Violet Odogwu-Nwajei Becomes First Female African Medalist at the 1966 Commonwealth Games
Violet Odogwu-Nwajei (May 15th, 1942) of Asaba wins bonze in the long jump in 1966. This made her the first female African medalist in the history of the Commonwealth Games. She has also acted as president of Nigeria's Athletic Federation.
1973 (Aug. 14)
Birth of Footballer, Jay Jay Okocha
Born Aug 14th 1973, Augustine Azuka "Jay Jay" Okocha would go on to play for the Enugu Rangers, be a captain for the Nigeria Super Eagles 73 times, as well as play in three World Cups. He is an Enugu native.
1932 (Aug. 16)
Birth of Poet Christopher Okigbo
Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (16 August 1932 – 1967) would be known for small but impactful body of work. He was killed in action at the age of 35 after he volunteered for the Biafran Army as a Major.
He was born in Ojoto, Anambra. He would study and travel in the UK, teach Latin in Nigeria, and be a member of the Mbari Literary Club. His significant publications include Lament of the Masks (1964), Path of Thunder (1965), and posthumously, Labyrinths.
Upcoming This Month in Igbo History
1997 (Aug. 2)
Musician and activist, Fela Kuti, dies at age 58
Fela Kuti died in 1997, leaving a legacy that deeply influenced Nigerian political thought. His criticism of oppression resonated with Igbo communities affected by post-war marginalization and state neglect. He questioned the confused State of Nigeria where various ethnicities relentlessly fought to dominate each other.
1996 (Aug. 4)
1996 Olympics Conclude with Chioma Ajunwa Becoming First Nigerian to Win A Gold Medal
On August 2,1996, two days before the conclusion of the Olympics, Chioma Ajunwa won gold in the Women's Long Jump. This made her the first Nigerian to win gold, first and Black African to win Olympic gold in a field event.
Born December 25, 1970 in Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State to a large and low income family, Chioma would nurture her athletic talents via soccer and then track and field. She worked as a mechanic to support her family. She eventually would join the Police Force.
1899 (Aug. 9)
British Parliament Authorized The Royal Niger Company Act
The British Parliament's authorization of the Royal Niger Company in the late 19th century enabled control over Igbo trade and territory, laying groundwork for colonial exploitation. This company later evolved into Unilever, which still operates in Nigeria today: Unilever Nigeria
1966 (Aug. 13)
Violet Odogwu-Nwajei Becomes First Female African Medalist at the 1966 Commonwealth Games
Violet Odogwu-Nwajei (May 15th, 1942) of Asaba wins bonze in the long jump in 1966. This made her the first female African medalist in the history of the Commonwealth Games. She has also acted as president of Nigeria's Athletic Federation.
1973 (Aug. 14)
Birth of Footballer, Jay Jay Okocha
Born Aug 14th 1973, Augustine Azuka "Jay Jay" Okocha would go on to play for the Enugu Rangers, be a captain for the Nigeria Super Eagles 73 times, as well as play in three World Cups. He is an Enugu native.
1932 (Aug. 16)
Birth of Poet Christopher Okigbo
Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo (16 August 1932 – 1967) would be known for small but impactful body of work. He was killed in action at the age of 35 after he volunteered for the Biafran Army as a Major.
He was born in Ojoto, Anambra. He would study and travel in the UK, teach Latin in Nigeria, and be a member of the Mbari Literary Club. His significant publications include Lament of the Masks (1964), Path of Thunder (1965), and posthumously, Labyrinths.