iHISTORY TODAY

 The British in her administration of Nigerian territories made use of two major systems of governance, generally referred to direct rule and indirect rule . Direct Rule Direct rule was a system of administration adopted by the British in Nigeria especially in Lagos and Calabar where people were familiar with the British system of governance. The use of direct system of administration meant that, the British governed these areas or towns directly through British officials, the Governor and his subordinate officials. These officials were responsible to the colonial secretary in London for the good governance of the colony. Lagos was administered as a crown colony using direct system of administration. A Governor was appointed as the sole authority in the area and assisted by a legislative council. The council was composed of a chief justice, a colonial secretary and a senior military officer in command of the British military forces within her colonies. Indirect Rule The British emp...

  Early Christians in Nigeria Early Christian Ministers in the Methodist Church, Abeokuta, Nigeria 1920's Christianity was introduced to Nigeria in the 15th century through contact with European explorers, traders, and missionaries. The early Christian presence in Nigeria can be traced to various historical periods: 1. Pre-Colonial Era: The Portuguese explorers, including traders and missionaries, had contact with the Kingdom of Benin in the 15th century. This interaction marked the beginning of Christianity in what is now Nigeria. However, the impact was limited at this stage. 2. Colonial Era: The 19th-century colonial period saw a more significant influx of Christian missionaries into Nigeria. Missionary activities gained momentum with the establishment of British colonial rule. Notable Christian missions included the Church Missionary Society (CMS), the Roman Catholic Church, and the Methodist Church. 3. Early Missionary Efforts: The CMS, led by Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a Yoruba e...

EUROPEAN TRADERS AND MERCHANTS The legal commerce in goods drew the interest of several British traders , including individuals who had previously been involved in the slave trade but subsequently shifted their focus to different types of merchandise. Notable among these individuals were Sir George Taubman Goldie and John Holt. Sir George Taubman Goldie George Taubman Goldie was an influential European trader and merchant who made a significant impact in Africa during the late 19th century. He played a key role in the development of British colonial interests in Nigeria. Goldie was the founder of the Royal Niger Company, which aimed to establish British control over the Niger River and its surrounding territories. His effort led to the establishment of British protectorates in the region, paving the way for future British colonial rule. Goldie's work as a trader and merchant helped shape the course of history in Nigeria. John Holt John Holt was a British merchant and entrepreneur w...

  Origin And Nature Of The Trans-Saharan Trade WRITTEN BY Anthony OGUNDIPE The Trans Saharan trade refers to the exchange of goods and ideas across the vast Sahara Desert in Africa. This trade route has a long history dating back to ancient times, around the 8th century. It played a significant role in connecting different regions and civilization.  The origin of the trans-Saharan trade can be traced back to the rise of powerful empires in West Africa, such as the Ghana Empire, Mali Empire and Songhai Empire. These empires controlled key trade routes and facilitated the exchange of goods between North africa, the Mediterranean, and the kingdoms of west africa. The nature of the trans-Saharan trade was primarily based on the exchange of commodities. Gold, salt, ivory, and Slaves were among the most valuable goods traded. West African Kingdoms, rich in gold, supplied this precious metal to the Arab and Berber traders from North Africa in exchange of salt, which was a vital resou...

Mahin And Ilaje Account of The War That Took The Oba of Benin to Lagos written by Anthony Ogundipe 3 minutes  The Benin and Itsekiri joined forces to checkmate Mahin under Alogwe (Olague) and they barely had their way with the assistance of the portuguese mercenaries. One of these clashes led to Benin's Foray into Lagos in the 1500s. The wars also claimed the lives of rulers across the kingdoms. It was during the reign of Olu Ijijen that the Itsekiris were said to be free from Mahin/Alagwe torment while the death of Oba Ehengbuda at the hands of the Mahins brought an end to the hostilities between Benin and Mahin. ORIGIN AND CHRONICLE OF MAHIN (ILAJE) AND THE ITSEKIRI/BENIN HOSTILITIES  The Mahins and their leader called Alagwe in Ilaje (Olague in Itsekiri and Oague in Benin) were important part of the pre-Olu and Itsekiri people, they were aborigines and Alagwe reigned supreme in father to son succession over the ancient Itsekiri area.  When the Olu, Prince Ginuwa emerge...

The Nature Of The Coming Of The Early European In Nigeria Written By Anthony Ogundipe 3minutes The coming of the Europeans had a significant impact on the country. It started with the Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, followed by other European powers like the British. They established trade relationships but eventually colonised Nigeria (Niger Area). This colonisation period lasted until Nigeria gained independence in 1960. European influence brought changes in politics, culture and economy.  Photo Of Scottish Explorer Mungo Park Nigeria (Niger Area)  is a Negro nation located in West Africa. It has had a long history of contact with Europeans, the Portuguese were known to be the first Europeans to step in the West African soil through the Atlantic ocean in the year 1485 in Benin Kingdom in today’s Edo state in Nigeria. On the occasion of their visit, a strong European Mercantile relationship developed with the Benin traditional rulers and their locals.  Commodi...