Chief Candido Joao Da Rocha remains one of the most fascinating figures in Nigerian economic history. Celebrated as Nigeria’s first millionaire, he was a pioneering businessman, landowner, and philanthropist whose life reflected both the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness of 19th-century Lagos.
Born in 1860 in Bahia, Brazil, Candido Da Rocha was part of the Afro-Brazilian returnee community — descendants of Yoruba people who were enslaved and later freed, choosing to return to West Africa. His father, Joao Esan Da Rocha, was among these returnees. A former Yoruba slave, Joao Esan returned to Lagos after gaining his freedom, where he laid the foundations of a family business that his son would later expand into a vast commercial empire.
Candido Da Rocha was a man of vision and enterprise. From his base on Kakawa Street, Lagos Island, he built what became known as the “Water House.” This iconic building housed the first borehole and water fountain on Lagos Island, serving as the main source of clean water for residents at a time when access to potable water was limited. Through his water distribution system, Da Rocha not only revolutionized how Lagosians accessed water but also established a successful business model that combined innovation with public service.
Beyond the water business, Da Rocha ventured into hospitality and real estate. He owned the now-defunct Bonanza Hotel, which catered to elite guests in colonial Lagos, and also operated The Restaurant Da Rocha, which was a popular establishment during his time. His business acumen made him one of the wealthiest men in Nigeria. One of the defining moments of his financial success was a lucrative gold bar transaction in 1894 that significantly increased his fortune.
Despite his wealth, Chief Candido Da Rocha was known for his humility and generosity. He was a major benefactor to the less privileged and contributed to various community causes. As a member of the Afro-Brazilian elite, he played a significant role in shaping Lagos’s social and cultural landscape, promoting Western education, architecture, and entrepreneurship among returnee families.
Da Rocha’s influence extended beyond business. He held the chieftaincy title of Lodifi of Ilesa, a testament to his standing in both the Yoruba and Lagos communities. His Water House became more than just a family residence — it was a landmark of innovation and affluence in colonial Lagos and was later immortalized in Antonio Olinto’s novel The Water House, which drew inspiration from his legacy.
Chief Candido Joao Da Rocha’s life was a story of transformation — from the son of a freed slave to one of the most influential businessmen in Nigerian history. Through his enterprises, philanthropy, and cultural contributions, he helped shape Lagos into a modern, economically vibrant city. His legacy continues to symbolize the possibilities of hard work, innovation, and vision in the face of historical adversity.
Sources:
Falola, Toyin, Economic Pioneers of Colonial Lagos.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
