- As HSN honours Prof Okoro Ijoma
- Eze Eberechukwu Oji conveys Aro Kingdom’s felicitations
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd); Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari; and former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, are among eminent personalities expected to attend the 70th Anniversary and Congress of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), which will also host the 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians.
The acting President of HSN, Professor (Mrs.) Zara Kwaghe, said the congress, scheduled to begin on Monday, October 13, comes under the theme; “70 Years of Resilience: Honouring Nigeria’s Past, Envisioning Its Future.”
She said the event would reflect on the society’s achievements, contributions to scholarship, and role in national development over the past seven decades.
Kwaghe noted that the 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians, to be hosted in Nigeria for the first time, would bring together distinguished historians and scholars from across the continent to exchange ideas and share research findings on the theme.
“The conference is not just a gathering of historians,” she said. “It is a reflection on the work we have done for the past 70 years — our impact on scholarship in Nigeria, our role in advancing historical studies, and our contribution to nation-building.”
She recalled that the Historical Society of Nigeria played a major role in the reinstatement of history in the national school curriculum after it was previously removed.
“Our theme, ‘70 Years of Resilience: Honouring Nigeria’s Past, Envisioning Its Future,’ challenges us to ask: What have we been through? How did we get here? And where are we headed? This conference will provide answers and direction for the future,” she said.
Kwaghe disclosed that the grand opening ceremony would feature the prestigious D.K. Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by Professor Emeritus Baru Zwidi Wodehana from Ethiopia, and chaired by Professor Gambari.
She added that the event would include a series of plenary sessions on key historical and developmental topics and would culminate in a gala and award night on Thursday, October 16, to celebrate excellence and achievement in historical scholarship.
Meanwhile, the HSN has nominated a renowned historian, Emeritus Professor Okoro Ijoma, to be honoured with the prestigious Life Time Award.
Promptly in advance, His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro IX of Arochukwu Kingdom, has conveyed the felicitations of the Royal Palace and the entire people of the kingdom to its respected elder statesmen, for the honour.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Arochukwu Kingdom, I congratulate you and your family as you are bestowed with the prestigious Life Time Award by the Historical Society of Nigeria on Monday, October 13, 2025,” the Arochukwu, Abia State monarch wrote.
“The award is well deserved and is very significant as it comes up during the 70th anniversary and 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians. Your service, dedication and commitment to the growth of the Historical Society of Nigeria had been recognized and finally rewarded.
“You have served with diligence and has impacted knowledge on my people who came under your tutelage at the University of Nigeria and other institutions where you lectured.
“On the home front, Arochukwu Kingdom is proud of your relentless service to her. You remain a rallying point and source of strength and encouragement and inspiration to many Umu Aro. Your dedication to the betterment of Arochukwu Kingdom will forever be cherished and remembered. We remain grateful for all your sacrifices to out kingdom and beyond.
“May the good Lord continue to strengthen you with long life, good health and sound mind,” Eze Aro wrote.
