Dr. Fabian Anene Ositadimma Udekwu (1928 – 17 November 2006) was born in Anambra, and studied in Onitsha. In the 1950s, he would go on to study at Chicago's Cook County Hospital, becoming Nigeria's first fully certified cardiothoracic surgeon. During Biafra, he was a military surgeon as well as the head of indigenous teaching hospitals.
1937 (Nov. 22)
Birth of Historian Adiele E. Afigbo
Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo, born in Imo State, would go on to become a celebrated historian of Nigerian and Igbo history. He authored works such as Warrant Chiefs, his 1963 on colonial rule and chieftaincy in Igboland, and Ropes of Sand published in 1972 about difficult and controversial issues of precolonial Igbo history.
Upcoming This Month in Igbo History
1884 (Nov. 5)
Abo People Forced to Sign a Treaty With British Consul and National Africa Company
Although a relatively friendly treaty was signed in 1841, tensions soon rose between the Abo and the British. The conflict stemmed from British factories set up in the region and their refusal to pay tolls—the Abo’s traditional source of income. This loss of revenue led the Abo to loot British property. In response, the British marched in troops and razed Abo towns. The treaty ultimately followed a pattern that other Igbo communities would come to recognize.
1930 (Nov. 16)
Prominent author, Chinua Achebe is Born
On 11/16/1930, Chinua Achebe was born in Ogidi, Anambra; He went on be be an iconic novelist and poet.
1904 (Nov. 16)
Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe is Born
On this day, Dr. Azikiwe is born in Zungeru, Niger State; He would go on to become a revolutionary and first black governor general of Nigeria.
2006 (Nov. 17)
Dr. Fabian Anene Ositadimma Udekwu dies, age 78
Dr. Fabian Anene Ositadimma Udekwu (1928 – 17 November 2006) was born in Anambra, and studied in Onitsha. In the 1950s, he would go on to study at Chicago's Cook County Hospital, becoming Nigeria's first fully certified cardiothoracic surgeon. During Biafra, he was a military surgeon as well as the head of indigenous teaching hospitals.
1937 (Nov. 22)
Birth of Historian Adiele E. Afigbo
Adiele Eberechukwu Afigbo, born in Imo State, would go on to become a celebrated historian of Nigerian and Igbo history. He authored works such as Warrant Chiefs, his 1963 on colonial rule and chieftaincy in Igboland, and Ropes of Sand published in 1972 about difficult and controversial issues of precolonial Igbo history.
2011 (Nov. 26)
Biafran General Chukwuemeka Ojukwu dies age 78
Ojukwu’s death rekindled discussions on marginalization and memory in the southeast. He is honored as a courageous, if controversial, figure in Igbo history. The hard work of reconciliation due to his decision and the complexity of the region continues.