The Finger Of God (Delta State)

Delta State is one of the Niger Delta states. It is a state renowned for its distinct pidgin English. Many of us know it as The Big Heart, but the Governor prefers The Finger of God. Enjoy!

Delta State (slogan: The Finger of God) is a state in Southern Nigeria, comprising mainly five major ethnic groups: Urhobo, Isoko, Anioma and Ukwani, Ijaw and Itsekiri. The Urhobos are believed to have been the earliest settlers of Delta State. It was created out of the then Bendel State on 27 August 1991 by the government of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. Asaba, located in the northern part, is the capital city of the state, with Warri (located at the southern end of the state) as its economic capital. Other major towns (apart from Asaba and Warri) are Agbor, Ughelli, Oleh, Ozoro, Oghara, Sapele, Koko, Burutu, Okpanam and Ogwashi-ukwu. Its food crops include rice, yam, cassava, fruits and vegetables, while its industrial crops include rubber, oil palm and palm kernel. Check here for a good map of the state.

Abacha's Coup Speech of November 1993

Reproduced below is the speech delivered by late General Sani Abacha, after booting Chief Ernest Shonekan, Head of Interim Government (ING), out of office. Abacha was ‘Vice President, Defence Secretary and Senior Minister’ by virtue of Decree 61promulgated by the General Ibrahim Babangida. With all those positions, it was only a matter of time before Abacha struck. He didn’t have to wait long, as a court declared ING illegal.

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Fellow Nigerians,

Sequel to the resignation of the former Head of the Interim National Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Chief Ernest Shonekan and my subsequent appointment as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, I have had extensive consultations within the armed forces hierarchy and other well meaning Nigerians in a bid to find solutions to the various political, economic and social problems which have engulfed our beloved country, and which have made life most difficult to the ordinary citizen of this nation.

Chief Ernest Shonekan took over as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces at a most trying time in the history of the country.  Politically, economically, and socially, there were lots of uncertainties.  Things appeared bleak and the atmosphere was heavy with uncertainties.  However, driven by a belief in himself, his countrymen, and love for his country, he accepted to face the challenges of our time.  I will, therefore, like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to him for his selfless service to the nation.  He showed great courage at taking on the daunting task of heading the Interim National Government and even greater courage to know when to leave.

October in History

In the spirit of our Independence Anniversary, I decided to compile this list. It highlights some important days in the month of October in the history of Nigeria. Enjoy!

October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained independence from Britain.

October 1, 1961: Southern Cameroon ceases to be a part of Nigeria and became a part of Cameroun, following the UN-organised plebiscite of Febuary 11, 1961. 

October 1, 1963: Nigeria became a republic. This republic (the first) was brought to an abrupt end by the coup of January 16, 1966 (also the first coup).

October 1, 1979: Alhaji Shehu Shagari was sworn in as president. Thus, the Second Republic began on this day, eventually meeting its demise on December 31, 1983 through a military coup. Shehu Shagari was just beginning his second term when the coup plotters struck.

Nigeria and African Cup of Nations (CAN)

This list is about the checkered history of Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations. The obvious is omitted: Nigeria are reigning champions. Enjoy!

1) 1978 CAN

The tournament heralded the beginning of great things to come. Segun Odegbami shared the highest goal scorer prize with 2 other players.

2) 3 in 1

Nigera hosted and won the 1980 edition of the African Cup of Nations, with individual prizes to boot. Segun Odegbami (a.k.a mathematical) was joint-highest goal scorer and ex-Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu was most valuable player.

3) The ‘thing’ between Nigeria and Cameroun

They have been Nigeria’s nemesis literally. Cameroun have won the African Cup of Nations 4 times, three of these titles have been won by besting Nigeria. Nigeria to them lost in 1984 and 1988. History repeated itself: Nigeria lost to them controversially in the 2002 edition of the cup co-hosted by both countries. 

4) Fixation with silver

Nigeria have been runners-up four times—1984, 1988, 1990, 2000. This fixation with second position is shared with Ghana (they have 4 too).

5) Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze! Bronze!

7 times have the Super Eagles claimed bronze at the African Cup of Nations. Now if winning silver a record 4 times can be termed fixation, what do we call this? Mania? Madness? No other country comes close—Cote d’ Ivoire has just four. 

6) Never been fourth

This means that they have never lost a third place match. 7 third place matches, 7 wins. What a record. 

7) Rashidi Yekini

The iconic forward was highest goal scorer at two consecutive African Cup of Nations tournaments. He led 1992 tournament with four goals, and 5 goals at 1994 tournament. Overall, he’s no push-over: he has 13 CAN goals. Only Cameroun Samuel Eto’o (18) and Ivory Coast Laurent Pokou (14) have more. 

8) Jay Jay Okocha

Jay jay okocha was joint-highest goal scorer and most valuable player at Tunisia 2004.

9) Julius Aghahowa

Julius aghahowa, the back flip expert, was joint-highest goal scorer at Nigeria/Cameroun 2002. No player scorer more than a meagre 3 goals.

10) Emmanuel Emenike

He was Nigeria's goal hero at the last CAN in South Africa. He scored four goals to claim joint-top scorer.

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