Zungeru, a town nestled in Niger State, Nigeria, holds a significant place in the country’s history as the former capital of the British protectorate of Northern Nigeria from 1902 to 1916.
According to local oral history, the town’s name is a corrupted form of the word “Dunguru”, referring to a musical instrument used by the Nupe and Gbagi people.
The British colonialists, upon encountering a Gbagi man playing this instrument in the area, named the settlement Zungeru. Chosen by colonial administrator Frederick Lugard due to its central location, Zungeru underwent a transformation during its time as the administrative center of Northern Nigeria.
The British cleared the forest and established various infrastructure, including a market, military barracks, and a hospital. It was in Zungeru that renowned figures such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first president, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Biafran leader, were born.
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The town’s historical significance is evident in the numerous colonial-era sites that still dot its landscape, including Lord Lugard’s office and residence, the United Mission Church, the railway terminus, and the first military cemetery in Northern Nigeria.
Zungeru was also the site of the 1914 amalgamation ceremony, where the former colonies of Northern and Southern Nigeria were formally united under British rule.
Despite its rich history, Zungeru has fallen into neglect, with many of its historic buildings and monuments crumbling and abandoned. The government-owned Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre, a tribute to Nigeria’s first president, stands in a state of disrepair, while other sites like the executioner’s gallows and the officers’ mess have been left to decay.
Nigeria government have shown no efforts to revive Zungeru and restore its former glory.
Niger State government should rehabilitate the town’s roads, improve its electricity supply, a nd transform its historic sites into tourist attractions.
Niger State government should establish a museum and conference center that will showcase Zungeru’s rich history and its connection to Nigeria’s founding figures.