“A great man’s responsibility is not only to his biological children, but to every child around him” - African Saying. Professor Wole Soyinka fits this description. A people-builder and a selfless leader, his life, beliefs and everything about him have been about giving back to society and the nation at large. It is said, not in…

From the beginning of time, empires and tribes have always been on the neck of weaker empires. It was a simple case of the strong getting stronger and the weak getting weaker. Under King Ghezo, the Dahomey Empire grew strong and ruthless from their manner of slave raiding and attacking under neighbouring states. Abeokuta was…

“Lagos must be invaded by force” was allegedly the command Consol John Beecroft got from London. A few years ago when HBO premiered the what would later become one of the most sensational series films of all time, only a few really understood the Game of Thrones was based on almost seemly historical incidents that…

Over time in history, women have been in either at the forefront or at the back of the scene of most major historical events. They are like the painter with the oil and brush behind every masterpiece, we don’t see them at work so they are less appreciated or respected for feats they have achieved.…

A country like Nigeria, diverse in culture, religion and ethnicity requires tolerance from her inhabitants to accommodate the different religious and traditional festivals that dot the calendar annually. Festivals have always held sway among people connecting to their culture, heritage and roots. Some of these festivals have been in practice for hundreds of years and…

“Alake for a long time you have used your penis as a mark of authority that you are our husband. Today we shall reverse the order and use our vagina to play the role of husband” - Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti and 10 Thousand Egba Women. The African society, since its inception, has been programmed to…

The history of Nigerian art is fascinating. The dawn of the 15th century saw an explosion in the art scene. That century saw the death of Iyoba Idia (Queen Mother of Oba Esigie) which occasioned the carving of the famous figurine. The figurine became popular and placed the Benin Kingdom into the world of arts.…

The history of Nigerian art is fascinating. The dawn of the 15th century saw an explosion inthe art scene. That century saw the death of Iyoba Idia (Queen Mother of Oba Esigie) which occasioned the carving of the famous figurine. The figurine became popular and placed the Benin Kingdom into the world of arts. Other…

When the first white men set their foot on the shores of what would later be known as Nigeria, what they discovered was enchanting, far from the stereotype of a land full of savages. They discovered a beautiful land with amazing landmarks and people with well-developed crafts. A major testimony to this are the Kano…

Following the slave abolition passed on the 25th of March, 1807, there was a wave of liberated Africans returning home that lasted over five decades. Armed with knowledge and technology from former slave ports—Brazil, the Caribbeans and the West Indies—these slaves returned home with a specific duty to give back. Ships docked at the Lagos…

For over 700 years, the Benin art and history has been a subject of fascination, mystery and intrigue. This tale of imperial history and heritage has brought the world to its knees with respect and admiration. But how did this all start? How did civilisation and art journey into the heart of the Benin Empire…

The origin of theatre in Nigeria can be traced back to the 18th century with the emergence of court jesters in royal settings all over the regions. There were rampant displays of traditional masquerades and cultural troupes which added theatrical performances to their craft and provided cultural balance to the scale of tradition. It was…