Widely regarded as the father of Nigerian Nationalism, Herbert Macaulay was for most of his life a strong opponent of many colonial policies and was regularly on the frontlines of the fight against the colonists. As a reaction to claims by the British that they were governing with "the true interests of the natives at heart", he wrote: "The dimensions of the true interests of the natives at heart" are algebraically equal to the length, breadth and depth of the white man's pocket.".

Herbert Macaulay

This incident is the stuff of legends.  In November of 1929, thousands of Igbo women congregated at the Native Administration centres in Calabar and Owerri as well as smaller towns to protest against oppression and a draconian tax regime.

The Aba Women's Riot

Hajia’s story is about women's rights activism at a time in Nigeria when women had no right to vote in elections.

Hajia Gambo Sawaba

In this story of activism, entrepreneurship and exile by the British, Jaja rose from very humble beginnings as an apprentice trader to become the wealthiest trader in the Bonny Island area of present-day Nigeria and the first King of Opobo.

Jaja of Opobo

One of the popular things to do in Lagos is to visit The Freedom Park, which until as recently as 2010 was simply known as Broad Street Prison. A relic that was built in 1882 by the colonial authorities, it was rebuilt in 1885 with bricks imported from Britain after repeated arson attacks by opponents of the colonial regime.

Free at last

Welcome. In this series of narrations in celebration of Nigeria’s independence on October 1 1960 and to celebrate the valiance of pre-colonial Africa, Erfenis publishing presents, Moremi. Queen Moremi’s story of courage, selflessness, and bravery continues to inspire to this day. She is a lifelong heroine of the Yoruba people of southwest Nigeria whom, through her exploits, livered the “Yoruba race” from the terrorism by the Ugbos, a Forest clan that raided the people of Ile-Ife.

Herbert Macaulay

Erfenis Studios

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