Lifestyle

Childhood and Communication in Colonial Lagos: A Glimpse Through a Post Box

Published

1 day ago

August 26, 2025

An evocative image from Lagos, Nigeria, shows three children gathered around a post box, offering a rare glimpse into daily life and social practices during the colonial era.

A Simple Act, A Larger Story

In the photograph, one child is seen posting a letter into the red box, while another waits patiently with a letter in hand. A third child stands nearby, also holding correspondence, suggesting that this was more than a casual errand. The children’s interaction with the post box reflects how communication by letter had become an integral part of both family life and community exchange in mid-20th century Lagos.

The Colonial Imprint

The post box itself carries the emblem of King George VI, firmly situating the scene in the early years of his reign (1936–1952). Its inscription—“THIS BOX IS CLEARED DAILY 6.30 AM & 4.30 PM”—demonstrates the structured efficiency of colonial postal services, which connected Lagos not only to other Nigerian cities but also to the wider British Empire.

More Than Infrastructure

To the casual observer, a post box might seem like a mere utility, but in colonial Lagos it was a powerful symbol of modernity, connectivity, and governance. It enabled ordinary Nigerians, even children, to engage with a system that stretched across continents. At the same time, it underscored the pervasive presence of British authority in the everyday lives of Lagos residents.

Innocence Meets Empire

What makes the photograph striking is the juxtaposition of innocence and empire. The children, likely unaware of the political weight the postal system carried, engage with it in a natural, almost playful manner. Yet their simple act of mailing a letter was part of a much larger system that defined colonial rule and the flow of information across Nigeria.

Lasting Significance

Today, the image resonates as more than just a slice of everyday life. It reflects how colonial infrastructure was embedded into the routines of Nigerians and how even the youngest citizens participated in global systems of communication. It is also a reminder of how ordinary people, through small acts like posting a letter, helped sustain vast networks of connection and exchange.

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Lifestyle

Maiduguri cleaner explains why she returned N4.8m bank error

Published

21 hours ago

August 26, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

A cleaner at a tertiary hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State, Faiza Abdulkadir, has captured national attention for her honesty after returning N4.8 million that was mistakenly credited to her bank account.

The story, first reported by News Central TV on the 24th of August, has since gone viral on X, with many praising her virtuous character in the midst of Nigeria’s challenging economic climate.

In an interview covered by News Central TV, Faiza, who earns just N30,000 monthly and lives with her five children in a single room provided by prominent cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Sali at Gongi, recounted her ordeal.

In her native language, translated to English, she said, “When I confirmed it was genuine, I knew it wasn’t my money. That was why I decided to transfer it back for my peace of mind and quest for paradise.

“It is today that I am happy since the money dropped into my account. In the past three days, I could not eat because of fear. In fact, I was frustrated by the processes of the bank until I finally had my money back.”

Despite her modest earnings, she resisted the temptation to spend the sum, insisting it rightfully belonged to someone else.

Salius Yusuf, a resident, said, “Looking at this kind of social environment we are living in, people are taking ownership of money that is not theirs, and yet we have someone like this. It even got me emotional. Just look at her, her own conditions, but all she is thinking about is how she will be after she dies.”

Bashir Mohammed, an activist, added, “These are the kind of women that are supposed to be supported by the government, and I think she deserves a national honour from the president. Look at her, despite her modest earnings, she returned that money to its original owner, which is very amazing.”

Residents of Maiduguri have commended her honesty, describing her as a role model and calling for her recognition.

Many suggested she deserves government support and even a national honour. Following her act of integrity, over N135,000 has been contributed to support her family, and calls are growing for initiatives to empower her and improve her livelihood.

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Lifestyle

Veteran juju musician Ahuja Bello dies at 83

Published

2 days ago

August 25, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

Veteran 1970s Juju music star, Ahuja Bello, is dead.

It was gathered that he passed away early on Monday, a day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

His death was confirmed on Monday in a tribute post on Facebook by his daughter, Bello Festus Aderemi.

“Rest in peace my lovely dad, Alhaji Ahuja Bello.

“We love you but God loves you more,” Aderemi wrote.

Photo of 1970s Juju music star, Ahuja Bello hit album…Photo Credit: Abuja Bello and Golden Band

His band page, with the username Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band, also confirmed the news, saying, “Though you are gone, your light continues to shine in our hearts. RIP Ahuja Bello.”

Born Ismaila Dele Bello on August 24, 1942, in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ahuja Bello was a prominent Juju musician, guitarist, and vocalist who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s.

He began his career as an electronic technician but later pursued his passion for music, forming his band, “Ahuja Bello and His Golden Eagles Band,” in 1976.