Abuja: The Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary, highlighting seven decades of scholarly contributions to national development and the preservation of Nigeria’s collective memory. The Acting President of the Society, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, announced the celebration during a news conference in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Kwaghe stated that the anniversary celebration would be marked by the Conference of the Association of African Historians, themed ’70 Years of Resilience: Honouring Nigeria’s Past, Envisioning its Future.’ This event underscores the Society’s long-standing role in promoting historical research, education, and national development.
The celebrations commenced in May with the release of a significant publication titled ‘Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018,’ edited by Professors C.B.N. Ogbogbo, C.C. Osakwe, and V.S. Akwen. The event also featured a series of colloquia held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and University of Ibadan, all aimed at enriching the national discourse on Nigeria’s historical progression.
Prof. Kwaghe also revealed that the 70th Congress of HSN would coincide with the 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians, hosted by Nigeria for the first time. This joint congress, scheduled for October 13 to 16 in Abuja, is expected to attract prominent historians and scholars from across Africa.
The opening ceremony will be presided over by Professor Emeritus Ibrahim Gambari, and the esteemed Dike Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Professor Emeritus Baru Zewde Wodajo from Ethiopia. The conference will feature plenary sessions and roundtables to foster critical reflections on the role of history in nation-building and Africa’s socio-political transformation.
Prof. Kwaghe emphasized that the conference would not only celebrate the Society’s achievements but also highlight its contributions to academic scholarship and policy advocacy. This includes its significant role in reinstating history within Nigeria’s school curriculum.
“This conference is not just a gathering of historians; it is a reflection on what we have achieved over the past 70 years and how history continues to shape our nation’s future,” she remarked.
Prof. Kwaghe reiterated the Society’s dedication to preserving Nigeria’s heritage and inspiring future generations through ongoing research and documentation.