The British Establish Southern Nigeria Protectorate
The 1900 establishment of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate brought the Igbo under formal British colonial administration, disrupting traditional governance and introducing indirect rule.
1985 (Jan. 5)
National War Museum at Umuahia is Opened
On Jan 1st 1985, The National War Museum, commemorating the Biafran War, was opened in Umuahia, Abia State. The museum houses important artifacts by from the war period. Approved by General Olusegun Obasanjo and opened by Major General Tunde Idiagbon of Yoruba background, the opening shows a sort of ethnic reconciliation that Nigeria is famous for.
2019 (Jan. 8)
Author, Chigozie Obioma publishes the Booker Prize nominated "An Orchestra of Minorities"
Chigozie Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities brings everyday Igbo struggles—like poverty, migration, and the weight of tradition—into focus through a story that feels personal and familiar. By using the chi to narrate, he connects modern life to the spiritual beliefs many Igbo people grew up with.
1970 (Jan. 14)
Biafra War Ends
In 01/14/1970, Philip Effion, deputy to Biafran General Ojukwu ends the 3 year war by signing surrender papers with Federal Army's General Yakubu Gowon
1975 (Dec. 1)
Biafran officer, Fola Oyewole, of Yoruba descent, publishes memoir "A Reluctant Rebel"
A Yoruba officer in the Nigerian Army, Lt. Fola Oyewole was imprisoned after the January 1966 coup but later released by Lt. Col. Ojukwu as tensions escalated toward civil war. Defying ethnic divisions, Oyewole joined Biafra’s forces, raising the 18th Battalion and leading assaults during the Midwest invasion—liberating Ughelli, Sapele, and Warri.
1929 (Dec. 2)
Aba Women's War Disrupts British Colonialism
In 1929, around December 12th, thousands of women gathered to protest the excessive English taxation, utilizing tactics such as sit-ins.