1976 (Apr. 1)
National Root Crops Research Institute Established In Umudike, Abia State
On Apr 1st 1976, the National Root Crops Research Institute was established. It focuses on researching regional root crops and training locals in best practices to maximize yield and profit. The institute has undergone several name changes and traces its origins to the Moor Plantation in Ibadan in 1923, with the Umudike branch emerging in 1955 to advance research on cassava, yam, cocoyam, Hausa potato, and related crops.
2003 (Apr. 5)
Chief Pete Edochie wins the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
Born in Kaduna State and of Igbo descent, Chief Pete Edochie, a titan of Nollywood and proud Igbo cultural ambassador earned the AMAA recognition not only celebrated his acting prowess but also his role in elevating Igbo narratives and African cinema globally. This includes his legendary portrayal of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart (1987).
1976 (Apr. 1)
National Root Crops Research Institute Established In Umudike, Abia State
On Apr 1st 1976, the National Root Crops Research Institute was established. It focuses on researching regional root crops and training locals in best practices to maximize yield and profit. The institute has undergone several name changes and traces its origins to the Moor Plantation in Ibadan in 1923, with the Umudike branch emerging in 1955 to advance research on cassava, yam, cocoyam, Hausa potato, and related crops.
2003 (Apr. 5)
Chief Pete Edochie wins the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
Born in Kaduna State and of Igbo descent, Chief Pete Edochie, a titan of Nollywood and proud Igbo cultural ambassador earned the AMAA recognition not only celebrated his acting prowess but also his role in elevating Igbo narratives and African cinema globally. This includes his legendary portrayal of Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart (1987).
1961 (Apr. 6)
Mathematician and Activist Chike Obi is charged with sedition by Nigeria's Federal Court
Chike Obi (April 17, 1921 to March 13, 2008), an Onitsha native, was the first Nigerian to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics. He studied in Cambrige, MIT, and published hundreds of papers on differential equations. His pamphlet accusing the Nigerian government of exploiting the poor led to sedition charges. His opposition to the handling of the Biafran war put in in detention until the end of the war.
2021 (Apr. 7)
Abolition of the Osu Caste System
On April 7, 2021, 119 villages in Nsukka, Enugu State, collectively abolished the Osu caste system, a practice that had marginalized certain individuals within Igbo society. This historic decision marked a significant step towards social equality and unity. The Osu Caste System was officially abolished on 28 December 2018.
1930 (Apr. 8)
Warrant Chief System Abolished
The warrant chief system imposed by the British was rejected due to abuses and lack of traditional legitimacy. Its removal marked a return to more authentic Igbo democratic governance, led by elders and village assemblies.
1997 (Apr. 10)
Irish Poet, Seamus Heaney, dedicates poem, "A Dog Was Crying Tonight In Wicklow Also" to Donatius Nwoga
Following the death of poet and professor Donatius Ibeakwadalam Nwoga, Nobel prize winning Irish poet, Seamus Heaney honored him with a poem. In the compilation "Spirit Levels," the poem "A Dog Was Crying Tonight in Wicklow Also" explores themes of death and Chukwu.