The story of colonial masters in Nigeria dates back to the late 19th century, when European powers—especially Britain—expanded their control across Africa. Before colonization, Nigeria was home to great civilizations like the Benin Kingdom, Oyo Empire, Sokoto Caliphate, and many independent ethnic groups with rich cultures and systems of governance.
⚓ The Beginning of British Influence
British contact began in the 15th century, initially focused on trade—especially in palm oil—after the abolition of the slave trade. By the mid-19th century, Britain had gained strong economic and political influence through trade agreements, treaties, and military power.
In 1861, Lagos was annexed as a British colony, marking the official start of British rule. From there, Britain expanded inland, conquering and subduing local kingdoms through both force and diplomacy.
🏛️ Formation of the Colony
By 1900, Britain had created three main territories:
The Colony of Lagos
The Southern Protectorate
The Northern Protectorate
In 1914, under Lord Frederick Lugard, these regions were merged into one political entity—Nigeria—a name inspired by the River Niger. The amalgamation was done for British administrative convenience, not for the unity or benefit of the diverse ethnic groups.
💰 Colonial Administration and Exploitation
The British adopted indirect rule, especially in Northern Nigeria, using traditional rulers to govern on their behalf. While this system maintained order, it deepened regional inequality.
Colonial authorities focused on resource extraction—palm oil, cocoa, groundnuts, tin—feeding British industries while neglecting Nigerian education, infrastructure, and local empowerment.
✊🏾 Resistance and the Road to Independence
Despite British dominance, Nigerians began to resist colonial rule. Educated elites and nationalists formed movements and parties like the NCNC and Action Group (AG), demanding self-governance.
Leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and Ahmadu Bello became central figures in this struggle.
After decades of activism and political reform, Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960.
🕊️ Legacy of Colonial Rule
Colonialism left lasting marks on Nigeria—both positive and negative. It brought Western education, Christianity, and modern infrastructure, but also entrenched ethnic divisions, uneven development, and a political structure still influenced by British interests.
These legacies continue to shape Nigeria’s identity and challenges today.
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’.”
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.
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!”
