Europeans began exploration, trade, and missionary endeavors along the West Coast of Africa in the 15th century. The Portuguese were the first to do so, establishing trade with the Benin Kingdom, Lagos, and other regions along the coast.
Who was the first European to visit Nigeria in 1485?
The first European travelers to reach Benin were Portuguese explorers under João Afonso de Aveiro in about 1485. A strong mercantile relationship developed, with the Edo trading slaves and tropical products such as ivory, pepper and palm oil for European goods such as manillas and guns.
What is the early European contact with Nigeria?
The first European travelers to reach Benin were Portuguese explorers in about 1485.
Who made first contact with Nigeria?
In the fifteenth century A.D. the Europeans made their first recorded visit to West Africa including Nigeria with immediate and important results. As far as one man was responsible for this event, the credit must eventually go to Prince Henry of Portugal, who later became known as Henry the Navigator.
Who was the first Portuguese in Nigeria?
In 1472, during one of the Portuguese voyages along the coast of west Africa, the Portuguese explorer, Ruy de Sequeira arrived on the coast of the Niger delta in present-day Nigeria.
Who led the first European to Gold Coast?
The first European explorers to arrive at the coast were the Portuguese in 1471. They encountered a variety of African kingdoms, some of which controlled substantial deposits of gold in the soil. In 1483, the Portuguese came to the continent for increased trade.
When did the first Europeans arrive in West Africa?
The arrival of European sea traders at the Guinea coastlands in the 15th century clearly marks a new epoch in their history and in the history of all of western Africa.
How did French come into Nigeria?
French and German Languages were among the earliest subjects introduced into Nigerian Secondary schools as from 1859 when the first secondary school was founded in Lagos colony (Omolewa, 1971: 379). In fact Nigeria happened to be the first Anglophone country in Africa to teach French in Schools.
Who gave Nigeria name?
Like so many modern African states, Nigeria is the creation of European imperialism. Its very name – after the great Niger River, the country’s dominating physical feature – was suggested in the 1890s by British journalist Flora Shaw, who later became the wife of colonial governor Frederick Lugard.
What was Nigeria called before?
What was its name before Nigeria? The former name for Nigeria was the Royal Niger Company Territories. It does not sound like a country name at all! The name Nigeria was replaced and preserved up until today.
When did Europe colonize Nigeria?
The British colonized Nigeria in 1884. It was established as a colony in 1884 at the Berlin conference where Africa was divided by European powers. Britain gained power by the use of its military.
Is Edo a Yoruba?
Benin Kingdom in Edo is Yoruba territory — Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Tuesday said Benin Kingdom in Edo State remained part of the expansive Yoruba race, a pronouncement that may spark fresh rivalry and altercation between people of the two ancient kingdoms.
Who brought Christianity to Nigeria?
Christianity came to Nigeria in the 15th century through Augustinian and Capuchin monks from Portugal. The first mission of the Church of England was, though, only established in 1842 in Badagry by Henry Townsend.
Does the Igbo tribe still exist?
In Nigeria, Igbos inhabit an area referred to as Igboland, which is divided into two sections along the lower River Niger. … Since the late 20th century, many Nigeria immigrants have gone to the United States, and many of them are Igbos. It is estimated that more than 2000,000 Igbos live in the United States.