History has its origin from the greek word “historia” which is translated to mean, “an account of one’s inquiries”. This is also synonymous to the meaning of story.
Therefore, to a layman, history can be regarded as storytelling and historians regarded as storytellers.
Today In History
1. Chief Christopher Alexandra Sapara Williams Became First Indigenous Nigerian Lawyer
On this day in 1879, Chief Christopher Alexandra Sapara Williams Became First Indigenous Nigerian Lawyer. He was called to the English bar after studying law at the inner temple in London.
2. General Sani Abacha Seized Power
On this day in 1993, General Sani Abacha seized power from Chief Ernest Shonekan, the Interim President. Abacha was the first Nigerian Army officer to attain the rank of a full military general without skipping a single rank. His rule recorded numerous human right abuses and political assassinations, most notable the Ogoni Nine execution.
3. Mengistu Haile Mariam Became Ethiopia’s Head Of State
On this day in 1974, Mengistu Haile Mariam Became Ethiopia’s Head Of State. He is a former politician and army officer who was the head of state of Ethiopia from 1977 to 1991 and General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Ethiopia from 1984 to 1991. His reign was marked with Ethiopian Red Terror and the 1985 Famine. He was also convicted of genocide and sentenced to death in Absentia as he sought asylum in Zimbabwe.
4. Suez Canal Was Opened
On this day in 1869, Suez Canal was opened after ten years of construction.
The actual cost of construction was more than double the estimated cost. The canal connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean.
5. Luxor Massacre In Egypt
On this day in 1997, Luxor massacre occurred in Egypt. The terrorist attack was perpetrated by six Islamic militants known to be members of al-Jamāʻah al-Islāmīyah. It happened at Dayr al-Bahri, an archaeological site located across the Nile from the city of Luxor and resulted in the deaths of 62 people, most of whom were tourists.
6. Manfalut Railway Accident In Egypt
On this day in 2012, Manfalut railway accident occurred in Egypt. A bus carrying school children between ages 4 and 6 was hit by a train on a rail crossing near Manfalut, killing no fewer than 50 children and the driver, while also leaving about 17 persons injured.
