Shows
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuWhy does North Africa feel worlds apart from Sub-Saharan Africa?North Africa feels distinct from Sub-Saharan Africa due to the Sahara Desert’s geographic divide, shaping different climates and economies. Historically, North Africa integrated with Mediterranean and Islamic worlds, adopting Arab culture and language, while Sub-Saharan Africa’s diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms evolved separately. Culturally, North Africa’s Arab-Islamic identity contrasts with Sub-Saharan Africa’s varied traditions and religions. Politically, North Africa aligns with the Arab world, while Sub-Saharan Africa focuses on pan-African ties. Colonial legacies further deepened these divides.2025-05-1107 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith Izu5 common misconceptions about Muammar Gaddafi1. Universally Hated: Gaddafi had significant support in Libya despite opposition. 2. Poor Libya: Libya was wealthy with high GDP and social programs under Gaddafi. 3. Terrorist Mastermind: His role in attacks like Lockerbie was exaggerated; he funded more than planned. 4. Hoarded Wealth: Gaddafi invested in Libya, with debated personal wealth. 5. Internal Revolt: 2011 fall was driven by NATO, not just a local uprising.2025-05-0601 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe Iva Valley Massacre: Enugu Coal Miners’ Revolt of 1949On November 18, 1949, at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu, Nigeria, 21 striking coal miners and a bystander were killed, and 51 others injured by British colonial police led by Superintendent F.S. Philip. The miners, protesting poor working conditions, unpaid wages, and racial abuse under British management, occupied the mine to prevent a lockout. Tensions escalated when police attempted to remove explosives, leading to the shooting of unarmed workers. The massacre, known as the Iva Valley Shooting, sparked nationwide outrage, fueled the Zikist independence movement, and strengthened Nigeria’s push for independence.2025-05-0307 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe June 12, 1993 elections annulment.On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held a presidential election, the first since the 1983 military coup. Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in a vote deemed free and fair by observers. Despite Abiola’s apparent victory, military ruler Ibrahim Babangida annulled the results, citing irregularities. This sparked protests, political unrest, and a return to military rule under Sani Abacha. The annulment remains a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, with June 12 later declared Democracy Day.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Nigerian_presidential_election)[](https://von.gov.ng/the-significance-of-june-12-1993-presidential-election-in-nigerias-political-history/)2025-04-2509 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuGeneral Sani AbachaSani Abacha was a Nigerian military officer and dictator who ruled as Head of State from 1993 until his death in 1998. Known for his authoritarian regime, he suppressed opposition, controlled the media, and was accused of widespread human rights abuses and corruption, amassing significant wealth during his tenure. His sudden death led to Nigeria's transition to democracy.2025-04-1108 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuNigeria - Biafra War (Brief narration of a genocidal war)The Biafran War, also known as the Nigerian Civil War, lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970. It began when the southeastern region of Nigeria, predominantly inhabited by the Igbo people, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra due to ethnic tensions, economic disputes, and political instability following Nigeria's independence from Britain in 1960. The Nigerian federal government, seeking to maintain national unity, launched a military campaign to suppress the secession. The war resulted in widespread famine, particularly in Biafra, and an estimated 3-5 million deaths, mostly from starvation and disease. It ended with Biafra's surrender and reintegration into Nigeria.2025-04-0410 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe Aburi Accord of 1967The Aburi Accord was an agreement reached in January 1967 in Aburi, Ghana, between Nigeria's Federal Military Government and Eastern Region leaders, aiming to prevent civil war by granting regions more autonomy and establishing a collective military council, but it failed due to differing interpretations and lack of implementation.2025-03-1907 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuJuly 1966 Counter-Coup in Nigeria (The Vendetta Coup).The July 1966 counter-coup in Nigeria, also known as the "July Rematch," was a military uprising led by Lt. Colonel Murtala Muhammed and northern officers. Starting as a mutiny on July 28, it was a reaction to the January 1966 coup, resulting in the assassination of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lt. Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi in Ibadan. Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon emerged as Head of State, marking a shift in power amid ethnic tensions.2025-03-1208 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuA short history of the Igbo pogroms before and after Nigeria’s independence.The Igbo pogroms in Nigeria refer to a series of violent attacks and massacres targeting the Igbo people, particularly in the northern regions of the country. 2025-03-0809 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe Failed January 1966 coup d’etat in NigeriaThe failed January 1966 coup in Nigeria was led by a group of young military officers who sought to overthrow the government and eliminate political corruption. The coup resulted in the assassination of the Prime Minister and several other senior officials, but ultimately failed to achieve its objectives, leading to a series of counter-coups and eventually the Nigerian Civil War.2025-03-0115 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe Berlin Conference (1884-1885) Part 3.In this final part of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, the European powers agreed on a set of rules for colonizing Africa, leading to the division of the continent among themselves. This process disregarded the interests and sovereignty of African nations, resulting in long-lasting negative effects on the region.2025-02-2506 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe Berlin Conference (1884-1885). Part 2.The Berlin Conference, convened from 1884 to 1885, was a pivotal event in modern history that had far-reaching consequences for Africa. European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal, gathered to regulate the colonization of Africa. At the core of the conference was the "Scramble for Africa," a period of intense colonization and exploitation.During this time, European powers partitioned the continent among themselves, drawing arbitrary borders and claiming territories without regard for existing African kingdoms, cultures, and ways of life. This division led to the creation of artificial borders that often cut across...2025-02-1909 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuThe Berlin Conference (1884-1885) Part 1.European powers, particularly Belgium, France, Britain, and Portugal, were racing to colonize Africa, sparking conflicts. German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck called the Berlin Conference (1884) to establish a unified policy for African expansion and avoid violence.2025-02-1604 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuAncient Whispers (A Fictitious Ode to African Ancestors)Dike, a wise and fearless African leader, resisted European colonization in the 18th century. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, Dike and his warriors fought valiantly to defend their land and way of life. Though defeated, Dike's legacy lived on, inspiring future generations to remember their heritage and defend their identity, urging them to always protect "Mama Africa."2025-02-1203 min
Chronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuCovert motives of colonial rule in Africa. Prt2Continuation of part 12025-02-0608 minChronicles and Power by Wordsmith IzuCovert motives of Colonial Rule in Africa. Pt 1.Learn about what is less or never talked about regarding the emergence of colonialism in Africa. How it has shaped and contributed to the continental unrest we witness today. 2025-02-0305 min