“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” -Marcus Garvey
Today In History
1. First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, Made An Official Declaration of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
On this day in 2003, the first lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo during an event by the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC), made the official declaration of zero tolerance for FGM. The date is now marked annually as the campaign against FGM continues.
2. Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni Began Insurgence In His Country
On this day in 1981, upon his loss at the polls in 1980, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni began the insurgence, “Uganda bush war” which eventually led to the removal of Milton Obele. Museveni’s National Resistance Army of Uganda launched an attack on a Ugandan Army installation in the central Mubende District.
3. Somali’s Abdulqawi A. Yusuf Was Appointed President Of the International Court of Justice.
On this day in 2018, Somali Judge, Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf was appointed President Of the International Court of Justice. Yusuf joined the International Court Of Justice (ICJ) in 2009. He was the vice president of the ICJ in 2015 before his appointment in 2018. He was the third African to have ever held this position.
4. Senegal Won The African Cup Of Nations
On this day in 2022, Senegal won the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON 2021). Senegal who won their first continental title defeated Egypt in a penalty shootout, after a goal less full time.
5. Queen Elizabeth II Of England Ascended The Throne
On this day in 1952, following the death of King George VI, Queen Elizabeth who was on tour in Kenya, she acceded her father’s throne.
6. Negros Earthquake
On this day in 2012, an earthquake, a body wave magnitude of 6.7 and a maximum intensity of VII off the coast of Negros Oriental, Philippines occurred. No fewer than 100 people were killed in the earthquake, most of whom died as a result of landslides that struck villages in Negros Occidental.
7. Turkey-Syria Earthquakes
On this day in 2023, two earthquakes, Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.7 struck southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria. The earthquakes are regarded as the deadliest natural disaster in its modern history. The confirmed death toll in Turkey was 53,537, while the estimated number of dead in Syria were between 5,951 and 8,476. Many properties and infrastructures were also destroyed in the disaster.
