Benin History & Research Centre in Diaspora

Abedoc award night in Toronto -  I received Abedoc award in 2019; a few days after we came back from Nigeria. 

The book,  A Journey in Service, is a long-awaited autobiography of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria’s former military president, who ruled from 1985 to 1993. The book, launched on February 20, 2025, offers a detailed account of Babangida’s personal and professional life, including his military career, leadership experiences, policy decisions, and the challenges he faced while governing Nigeria. One of the most significant revelations in the book is Babangida’s acknowledgment that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election. He describes the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his career, explaining that it was made in response to national security concerns. This admission is crucial because the annulment remains one of the most controversial political events in Nigeria’s history, having led to prolonged political instability and eventually the transition to civilian rule in 1999. The book also explores the econom...

 The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) has reminded members of the public to desist from “Okuku,” hairdo, which is reserved for wives of the Oba of Benin alone. The Osuma of Benin, Chief Norense Ozigbo-Esere, reiterated this at a media briefing at the Oba of Benin’s palace on Thursday. The council emphasised that Okuku hairdo was strictly reserved for the Oba’s wives (Queens) and not for the public. According to Chief Ozigbo-Esere, the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, directed that the public be enlightened on the Okuku ban following appeals from the kingdom’s sons and daughters in diaspora seeking clarification. According to him, the different aspects of Okuku hold significant religious and cultural value, which cannot be explained to those unfamiliar with the tradition. While displaying photographs of Okukus,’ he said: “The different aspects you see of Okuku are of religious and cultural significance which cannot be explained to the uninitiated.” He also reiterated the ban on the public us...

Nigerian Canadian Multicultural Centre was invited by Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities of Canada, to celebrate the annual Black History Month event in the National Capital (Ottawa) with the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau on February 5th, 2025! This year's celebration was a part of Canada's effort to recognize the history and contribution of Black people in the development of Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the names of some prominent Black Canadians, including Hon. Jean Augustine, and their unwavering commitment to the growth of Canada. It was an honour to celebrate this year's program with the government and other dedicated Blacks in Ottawa, Canada ~~~ Nekpen Obasogie

The Benin City Pilgrimage Stations is an encyclopedia of Benin history! It is available on Amazon, place your order now at  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRPP4Q1S?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_TAK0GZC33MDK32PRHWCJ&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_TAK0GZC33MDK32PRHWCJ&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_mwn_dp_TAK0GZC33MDK32PRHWCJ&language=en_US&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1