History of Nigeria

Archaeological research has shown that people were already living in southwestern Nigeria (specifically Iwo-Eleru) as early as 9000 BC.

Yoruba people are one of the largest ethno-linguistic or ethnic groups in west Africa.[6] The majority of the Yoruba speak the Yoruba language. The Yoruba constitute around 30 million individuals throughout West Africa and are found predominantly in Nigeria with approximately 21 percent of its total population.

Yoruba settlements are often composed of three main generations:

• The first generation is made up of founding towns and cities of the origin or capitals of Yoruba states/kingdoms.

• The second generation is those created by conquest, diaspora or/and resettlement.

• The third generation is those that emerged after the Yoruba wars.

Igbo people are an ethnic group living chiefly in southeastern Nigeria. They speak Igbo, which includes various Igboid languages and dialects; today, a majority of them speak English alongside Igbo as a result of British colonialism. Igbo people are among the largest and most influential ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Before British colonialism, the Igbo were a politically fragmented / divided group. There were variations in culture such as in art styles, attire and religious practices. Various subgroups were set according to clan, lineage, village affiliation and dialect. There were not many centralized chieftaincy, hereditary aristocracy, or kingship customs except in kingdoms like that of the Nri, Agbor and Onitsha. This political system changed significantly under British colonialism in the 19th century.

Certain conflicts with other Nigerian ethnicities led to the Igbo dominant Eastern Nigeria seceding from Nigeria to create the independent state of Biafra. The Nigerian-Biafran war (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970) broke out shortly after. The end of the war led to the defeated Republic of Biafra being reabsorbed into Nigeria.

The Hausa Kingdoms were a collection of independent city-states situated between the Niger River and Lake Chad.

The Hausa Kingdoms began as seven states.

The Hausa Kingdoms emerged in the 13th century as vibrant trading centers. The primary exports were leather, gold, cloth, salt, kola nuts, animal hides, and henna.

Despite relatively constant growth, the city-states were vulnerable to aggression and, although the vast majority of its inhabitants were Muslim by the 16th century, they were attacked by Muslim jihadists from 1804 to 1808. In 1808 the last Hausa state was finally conquered by Usuman dan Fodio and incorporated into the Sokoto Caliphate.

Information directly selected from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Nigeria.

Joana & Vanessa