Empire fell apart in 1808 and was reclaimed in 1880 when the British arrived.
13. In 1914, the British colonies were amalgamated and named Nigeria. In 1916, the first railway in Nigeria was built, and in 1958, the British drilled the first oil well.
14. The Benin Empire
The Edo people who resided in the western part of Africa found the Benin empire, in the 15th century the empire began.
In the history of Nigeria, Benin is said to be very important and relevant to its history as a result of its rise to and international fame for its artwork which was exported to various parts of Europe and the world.
The empire was a commerce and trading site which was highly organized, effective and efficient.
The Benin Empire was the first territory in Pre-Independence Nigerian History to rival contemporary European power with governance and function. The Benin Empire was intact when the British came to Benin in the 19th century.
15. The Yoruba and the Kingdom of Nri
Though Yoruba was the first major tribal group in Nigeria, the kingdom of Nri was established as the first monarchy in history.
The kingdom of Nri was the originator of the Igbo culture, which became very influential after its establishment in 948AD.
The Nri Kingdom was unique because the people were governed by their rulers politically, economically, and religiously, and didn’t coerce them.
The kingdom was also known to be a safe Heaven for people who were ostracized from their community and for escaping slaves too.
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FAQs on History of Nigeria before Independence
Below are the frequently asked questions on History of Nigeria before Independence
1. What is the real history of Nigeria?
The area came under British control in 1861 and was made a British colony in 1914. Nigeria gained independence in 1960 and became a republic in 1963.
2. How was Nigeria before colonialism?
The pre-colonial era saw the flourishing of slave trade, which was later declared illegal by the British in the early 19th century.
3. Who first discovered Nigeria?
The West African territory now known as Nigeria was first discovered in 1472 by researchers from Portugal who were seeking a sea route to Asia.
4. Who lived in Nigeria before it was colonized?
Many indigenous polities emerged in Nigeria before the British took control in the late 19th century.
5. Which tribe first settled in Nigeria?
The oldest tribe in NIgeria is Ijaw tribe.
6. Who sold Nigeria to the British?
The Royal Niger company
7. What was Nigeria called before?
The Royal Niger Company Territories
8. When did the white man come to Nigeria?
The 15th century
9. Which kingdom is the oldest in Nigeria?
Kingdom of Nri
10. Who named Nigeria flag?
Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi
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CSN Team.
