Nigeria’s Founding Fathers: Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello
Nigeria Celebrates its Independence – October 1, 1960
The Story of Nigeria – a Nation was Born 100 Years Ago
Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi Takes Power
Murtala Muhammed Overthrows Yakubu Gowon
Ojukwu Interviewed Before the Civil War
Ojukwu and Biafran Soldiers Prepare to Face the Nigerian Army
Daily Life in Biafra
Major-General Gowon and Colonel Obasanjo Accept Biafra’s Surrender
General Gowon – Ojukwu was Cowardly and Ran Away
Nigeria’s First Elections – The Road to Independence
These videos are classics and chronicle Nigeria’s first elections – hotly contested by the Northern People’s Congress, National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, the Action Group and Northern Elements Progressive Union. There is some wonderful archive footage here and interviews with the Sardauna of Sokoto Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Maitama Sule and a young Aminu Kano.
Even though 50+years old, the issues it highlights (cultural and religious differences between north and south) are still relevant today. The things that struck me most:
*The Sardauna’s complete disinterest in federal politics and focus on preserving the customs and integrity of the north. When asked whether he would become Nigeria’s Prime Minister or Governor-General, the Sardauna replied: “I would rather live here amongst my people and carry my traditional title than an imported one.”
*Azikiwe’s lack of partisan political ambition – saying it did not matter which of he, Balewa and Awolowo became Prime Minister.*The Sardauna’s irritation with Awolowo’s brash campaigning and desecration of northern traditions by hovering over/dropping leaflets on the Emir’s palace.
This is a must view. Enjoy!
Nnamdi Azikiwe Becomes Nigeria’s First President
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgbteWcBCY
Queen Elizabeth’s First Visit to Nigeria
Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to Nigeria in 1956. She is welcomed at the airport by federal dignitaries including the Minister for Labour and Welfare Festus Okotie-Eboh and Governor-General Sir James Robertson.
MEMORIES OF A COLONIAL OFFICER IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s Journey to Nationhood
A nice documentary profiling Nigeria’s journey from colonial era to independence. Lots of archive footage of independence conferences and the founding fathers like Azikiwe, Balewa and Shagari.
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1hJuuo7NCU
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxBQ6eIrXKc&feature=related
Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKTUkoVO7o0&feature=related
Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yMERN6NFJg&feature=related
NNAMDI AZIKIWE SWORN IN AS NIGERIA’S FIRST PRESIDENT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgbteWcBCY
PRESIDENT AZIKIWE SPEAKS ABOUT NIGERIA’S FIRST MILITARY COUP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrNGHehpGhU
Television Interview with Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu
BIAFRA VIDEOS
Gowon and Ojukwu at Aburi in Ghana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKXK2Er8UZk&feature=youtu.be
BBC DOCUMENTARY ON THE NIGERIA-BIAFRA WAR
This is a series of documentaries on Biafra. Produced by THE bbc, these videos feature footage of the battles and air raids, and interviews with the key players such as Gowon and Ojukwu, plus civilian and military participants and witnesses to the war such as Fredrick Forsyth.
Execution of Biafran Soldier (**Warning: Graphic Content)
http://www.flurl.com/uploaded/African_Execution_61609.html
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ReFoFp0Gs
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQkIQuK7A50&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7qQdZ9nzbI&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eppgEVwxCfk&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSqhqP3U-t4&feature=related
Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZTpuVlKJ_Q&feature=related
Part 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An7IZBBATTM&feature=related
Ojukwu’s Speeches During Biafra
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-__6EwtRLeM
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrfUrJO-E0A
Biafran National Anthem:
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=LU03bLmjv58&feature=related
NTA DOCUMENTARY ON THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR: “NO VICTOR NO VANQUISHED”
This is another series of documentaries on Biafra. Produced by Nigeria’s own NTA, these videos feature interviews with the key players such as Gowon, Ojukwu, Babangida, Maj-Gens Mohammed Shuwa, Adeyinka Adebayo, Godwin Abbe, George Innih, and David Ejoor, Brigadiers Samuel Ogbemudia and Mobolaji Johnson, plus civilian participants like Philip Asiodu and Ahmed Joda who were key players in the abortive negotiations prior to the war.
Of great vintage is the footage of the Aburi debate in Ghana in 1967. Amazing footage of Ojukwu chatting with Gowon, Hassan Katsina, Commodore Joseph Wey and other members of the federal delegation to Aburi.
Part 1: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2191/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-1
Part 2:http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2190/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-2
Part 3: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2189/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-3
Part 4: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2259/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-4
Part 5: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2258/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-5
Part 6:http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2257/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-6
Part 7: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2256/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-7
Part 8: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2285/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-8
Part 9: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2286/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-9
Part 10: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2287/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-10
Part 11: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2506/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-11
Part 12: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2502/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-12
Part 13: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2501/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-13
Part 14: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2500/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-14
Part 15: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2499/No-Victor–No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-15
Part 16: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2498/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-16
Part 17: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2497/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-17
Part 18: http://www.viewnaija.com/video/2496/No-Victor-No-Vanquished–Biafra-War-Pt-18
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3ReFoFp0Gs
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQkIQuK7A50&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7qQdZ9nzbI&feature=related
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eppgEVwxCfk&feature=related
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSqhqP3U-t4&feature=related
Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZTpuVlKJ_Q&feature=related
Part 7: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An7IZBBATTM&feature=related
President Shehu Shagari is Overthrown: The Return of the Military
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjsVpTNJGDM
Nice video package about the overthrow of President Shagari in 1983 and Nigeria’s history of military rule. Sorry for the French commentary!
Burma Boy – Nigerian and African Soldiers in World War Two
Great documentary by Al Jazeera on African soldiers who fought in Burma against the Japanese in World War 2. Includes interviews with Nigerian soldiers of the campaign. I believe Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe also fought in the Burma campaign.
TENURE ELONGATION IN NIGERIA
This is an excellent documentary regarding attempts by various Nigerian regimes to perpetuate themselves in power under the guise of “transition” programmes and constitutional amendments.
BABANGIDA AND VATSA: A WIDOW’S PAIN
This documentary regards the controversial 1985 trial and execution of Major-General Mamman Vatsa for allegedly trying to overthrow his boyhood friend and best man, Ibrahim Babangida.
THE OBASANJO AND YAR’ADUA TREASON TRIAL
Another video with excerpts from the 1995 Special Military Tribunal “coup” trial of several prominent Nigerians including General Obasanjo, Maj-Gen Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Christine Anyanwu for allegedly plotting to overthrow the regime of General Sani Abacha.
SERIES OF VIDEOS ON THE ANNULMENT OF THE JUNE 12, 1993 ELECTION:
Part 1
http://www.viewnaija.com/site/video/344/IBB-on-June-12-annulment-Part-1
Part 2
http://www.viewnaija.com/site/video/345/IBB–June-12-annulment–Part-2
Part 3
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lKDbvuACzV8
MKO Abiola Dies – the Struggle for Democracy: 1998
Very easy to forget what a precipice Nigeria was on a little over 10 years ago. Do not take democracy for granted.
NIGERIA’S POST-INDEPENDENCE LEADERS
These three videos are a run down of Nigeria’s leaders over the years starting from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa through to the current incumbent, President Yar’Adua. Also click the “Nigeria’s Leaders” and “Nigeria’s Great Speeches” pages on this site if you want to see more regarding these personalities.
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZuxTi344E8
Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5q6AHQ3LHg&feature=related
Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATgazc7YZDw&feature=related
TRAILER FOR NAIJ – A DOCUMENTARY
This is a nice selection of videos. The first is a series of old clips from famous Nigerians, including one of the Sardauna of Sokoto Ahmadu Bello who speaks in an impeccable old school British accent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jvmwd5ZRRM&feature=related
VIDEO FOOTAGE OF NIGERIA’S FORMER LEADERS
(including then Lt-Colonel Gowon, Major Mobalaji Johnson, Ojukwu, Tafawa Balewa speaking during Nigeria’s pre-independence constitutional conference in London, President Azikiwe speaking on the 1964 political crisis between he and PM Balewa. Some snippets of Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi on the parade ground, and footage of his funeral too. Enjoy
Max Siollun’s Website 
Max,
Great work you have here. I commend you and your team for the indepths here. Really good job. Can you please provide another source for that video “A documentary on Nigeria”? The one up here (from Youtube) has no audio. You tube claims that its too sensitive, so its audio is wiped off. Can you post me another copy.
Regards
Mash
My Broda,
I want to say I’m profoundly grateful for these immense catalogue of useful information and for all the amount of work and sacrifices you must have incured. I’m a Bini man, I must say until today, I’ve been living in a cochoo land as regards the the actual amount of sufferings the Igbos went through during the Nigeria civil war.
Keep up the good work, and be rest assured – the true ‘NATIONS’ of Southern Nigeria as in the ‘WILL and PURPOSE of GOD’ shall rise again.
GOD Bless Real Good!
Israel E. O’kuoimose
Republic of Ireland.
great work i must say. am an ibo born right after that war and the much i knew about it prior to seeing this work was the little my parents ocassionaly mentioned. for a long time it was and still is unofficially forbidden to discuss that issue publicly so theres no historical documentation of it. if one mentioned the word biafra or used any signs that resembled anything in biafra you could have a problem with the authorities. thanks to you at least peple like me now have the opportunity to see a bit of what happened then. i have kids now and i cry each time i see those images of children dead or dying. its unbelieveable to know that some individuals we grew up knowing as statesmen of this country were active in the perpetration of that crime. it shocks me when i read excerpts from conferences organised then to at least cut down the suffering especially of children in biafra, it still shocks me to hear quotes from people like enahoro who was then the minister for information in nigeria regarding the legitimacy of starvation as a weapon of a war he and the government claimed was not a war in the true sense of it, but an action to crush a rebellion and unite the entire country. because of the restriction in publishing or displaying things biafra theres no articulate information of that conflict. the major actors of that period are either dead or will soon be gone without leaving an account of events so theres a need to encourage this type of work so generations unborn will have a idea of what happened then. i thank you immensely for this. uche
I am overwhelmed with this collection of videos on Nigeria’s History. This has been a subject of great interest to me, but having access to explicit vidoes or documentaries with revealing details is very hard. What you have here would have been perfect for me, except that it is also very difficult to view uninterrupted video stream in Nigeria. I would very much appreciate it if you could send me downloadable versions of your entire collection on Nigeria’s History.
Thanks
Guys, thanks for your kind comments and platitudes. It is nice to know that the excruciating hard work that goes into this site is appreciated. Sadly I do not have downloadable links to these videos. I am not their copyright owner so cannot give you direct access to their downloads.
[…] Nigerian History Videos […]
the story of biafra is a story about my life. it is one of the shocking story my father use to tell us normally in the night then. all i can say is that the battle was not a vain one even though it was a battle for the extermination of the igbos which is equivalen to the haulocuast in germany as carried out by adulf hitler. my fellow biafrans the cry of our children and parents perished in the war was heard by almighty God and God will still answer us yet.
i realy froud of gen moh,d shuwa as biafra hiros from born state
An hetic historic update….may God help our counrty amen
Dear Mr. Max Siollun, how well could you be appreciated for compiling and making a whole library of Nigerian history available to this generation who incidentally and unfortunately are no longer tutored in Social Studies, History & Civics that could have informed them about their country. Thanks also to technology that has provided a green turf for sharing and learning. Even me, at my age, I’ve discovered, refreshed and learnt more about our history. You are surely great!
I hail u Mr. Max!
Thanks for the kind words Luqman. A lot of work goes into producing and maintaining this site. Glad you appreciate it.
Am a nigerian,and i want 2 knw much abt my country 4rm google.
Dear Max,
I cant thank you enough for your hardwork in bringing together Nigeria’s history, especially military history together in one place. Your Book oil, politics and Violence is the most important book on Nigeria’s Military history. I’m sure posterity will reward you for your hardwork. I hope there are plans for more books in the future.
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it. Yes, there will be a sequel to Oil, Politics and Violence. It is called “Soldiers of Fortune”. You can see its book cover here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.157457414278806&type=2
Wow! What a collection! Thanks for documenting Nigeria’s history and for keeping us all informed. I can imagine the kind of time that went into research for this… Well done!
[…] https://maxsiollun.wordpress.com/nigerian-history-videos/ […]
Where can I buy the two books here in Nigeria
You can buy them from here: http://www.fortunesoldiers.com/where-to-buy/
o badt gaannn!!! nice one there very necessary to have this as achive
nice pieces
Max Siollun wonderful website, I cannot believe after your first book which was very interesting and had a balanced perspective that another book “Soldiers of Fortune” is out and I was not informed, I think you owe me a discount….LOL. On a serious note I will treat myself this coming christmas to a copy. Well done!!!!!
LO. Thanks for your interest in the book Gerard. I will check in with you at Christmas o – to make sure you bought the book! ;-) I also expect a review from you afterwards.
D video is very sad, but dis will teach dos who are shouting we want Biafra today.which means dis nation we don’t want separation,separation is not de solution in dis country thanks.