News

Independence Day: Five Nollywood Movies That Reflect Pre Qnd Post-independence Nigeria

Published

2 years ago

October 1, 2023

October 1st is Nigeria Independence day celebration and Nigerians across all states commemorate the epochal landmark.

The nation has been under the reins of the British government from her inception until the later months of 1960 and eventually gained independence in the early hours of October 1st, 1960.

However, Nollywood has contributed to rewriting the Nigerian history before and after independence which was largely characterised by military coups.

Let’s take a look at them.

October 1st

The events in this Kunle Afolayan-directed historical drama unfolded just before Nigeria’s Independence day.

In the movie, there is a pressing need for Inspector Danladi to unravel a communal crisis of killings of women in a rural town.

October 1 continues to play a significant role in Nigerian cinema. It conveys us back to colonial times and does not fail to avoid the social ill of rape.

Saworo Ide

Saworo Ide perfectly chronicles how bad governance and poor policy making spurs into multiple coups. In the movie, a military leader leads a coup to unseat a sitting leader.

In the 1999 film, notable actors such as Kola Oyewo, Bukky Wright, Lere Paimo, Larinde Akinleye, and Peter Fatomilola take on prominent roles.

Tunde Kelani’s imaginative genius gives rise to a compelling movie that underscores the significance of democracy, effective governance, and community involvement in the decision-making process.

Furthermore, the film delves into subjects like corruption, oppression, and the quest for political authority.

’76

In the backdrop of the chaotic period following Nigeria’s independence, this 2016 movie narrates the tale of a youthful soldier who faces allegations of conspiring to overthrow the government.

Ramsey Nouah assumes the character of Joseph Dewa, a young soldier whose innocence hinges on his spouse, Suzie (played by Rita Dominic).

The film “76” offers a unique portrayal of leadership during that era and delves into the issue of inter-tribal prejudice.

Madam President

This movie sets Ireti Doyle as the main character in person of Mrs. Tabi Johnson, a woman entangled in the intricate realm of politics. As the vice president of the fictional nation of Bangidi, she suffers stiff opposition from fellow high-ranking officials who plot to take control by assassinating the president.

However, the unexpected turn of events thrusts her into the role of president, highlighting a stark difference from the Nigerian political landscape, where, even fifty years after the nation’s independence, a female candidate from a major political party has not yet run for the presidency.

The Black Book

The flashback in the movie opens up into the account of how military leaders fared years into the Nigeria independence. The Black Book is a movie which highlights Richard Mofe-Damijo as the lead character.

The Black Book satires high-chief offices of the Nigerian military body who use their positions to peddle hard drugs when it was introduced into some parts of Africa in the late 19’s.
VANGUARD

News

FG Makes History Compulsory Subject In Primary, Secondary Schools

Published

2 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government has announced the reintroduction of Nigerian History as a compulsory subject from primary to senior secondary school, 16 years after it was removed from the curriculum in 2009, under the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration.

The Federal Ministry of Education announced this in a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday.

It said the reintroduction aimed at strengthening national identity, unity, and patriotism among diverse citizens.

“For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education.

“Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance.

“JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values,” the statement read.

The Ministry said the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, CON, together with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the reform.

“They emphasised that History is not merely a record of the past, but a vital foundation for shaping responsible and patriotic citizens.”

According to the Ministers, the reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development.

The Ministry has released the revised curriculum and will retrain teachers, provide resources, and strengthen monitoring.

The former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua-led government in 2009 removed history from Nigeria’s basic education curriculum.

Then, it was justified that students were avoiding it with the claim that there were few jobs for history graduates, and that there was dearth of history teachers.

In 2022, the Ministry of Education under former Minister Adamu Adamu inaugurated the reintroduction of the subject.

The Ministry also trained history teachers at the basic education level in Abuja.

However, history has always remained optional in the few schools that offer it.

News

Police Announce Burial Arrangements For Ex-IG Arase

Published

2 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has released the burial arrangements for former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Ehigiator Arase, who died on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

Arase, who served as the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police, was described by the Force as a dedicated officer remembered for his leadership, philanthropy and commitment to police reforms.

According to the programme of events signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, released on Wednesday, the burial rites will begin in Abuja on September 24 with a Day of Tribute at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi.

A requiem mass will follow on September 26 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, while a lying-in-state is scheduled for September 27 at his Abuja residence. His body will then depart for Benin City, Edo State.

In his hometown, Sabongida Ora, a candlelight procession is slated for September 29.

A valedictory session organised by the Edo State judiciary and the Nigerian Bar Association will hold at the Edo State High Court, Benin, on October 2.

Other activities include a service of songs at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Airport Road, Benin, on October 2, followed by a family lying-in-state.

The funeral mass will take place on October 3 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, after which interment will be held at his private residence in Benin City.

A reception is planned at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, while a thanksgiving mass will round off the events on October 5.

Arase, who held national honours including CFR, and was also a PhD holder, was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired in June 2016.

He died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness.

News

Lagos Begins Monitoring As Schools Resume

Published

2 hours ago

September 17, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Education Quality Assurance, has commenced the monitoring of schools for compliance with standards as students resumed activities this week.

The OEQA spokesperson, Adepeju Adeyemi, said in a Wednesday statement sent to newsmen that the inspection began on Monday across the state for schools below the tertiary level.

The monitoring team, led by the Coordinating Director of OEQA, Remi Abdul, visited several schools, including Dolphin Senior High School, Lagos Island, where the team was received by the Principal/Director, Comfort Agunlejika.

Abdul explained that the purpose of the monitoring was to ensure compliance with the approved resumption date as stated in the Year 2025/2026 Harmonised Academic Calendar.

The PUNCH reports that basic and secondary schools in Lagos resumed on September 15, 2025, for the First Term of the Y2025/2026 session.

According to the approved 2025/2026 harmonised calendar made available to our correspondent, the First Half of the term is scheduled for September 15 to October 31, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. The second half will commence from November 10 to December 19, 2025, with a duration of 34 days. In between the halves are Open Day and Mid-Term Break.

Abdul noted that the monitoring team deployed was also verifying whether school administrators held pre-resumption meetings and whether key teaching and statutory records, such as lesson notes, diaries, and makeshift attendance registers, were in place for the smooth take-off of the new academic session.

“While addressing SSS 3 students, Abdul encouraged them to take their academics seriously, noting that how well they perform this term would determine their transition to higher education. He urged them to read well, stay focused, avoid skipping classes and begin early preparation for their WASSCE examinations,” the statement said.

He also encouraged teachers to remain dedicated and committed to delivering quality education.