1924 (Jul. 28)
Birth of Scholar and Traditional Ruler, Joseph Chike Edozien
Joseph Chike Edozien (Jul 28th, 1924 - Feb 7th 2024) would go on to be an impactful traditional ruler in Asaba. He would help found the University of Benin. Additionally, Edozien studied in Nssuka, promoted the well deserved reputation of Nigerian universities, and championed equal pay for professors.
1966 (Jul. 29)
Assassination of General and Head of State Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
The assassination of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, born in Ibeku, Umuahia, sent shockwaves through Nigeria, especially in the East. He was a target of the January 1966 coup, and managed to suppress it. His rise to power and failure to punish the Igbo officers involved led to northern suspicion. His death in a July counter-coup deepened ethnic distrust and helped ignite the violence that would soon escalate into civil war.
1997 (Aug. 2)
Musician and activist, Fela Kuti, dies at age 58
Fela Kuti died in 1997, leaving a legacy that deeply influenced Nigerian political thought. His criticism of oppression resonated with Igbo communities affected by post-war marginalization and state neglect. He questioned the confused State of Nigeria where various ethnicities relentlessly fought to dominate each other.
1986 (Jul. 1)
Opening of Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia Which Highlights Igbo Presence In Region
Opened on Jul 1st 1986, the Frontier Culture of Virginia highlights the history of the region. Estimates say about 40% of Virginian slaves were Igbo. At a point, the museum had a full recreation of a traditional Igbo compound, complete with the Obi, houses for wives, and courtyard walls.
1864 (Jul. 3)
Former Slave of Igbo Origin, Archibald Monteath, Dies Aged 72 In Jamaica
On Jul 3rd 1864, Archibald Monteath (b. 1792) dies, aged, 72 in Jamaica. Born in Igboland and named Aniaso, Archibald was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a boy. He was put on a ship and transported to Jamaica, where he would remain for thee rest of his life. He became associated with the Missionary group, Moravians and purchased his freedom on Jun 1st 1837. The Moravian emphasis on keeping memoirs is the reason a detailed account exists of Monteath's life.
1967 (Jul. 6)
Biafra War Begins
In 1967, the Biafran war begins militarily when Federal forces advanced on the secessionist territories as part of a police action
1977 (Jul. 13)
Count Carl Gustaf Ericsson von Rosen, a volunteer Biafran pilot, dies aged 67
Count von Rosen, of Sweden, out of disgust of the treatment of the Igbo, volunteered and supplied aircraft. He was integral in training Biafran pilots and leading the unit, Babies of Biafra. Foremost, he utilized a Canadian system of dropping humanitarian aid that saved the live of many starving Igbos. He was killed while providing support in Ethiopia in 1977.
1994 (Jul. 15)
Imo State's Sam Mbakwe International Airport is Opened
On July 15th 1994, Sam Mbakwe Airport was opened in Imo State. The airport was sponsored by General Sani Abacha and his military leader of the region, James N.J. Aneke. It was named after Sam Mbakwe, Imo's State's first democratic governor - also known as the weeping governor due to his passion for Imo development.
1927 (Jul. 20)
Birth of F. C. Ogbalu, father of modern Igbo language and culture
F. C. Ogbalu’s birth marked the beginning of a life devoted to preserving and standardizing the Igbo language. Through his founding of the Society for Promoting Igbo Language and Culture, he laid the foundation for Igbo literacy, education, and cultural revival in postcolonial Nigeria.