Lifestyle

Jonathan Adagogo Green: Nigeria’s First Indigenous Professional Photographer

Published

8 months ago

September 7, 2025

Jonathan Adagogo Green (1873–1905) occupies a unique place in Nigerian cultural history as the country’s first indigenous professional photographer. At a time when the camera was still a rare and foreign tool, Green used it to document the Niger Delta during an era of social transformation, leaving behind an invaluable visual record of both tradition and colonial encounter.

Early Life and Education

Born in Bonny, Rivers State, Green was of Ibani (Ijaw) heritage. His upbringing placed him at the heart of a cosmopolitan trading hub, where encounters with Europeans, missionaries, and local aristocracy shaped his worldview. Photography was still an emerging craft in West Africa when Green showed interest. He pursued formal training in Sierra Leone, where he studied the technical aspects of photography, though some scholars suggest he may also have apprenticed with European photographers in Nigeria before traveling.

By the time he returned home, Green had mastered his craft and set up his own studio in Bonny, a groundbreaking step that made him one of the first Nigerians to establish a professional career in photography.

Career and Artistic Vision

Green’s portfolio was as diverse as it was culturally rich. His subjects included:

Local chiefs and dignitaries, often portrayed in elaborate regalia that emphasized traditional authority.
British colonial officials, reflecting the growing imperial influence in the Niger Delta.

Everyday life, trade, and rituals, which provided an intimate glimpse into the rhythms of a society navigating both continuity and change.

His work was widely distributed in postcards and albums, circulating within Nigeria and beyond. This not only shaped local identity but also framed how outsiders perceived the Niger Delta.

Green had a distinctive eye for balance. His portraits often juxtaposed tradition and modernity—capturing chiefs in ceremonial attire alongside colonial officers in uniform, or Nigerian elites in European suits still rooted in indigenous culture. His photography, therefore, was not merely aesthetic but interpretive, offering commentary on the hybrid realities of colonial-era Nigeria.

Challenges of Recognition
For decades, Green’s identity was obscured by his English surname. Many early historians mistakenly assumed he was a European photographer, which delayed the recognition of his role as a Nigerian pioneer. It was only through scholarly research that his Ibani (Ijaw) heritage and indigenous identity were firmly established.

Legacy

Though his career was cut short by his untimely death in 1905 at just 32 years old, Jonathan Adagogo Green left behind a powerful archive of images that remain central to Nigeria’s visual history. Many of his works are preserved in the National Museum, Lagos, as well as in international collections.

In 2003, the National Gallery of Art in Abuja curated an exhibition of his works, reaffirming his status as the “father of Nigerian photography.” Scholars like S. O. Ikpakronyi have since helped cement his rightful place in the narrative of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Today, Green is celebrated not just as a photographer but as a visionary who understood the power of the image in defining identity, culture, and history. His work bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Nigerian photographers and visual storytellers.

Source: Ikpakronyi, S. O. Jonathan Adagogo Green: Pioneer Nigerian Photographer. National Gallery of Art, Abuja, 2003.

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Lifestyle

Guinness World Record reacts to BBNaija Queen’s bread-inspired outfit at the 12th AMVCA

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, may be heading for a global record conversation after Guinness World Records reacted to her viral bread-inspired outfit worn at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Guinness World Records reacted in the comment section saying, “Well, we do have a record for the largest cake dress … hmmm.”

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Reacting to the comment, the reality star wrote, “Hello @guinnessworldrecords, I see you in the comment section”

The development has further amplified conversations around her unconventional AMVCA appearance, which has continued to dominate social media and fashion discussions days after the event.

According to Guinness World Records, the current record for the world’s largest wearable cake dress stands at 131.15kg (289lb 13oz).

The record was achieved by Natasha Coline Kim Fah Lee Fokas of SweetyCakes GmbH in Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2023.

Queen’s bread-themed costume had earlier sparked widespread reactions online after she appeared on the AMVCA red carpet dressed in an outfit designed to resemble loaves of bread, complete with a matching prop.

Explaining the inspiration behind the look, Queen said the outfit reflected her entrepreneurial journey in the food business.

“AMVCA 2026 ready. I come as an entrepreneur who runs a bread EMPIRE,” she wrote at the time, referencing her bakery brand.

On Monday, the reality star also proposed the introduction of a special entrepreneurs-focused event at the AMVCA.

In an open letter addressed to MultiChoice Group and Africa Magic, she wrote, “Just a thought, since we already have the AMVCA Cultural Day and other special events before the main award night, would it be possible to create a special night dedicated to entrepreneurs in Nigeria to showcase their brands, creativity, and impact?

“Imagine AMVCA Nigerian Entrepreneurs Night. Massive, classy, and inspiring.”

The bread dress has since attracted international attention, with foreign fashion influencers and media platforms reportedly discussing the concept.

The trend has also inspired several entrepreneurs online, many of whom have used AI-generated designs to recreate brand-themed outfits and AMVCA-inspired fashion concepts.

While some Nigerians criticised the outfit as excessive, others, including PR and branding experts, described it as a strategic marketing move that successfully drew global attention to her business.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Queen’s appearance at the AMVCA generated mixed reactions, with videos from the red carpet showing her adjusting the elaborate outfit while interacting with guests and posing for photographs.

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Lifestyle

Olubadan seeks integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Wednesday advocated the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge.

The monarch made the call while receiving executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan said traditional medicine remained effective, accessible and affordable for many Nigerians.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this period to advocate for the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine for the enhancement of virile healthcare delivery before the exit of the traditional medical practitioners,” the monarch said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the PSN, Segun Ajanaku, said the delegation visited the palace to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne and to appreciate him for achievements recorded within a short period of his reign.

Ajanaku also informed the monarch about the completion of a pharmacists’ story building in Ibadan, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We respectfully invite Your Imperial Majesty to the inauguration of the building on May 21, 2026,” he said.

He further sought the monarch’s approval for the association to organise its annual medical outreach at the palace on September 25, 2026.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin, and the Muibi Ademola, among other traditional title holders.

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Lifestyle

HELP SAVE A LIFE — SUPPORT FOR RASAQ SHERIFAT FOLASHADE

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Rasaq Sherifat Folashade has been battling Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis, and stroke complications for over 8 years. The prolonged health challenges have taken a severe emotional, physical, and financial toll on her and her loved ones.

Today, she urgently needs financial support for medical care, treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and daily survival.

In her words:
“Please help me. I don’t want to lose hope or give up on life.”

We kindly appeal to compassionate individuals, organizations, friends, and the general public to come to her aid with any amount possible. No contribution is too small, and every support can make a meaningful difference.

DONATION DETAILS:
Bank: GTBank
Account Number: 0034233857
Account Name: Rasaq Sherifat Folashade

Please share this message widely to help save a life.

May God bless and reward everyone who supports this cause.