“If you want to understand today you have to search yesterday.” – Pearl S. Buck
Today In History
1. First Indigenous Chief Justice Of Nigeria Was Born
On this day in 1906, the first indigenous chief justice of Nigeria, Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola was born in Abeokuta, Nigeria. He became the Chief Justice of Nigeria in 1958. He also co-founded the Nigeria Law School. He died on January 29, 1993 in Lagos, Nigeria.
2. South Africa Airforce Was Established
On this day in 1920, the South Africa Airforce was established. The airforce was active in the World War II and the Korean War. It was also involved in local wars with bordering wars in Angola, Southwest -Africa (Namibia) and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe and Zambia).
3. Egypt And Syria Formed United Arab Republic
On this day in 1958, Egypt and Syria politically allied to form the United Arab Republic. Syria would eventually secede from the union in 1961 following a coup d’etat, while Egypt continued as the republic until its dissolution by Anwar Sadat in 1971.
4. Port Said Stadium Riot, Egypt
On this day in 2012, the Port Said stadium riot occurred in Port Said, Egypt. The riot erupted following an Egyptian Premier League football match between Al Masry and Al Ahly. Al Masry fans after winning the game, attacked Al Ahly fans in the stadium which led to counter attacks that lasted for days. 74 lives where lost while over 500 others were injured in the riots.
5. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Promised Not To Re-run For Election
On this day in 2011, following days of nationwide protests calling for his resignation, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced his plan to step down at the end of his tenure in September and not re-run the forthcoming election.
However, his announcement did not appease protesters, as he would eventually be ousted on February 11, 2011.
6. Space Shuttle Colombia Broke Apart
On this day in 2003, space shuttle Colombia broke apart as it re-entered the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana. All seven crew members on board lost their lives. It was noted as the second Space Shuttle mission to end in disaster, after the loss of Challenger and crew in 1986.
7. U.S Airjet Liner Crashed
On this day in 1991, USAir flight 1493, a collided with SkyWest Airlines Flight 5569 upon landing at Los Angeles International Airport. The crash led to the death of 35 people, 12 on board the US Air flight and 23 on board the Skywest Air flight.
