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

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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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PHOTOS: The only woman Fela Anikulapo-Kuti never joked with was born on this day (October 25), 1900 in Abeokuta, Southern Nigeria as it was then.

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The only woman Fela Anikulapo-Kuti never joked with was born on this day (October 25), 1900 in Abeokuta, Southern Nigeria as it was then.

Her complete names: Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Olufela Folorunso Thomas. That was before she got married and adopted ‘Ransome-Kuti’.

She grew up to be known as the Lioness of Lisabi because of the role she championed on behalf of women.

Her Children:

– Dolupo Ransome-Kuti (daughter)
– Olikoye Ransome-Kuti (son)
– Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (son)
– Beko Ransome-Kuti (son)

Note that his three sons made very strong marks in the history of Nigeria.

– Olikoye, a Professor, became Nigeria’s health minister and is known to initiate the Primary Healthcare, a health initiative that continues to remain strong across villages and local government areas in Nigeria.

– Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the Afrobeat legend, became a bone too hard to break in the hands of the military governments of Nigeria. Now, you know where Fela (Olufela) got his name.

– Beko, a medical doctor, became a human rights activist that gave the military sleepless nights.

Photo: Colourised collage of Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

Credit: Ethnic African Stories

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Youths hold prayer session in Kano to celebrate Seyi Tinubu at 40

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Youths, under the aigis of Youth Alliance for Northern Development, on Friday in Kano held a special prayer session for President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, as part of activities to celebrate his 40th birthday.

The prayer which was held at Ansar-Ud- Deen Society Mosque, Sañusi Street, Sabon Gari, Kano, was attended by many youths and other well wishers especially from the Northern parts of the country.

Sheikh Abdullateef Emiabata who led the prayer session, prayed to God to grant the celebrant long life in good health to enable him continue to promote youth empowerment, social responsibility, and national unity.

The cleric who read some verses from the Holy Quran, also prayed for continued peace, unity, economic growth and development in the country.

“We pray that God Almighty will continue to shower His blessings on all Nigerians and ensure peace and unity prevail in the country.

“We also pray that God Almighty will grant the celebrant long life in good health for him to continue to do what he cherished most— promoting youth empowerment and national unity,” he said.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the prayer, the Convener, Seyi Olorunsola, said the prayer session was being organised as part of activities to celebrate Seyi who he described as distinguished youth icon, philanthropist, and visionary Nigerian.

“We are celebrating Seyi’s 40th birthday. Despite holding no elective office, he has continued to champion educational and humanitarian causes, thereby serving as a moral example to the younger
generation,” Olorunsola said.

Also speaking, one of the youth leaders, Isyaku Rabi’u, said the decision to celebrate Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday was in recognition of his commitment towards promoting youth empowerment.

“It’s on record that Seyi has facilitated more than 50 appointments for the youth especially in the North. So, as youths, we felt it necessary to appreciate and celebrate him,” he said.

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Oyo Catholic bishop emeritus, Julius Adelakun, dies at 91

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Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Oyo, Most Rev. Julius Adelakun, is dead.

A statement on Saturday by the Bishop of Oyo Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, indicated that Adelakun died on Friday at the age of 91 years.

Adelakun served as Bishop of Oyo for 36 years from April 13, 1973 till retirement on November 4, 2009.

Badejo, in the statement, described the late Adelakun as a man who lived “a full, impactful life and whose witness touched multitudes.”

He said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course as he called on Catholics of Oyo diocese to continue to pray for repose of the late Bishop.

“He shepherded the Diocese of Oyo with dedication for decades, leaving behind a legacy of faithful service to God, the Church, and humanity,” Badejo added.

Born on November 4, 1934, Bishop Adelakun was ordained a Catholic priest on June 27, 1965, and ordained bishop on February 11, 1973.

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