“The past is really almost as much a work of the imagination as the future.” – Jessamyn West
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey
Today In History
1. Lagos Was Declared A British Colony
On this day in 1862, following an invasion by the British in 1851, Lagos was declared a British colony. The rest of Nigeria was eventually seized.
2. Former President Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo Was born
On this day in 1937, Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo was born in Ibogun-Olaogun, a village in southwest Nigeria. He served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1976 to 1979 and later as its president from 1999 to 2007.
3. Ghana National Museum Opened
On this day in 1957, in celebration of Ghana’s independence, the Ghana National Museum was opened. It is the largest and oldest museum in Ghana.
4. National Airline Of Somalia Was Founded
On this day in 1964, after attaining independence, Somalia founded it’s National Airline in collaboration with Alitalia.
5. Cameroon Hosted African Cup Of Nations
On this day in 1972, Cameroon hosted the eight African Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Republic of Congo won the AFCON title.
6. Mogadishu bombing
On this day in 2021, a suicide car bombing reportedly carried out by jihadist group al-Shabaab occurred outside Luul Yemeni restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia killing at least 20 people and injuring another 30.
7. Hajj Stampede
On this day in 2001, no fewer than 35 lives were lost in a stampede at the Jamaraat Bridge during Hajj in Mecca.
8. Haifa Bus Suicide Bombing
On this day in 2003, a suicide bombing carried out on an Egged bus in Haifa, Israel resulted in the death of 17 passengers and injuries to 53 others, most of whom were students of Haifa University.
It was reported that the Palestinian Islamist terror organization Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack. The suicide bomber was 20-year-old Mahmoud Umdan Salim Qawasmeh, a student at the Palestine Polytechnic University, who was assisted by an Israeli Arab resident of Haifa.
9. Nouakchott Prison Break
On this day in 2023, a prison riot broke out at the Nouakchott Prison in Mauritania. 4 members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb escaped prison during the altercation, but were later caught 24 hours later.
