“History is instructive. What it suggests to people is that even if they do little things, if they walk on the picket line, if they join a vigil, if they write a letter to their local newspaper… Anything they do, however small, becomes part of a much larger sort of flow of energy. And when enough people do enough things, however small they are, then change takes place.” – Howard Zinn
Today In History
1. President Olusegun Obasanjo Was Nominated As People’s Democratic Party’s Presidential Candidate
On this day in 1999, following his militarial rule of Nigeria, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was nominated as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’s presidential candidate after an internal election. He went on to win the general election and eventually ruled Nigeria for two consecutive terms.
2. Damaturu Bombing
On this day in 2015, a female suicide bomber detonated herself at a crowded station in Yobe’s Capital City, Damaturu. The bombing, regarded as the first suicide bombing in the city resulted in the death of 16 people and injuries to 30 others.
3. The First Tallest Building In South Africa Was Opened
On this day in 1940, the then tallest man made building also known as Mutual Building in Africa was opened in South Africa. The 18-story building was one of the world’s best deco office towers.
4. Uprising Against Muammar Gaddafi Began In Libya
On this day in 2011, the popular uprising against Libya’s Longtime President, Muammar Gaddafi, began in Libya. No fewer than 500 people assembled at the Benghazi Police headquarters to protest the arrest of huma rights lawyer, Fathi Terbi and in return Police forcefully ended the demonstration. This eventually culminated into the Libyan Civil War and the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi.
5. Congo River Mishap
On this day in 2021, a ship sank in the Congo River in Mai-Ndombe province, near Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 60 people were reportedly killed in the mishap, while 200 others were declared missing.
6. Comayagua Prison Fire, Honduras
On this day in 2012, fire broke out at the National Penitentiary in Comayagua, Honduras. The fire, which was regarded as the deadliest prison fire claimed 361 lives.
