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Chief Ladipo Solanke: The Nigerian Nationalist Who United West African Students in the Fight for Freedom

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Chief Ladipo Solanke was a pioneering Nigerian nationalist, lawyer, and activist who played a vital role in shaping the early consciousness of African unity and anti-colonial struggle. Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, Solanke emerged as one of the most influential figures among West Africans studying in Britain during the early 20th century. His intellectual depth, organizational skill, and pan-African ideals made him a bridge between colonial Africa and the diaspora community in Europe.

After completing his early education in Nigeria, Solanke traveled to London to further his studies in law. While in the United Kingdom, he observed the challenges faced by African students who were often isolated and lacked communal support. Determined to create a network of solidarity, he co-founded the West African Students’ Union (WASU) in 1925 alongside Sierra Leonean doctor and politician Herbert Bankole-Bright. The union served not only as a social and cultural hub but also as a political platform that advocated for the rights and unity of West Africans under colonial rule.

WASU became a powerful voice for anti-colonial activism, offering lodging, support, and a sense of community to African students in Britain. It also became a training ground for future African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, both of whom later acknowledged Solanke’s influence on their political awakening.

In 1929, Solanke embarked on a fundraising tour across West Africa that lasted until 1932. The tour aimed to secure financial support for the expansion of WASU and the establishment of a permanent hostel for African students in London. His campaign was met with enthusiasm across the continent, drawing support from traditional rulers, politicians, and intellectuals who recognized the importance of his mission.

Throughout his life, Solanke’s vision centered on African unity, education, and self-determination. He believed that the liberation of Africa depended on the enlightenment and cooperation of its young intellectuals. His legacy continues to inspire scholars and activists across Africa, especially in the fields of pan-Africanism and student mobilization.

Chief Ladipo Solanke’s work with WASU laid the foundation for later movements that led to African independence. His enduring impact is reflected in the continued reverence for his name in discussions of Nigerian nationalism and pan-African thought.

Sources:

Oxford Reference: Ladipo Solanke (1886–1958), Nigerian Nationalist

Britannica: West African Students’ Union (WASU)

African Activist Archive: Records of Pan-African Movements in London, 1920s–1950s

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Genevieve Nnaji slams viral tweet urging Igbo men to marry non-Igbo women

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Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji has fired off a sharp response after a man on X (formerly Twitter) advised Igbo men to stop marrying Igbo women and instead seek wives from other African countries.

The controversy began after a photo of a Rwandan woman said to be engaged to an Anambra man went viral.

Resharing the image, the user wrote, “Dear Igbo men, instead of marrying an Igbo woman who’ll falsely accuse you of r4ping your daughter, better look outside for a wife.

“Go to East Africa, especially Rwanda, and pick a damsel. They’re all over social media, and you can link up with them.”

Genevieve, who rarely comments on online drama, responded, “In other words, instead of checking yourself and taking accountability, go for the unsuspecting and carry on with your evil. Got it.”

Another user attempted to challenge her, claiming the original tweet was aimed at “false rape accusers” and that Genevieve was avoiding the real issue.

“His tweet was clearly against false rape accusers, but instead of holding the evil women accountable and demanding change, you chose to tweet this?”

But the actress hit back with equal clarity: “The same way a woman can’t tell an abusive man apart from a good one is the same way you shouldn’t say avoid all Igbo women. ‘Not all women’.”

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Don’t handle your family feud like I did, Phyna advises Imisi

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Reality TV star Phyna has offered words of encouragement to fellow Big Brother Naija winner Imisi amid a family feud between the latter and her mother.

In an X post on Monday, Phyna wrote,”To Imisi, @imisiofficial and to anyone walking through the same fire… I’m praying for your strength.

“My own experience broke me, but I’m slowly rising.

“And I’m rooting for you with everything in me, don’t handle it like I did, build strong and focus on you baby girl.”

The post comes against the backdrop of a family dispute in which Imisi’s mother accused her daughter of hatred and revealed the poor condition of the home where she currently lives, despite Imisi winning N150 million after her Big Brother victory.

Imisi replied in Yoruba,”This is why Aunty Debola said you should not show your face to the world. I can’t be saying all that now, you are in the midst of people. Just overlook everything and leave social media.

“Don’t worry, I will send you money to rent a new house. I am tired of all this drama. I am still recovering from the stress of Big Brother.

“Should I be facing another stress now? Please forgive me, I am your daughter.”

Recall Imisi’s mother has publicly expressed frustration on social media, saying she does not need her daughter’s money after being sidelined following the win.

She also blamed Imisi for recounting her childhood experiences, which she claims involve untrue allegations of parental neglect and sexual assault.

In a video, she showed the old house she currently resides in, saying she is content with her situation, a revelation that sparked online controversy.

In 2023, after Phyna’s BBNaija win, her father, Felix Otabor, revealed in an interview that he was distressed by his daughter’s actions following her BBNaija win.

Otabor said Phyna had asked him to stop working as a hearse driver and requested that he sell his cars, promising to improve the family’s life.

He said he later struggled financially after selling the vehicles, losing his business momentum and community position, and has not seen his daughter since her victory.

He described feeling sidelined while she enjoyed her wealth.

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Ned Never Slept Outside Because I Held Him Well In The Other Room – Regina Daniels

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Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up about her marriage to her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.

It was reports that the embattled wife revealed why their seven-year relationship remained faithful despite his polygamous lifestyle.

In a reply to a comment on her Instagram page, Daniels said that during their years together, Nwoko never slept with other women outside their home because she held him well in the other room.

She wrote: “Yes i think he loved me but a toxic one! Because tell me why a polygamous man forgot what it meant to be in polygamy, except for the media.

“Just because it boosted his ego of being seen with multiple women which is easy by me because anyone that sees a man as an odogwu sees the wife as what? He basically had to beg that he share days at ours and other days with his other wives because they begged for his attention.

“Y’all should pls forget this yeye social media comparison because my ex man never slept outside one day in our 7 years of marriage. You know why? Because as a delta babe, I hold am well for the other room ladies use your skills that’s all men want actually!”

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