The Creativity Site

 By Victor Olubiye Once hailed as the longest car in the world, a 30.5-meter-long limousine with 26 wheels, its own swimming pool, a giant waterbed, and even a helicopter landing pad, became a global symbol of extreme engineering — and extreme impracticality. Designed with a hinged middle section to help it bend around corners, this mammoth vehicle was less about transportation and more about showmanship. Navigating regular roads, parking lots, or city streets proved nearly impossible. It wasn’t built for function; it was built for spectacle. While the limousine captured imaginations with its over-the-top features, it eventually faded into obscurity — remembered not as a breakthrough in automotive innovation, but as a rolling reminder that bigger isn’t always better. A luxurious monster with nowhere to go, it remains a fascinating piece of automotive history: proof that just because something can be built doesn’t always mean it should be.

 By Victor Olubiye A world-renowned neurosurgeon gave up part of his high-paying U.S. salary to provide free life-saving surgeries in Africa. Dr. Olawale Sulaiman, a Nigerian-American neurosurgeon,made the inspiring decision to reduce his income in the United States by 25% so he could travel monthly to Nigeria and offer free brain and spinal surgeries to patients who couldn't afford proper care. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Sulaiman moved to Canada on a scholarship and later trained in neurosurgery in the U.S., where he became Chair of Neurosurgery at the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute in Louisiana. Despite his success, he felt a deep responsibility to give back.Since 2010, he has provided medical care to over 500 people in need, many from underserved communities.  Through his non-profit, RNZ Global, he not only performs surgeries, but also trains local doctors, donates advanced medical equipment, and supports the development of neurological care centers across Nigeria. His mis...

 By Victor Olubiye In a field where women were once rarely seen, Deborah Enilo Ajakaiye stood out—not just for her brilliance, but for breaking barriers that had stood for generations. Born on 26 May 1940 in Plateau State, she became Nigeria’s first female physics professor, blazing a trail in a male-dominated discipline and inspiring generations of women in science. Deborah’s academic journey began at the University of Ibadan, where she earned her BSc in Physics. She went on to obtain her MSc from the University of Birmingham and later a PhD in geophysics from Ahmadu Bello University. Her work focused on geovisualisation and the mapping of Nigeria’s mineral resources—vital efforts that supported national development. She made history in the 1980s when she became a professor of physics at the University of Jos. Beyond titles, what defined her was her dedication to education and nation-building. She later became the Dean of Natural Sciences, one of the few women to hold such a post ...

 By Victor Olubiye Roger Cotes (1682 - 1716) was an English mathematician. He his most well-known for editing the second edition of Newton's Principia Mathematica, but he also made several significant advances in analysis, including logarithms, integral calculus, and numerical interpolation. Cotes was born on this day (July 10) in 1682. Roger Cotes' mother was Grace Farmer, who came from Barwell in Leicestershire, and his father was Robert Cotes who was the rector of Burbage. Roger had a brother Anthony one year older than himself, and a sister Susanna who was one year younger. He attended Leicester School and by the age of twelve his teachers had already realised that he had an exceptional mathematical talent. His uncle, the Reverend John Smith, was keen to give Roger every chance to develop these talents and so Roger went to live with him so that he might be personally tutored. Roger later attended the famous St Paul's School in London, but he continued to be advised by h...

 By Victor Olubiye He ran for the office of governor of Adamawa State in 1990 and 1996 unsuccessfully, but won in 1998. Before he was sworn in, he was selected as running mate to former military leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, during the 1999 presidential election and was re-elected in 2003. Atiku Abubakar ran unsuccessfully for President of Nigeria six times, in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. He ran in the Social Democratic Party presidential primaries in 1993, but lost to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe. He was a presidential candidate of the Action Congress in the 2007 presidential election coming in third to Umaru Yar'Adua of the PDP and Muhammadu Buhari of the ANPP. He contested the presidential primaries of the People's Democratic Party during the 2011 presidential election losing out to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2014, he joined the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2015 presidential election and contested the presidential primaries losing to...

 By Victor Olubiye General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha were two of the most influential military figures in Nigeria's history. Both men were commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1963 and steadily rose through the ranks. Together, they played decisive roles in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape from the 1980s through the 1990s. Though they were close allies in several military coups, their relationship was never founded on absolute trust. Beneath the surface of cooperation lay a careful balance of ambition, strategic calculation, and mutual suspicion. Their collaboration gained national prominence during the December 1983 coup that toppled President Shehu Shagari and ended Nigeria’s Second Republic. Two years later, in August 1985, they worked together again to remove General Muhammadu Buhari. Their alliance was strategic: Babangida served as the political mastermind, while Abacha operated as the military enforcer. Once in power, Babangida appointed Abacha to seve...

 By Victor Olubiye On July 10th, the world remembers the birth of inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) A key figure in the history of science, Tesla made remarkable contributions to the development of alternating current (AC), wireless communication, and electrical innovation. He was known for his incredible imagination and unique approach to invention. It’s said that he could mentally design devices before physically building them. According to various accounts, Tesla slept very little and was fluent in several languages.His routines and lifestyle have fascinated researchers and admirers around the globe. In his later years, he lived quietly in New York City, where he showed deep affection for pigeons and continued to work on scientific ideas until his final days.

 By Victor Olubiye 1.Ancient City with Over 2,000 Years of History Kano is one of the oldest inhabited cities in West Africa, with human settlement tracing back over 2,000 years. The Kano Kingdom formally began in 999 AD under King Dawud Bagauda, the founding ancestor of the Hausa Sarauta (royalty) in Kano. 2.Home of the Great Kano City Wall (Ganuwar Kano ) Built between the 11th to 14th centuries, the building started during the reign of King Gijimasu, the Kano City Wall was among the largest city walls in sub-Saharan Africa, built for defense and prestige — a symbol of Kano’s power and urban advancement. 3.Center of Islamic Scholarship Kano has been a major hub for Islamic learning and scholarship since the 14th century, attracting scholars, clerics, and students from across the Sahel, Maghreb, and West Africa. 4.Renowned for Dyeing and Textile Production The ancient Kofar Mata dye pits, some of the oldest active dye pits in the world, are famous for their deep indigo textiles, a...

 By Victor Olubiye The man in this picture is Amos Stanley Wynter Shackleford, shortly known as Amos Shackleford (AKA The Bread King of Lagos). He was born in 1887 in Jamaica. In his early 20s, he relocated to Nigeria where he worked as a railway officer In 1913. However, in 1921, Shackleford and his wife, Catherine, had an idea, to begin bread production in the country. In those days bread was not a popular food in the region known today as Nigeria. The available ones were imported bread from the West Indies. Amos' idea led to the establishment of the first bread factory in Nigeria at Agege, Lagos State. The quality of the bread and texture (dough) was different from the imported ones. Thenceforth, people referred to any bread of such texture as Agege Bread even to this day. After his retirement in 1950, Shackleford built a house in Lagos but he wouldn't live in that house as he returned to Jamaica where he died four years later in 1954 at the age of 67.  Even though his name...

 By Victor Olubiye THE ONLY SUSPENDED LAKE IN AFRICA CONTINENT IS LOCATED IN YORÙBÁ LAND, IYAKE LAKE, ADO-AWAYE, OYO STATE, NIGERIA. Ado-Awaye is a town in Oyo State, Nigeria. It is popular for it’s hill (Oke Ado), upon which is a lake (Iyake). It is one of only two suspended lakes on top of a mountain in the whole World. The lake is believed to be bottomless and no one enters it and survives.  History has it that beneath the lake lies another world, a parallel existence ruled over by a goddess of fertility who lives inside the lake. It’s rumored that if one puts their foot in the hole near the lake known as Agbómofúnyàké (Yoruba for “collects child and gives to iyake”) when it’s filled with water, the person will be dragged to the bottom.  The IYAKE Lake Intriguing History Behind it: It’s name, Iyake (Yoruba) means “Woman cry.”  It is said by the locals that, a barren woman from Ota, Ogun State, migrated to Oyó during the ancient Oyó Empire. She was loved by many bu...

 By Victor Olubiye Over 39 years ago, the notorious bandit who terrorised Benin City and old Bendel State in the 80s, Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini A.K.A. "Ovbigbo" or "the Law" and some members of his gang were executed by firing squad after being convicted by the defunct Bendel Armed Robbery and Firearms Tribunal presided over by Justice James Omo-Agege      Anini was born in a village about 20 miles from Benin City in present-day Edo State. He migrated to Benin at an early age, learned to drive and became a skilled taxi driver. Anini became known in Benin motor parks as a man who could control the varied competing interests among motor park touts and operators. He later dived into the criminal business in the city and soon became a driver and transporter for gangs, criminal godfathers and thieves. Later on, he decided to create his own gang which included, Monday Osunbor, Friday Ofege, Smallie, Henry Ekponwan, Eweka and Zed Zed or Zegezege who was never captured. T...

 By Victor Olubiye 1. 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, as part of Ibadan’s unique rotational chieftaincy system—a method that ensures a peaceful transition of power . 2. Lived to 90 Born July 5, 1935, he lived through both colonial and independent Nigeria—passing just two days after his 90th birthday and less than a year into his reign . 3. Brief but Symbolic Reign Though his time as monarch was under a year—and impeded by health struggles—it proved deeply meaningful. His presence was viewed as a unifying force for Ibadan residents . 4. Rose Through the Civil Line Before ascending as Olubadan, he diligently climbed the ranks of Ibadan's chieftaincy hierarchy—from Mogaji to Balogun—through years of community service and loyalty . 5. Military and Political Career Commissioned via direct short service in 1970, Olakulehin rose to Major in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers before retiring in 1979. He later founded enterprises in pri...

 By Victor Olubiye Madam Saje, whose real name is Fausat Balogun, is one of the most respected veteran actresses in the Yoruba movie industry. She was born on February 13, 1959, in Ifelodun area of Lagos State, but she is originally from Oke Ode in Kwara State. Her passion for acting began at a young age when she used to follow theatre groups and watch stage plays in her neighborhood. Her journey into acting started in the early 1970s when she joined a theatre group led by the legendary Rafiu Balogun. She trained under him, learning the art of traditional stage performance, script delivery, and discipline. It was in this group she earned her first acting role and began gaining recognition. Her big break came in 1990 when she played the role of “Madam Saje” in the popular TV series Erin Kee Kee. The name stuck with her and became her stage name, which many people still call her today. Fausat Balogun is known for playing the role of a mother in many Yoruba movies, often portraying wi...

 By Victor Olubiye The Nigerian football community is in mourning after the death of legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai, popularly known as “Dodo Mayana.” The former Super Eagles’ first-choice shot-stopper passed away in Lagos on Thursday morning at the age of 61, following a prolonged illness . Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the passing, tweeting: “Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion…”   A Storied Career Domestically and Abroad Born on August 24, 1963, in Lagos, Rufai rose to national prominence at Stationery Stores before a two-decade professional career spanning clubs in Belgium (Lokeren, Beveren), the Netherlands (Go Ahead Eagles), Portugal (Farense, Gil Vicente), and Spain (Hércules, Deportivo La Coruña) . He earned 65 caps with Nigeria and served as the nation’s starting goalkeeper during their victorious 1994 Africa Cup of Nat...

 By Victor Olubiye Michael Babatunde Olatunji was a groundbreaking Nigerian percussionist who played a vital role in bringing African music to the global stage.  Born in Ajido, near Badagry in Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1927, Olatunji moved to the United States in 1950 after receiving a Rotary International scholarship to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He later continued his studies at New York University. In 1959, Olatunji released his debut album, Drums of Passion, under Columbia Records. This album was revolutionary—it was one of the first to introduce traditional African drumming and rhythms to Western audiences in a commercially successful format. It blended Yoruba chants with complex polyrhythms and quickly became a sensation, selling over five million copies. The album’s opening track, "Jin-go-lo-ba," became especially popular and was later covered by several artists, most notably by Latin rock legend Carlos Santana, who reimagined it as “Jingo” on his 196...

 By Victor Olubiye Professor Adenike Oyinlola Osofisan stands as a towering figure in the world of technology and academia, having made groundbreaking strides as a pioneer for women in Computer Science in Nigeria and across Africa. Her career is marked by a series of historic firsts and an unwavering commitment to education, research, and the advancement of information technology. In 1989, Professor Osofisan made history as the first Nigerian woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science, breaking through a field traditionally dominated by men. This monumental achievement not only cemented her place in the annals of Nigerian academia but also inspired a new generation of women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Her pioneering path did not stop there. In 2006, she again made headlines by becoming the first woman in Africa to attain the rank of Professor in Computer Science. This achievement was not just a personal victory but a continental mil...

 By Victor Olubiye Philip Emeagwali’s journey from war-torn Nigeria to global recognition is a testament to intellectual resilience and innovation in the face of adversity. Born on August 23, 1954, in Akure, southwestern Nigeria, and raised in Onitsha, Emeagwali's early years were marked by the Nigerian Civil War—a conflict that interrupted his formal education and reshaped the trajectory of his life. Yet, from these challenging beginnings emerged one of the most notable contributors to the advancement of high-performance computing. Forced to drop out of school at age 14 due to financial constraints, Emeagwali turned to public libraries, nurturing a deep interest in mathematics and science. His self-directed education laid the groundwork for his academic and technological achievements. He eventually left Nigeria and pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Oregon State University in 1977. He went on to complete master’s degree...

 By Victor Olubiye Charles Olumo, popularly known by his stage name Agbako, was a towering presence in Nigeria’s Yoruba film landscape, remembered for a career that spanned over six decades and shaped generations of performers. Born Abdulsalam Sanyaolu in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 1923, Olumo became one of the most iconic figures in indigenous Nigerian cinema, renowned for his gripping portrayal of villains and comic characters. Rising to prominence during the golden era of Yoruba traveling theatre, Olumo's acting journey began long before the emergence of Nollywood. His performances were marked by a fierce intensity and captivating screen presence that earned him the moniker Agbako—a Yoruba term connoting disaster or calamity—aptly reflecting the fearsome roles he frequently embodied. Yet, in contrast to his on-screen personas, he was known off-screen as warm, humorous, and deeply respected. As the Yoruba theatre tradition evolved into television drama and later into the booming ho...

 By Victor Olubiye Kambolé (also called Camboli or Kaboli) is a historic town in Tchamba Prefecture, about 90 km east of Sokodé in central Togo. With a population of around 50,000, it is known today as a key trading hub for nearby farming communities. The people speak Ede Nago, a dialect of the Manigri-Kambolé variety. The origins of Kambolé trace back to between the 14th and 17th centuries when a renowned hunter from Ilé-Ifẹ̀, known as Ọ̀dẹ Amọn, left Nigeria in search of safer lands due to unrest back home. A direct descendant of Odùduwà, Ọ̀dẹ Amọn’s name means "the famous or well-known hunter" in Yoruba. His journey took him through places like Idjiho in Nigeria, Savè and Igbomakoh in what is now Benin Republic, moving alongside the Ouémé River. He and his companions eventually settled temporarily in Katankou. One day during a hunting expedition in the forests of Katankou, he discovered a beautiful clearing and named it Òkè Gengele ("Hill" in Yoruba). Venturing f...

 By Victor Olubiye The Original name of Osapa London was "Osà palóló", meaning "The Lagoon Is Calm." People often call it Osapa Village before it was Jokingly changed to Osapa London. The story, however, would have been incomplete without making reference to the tussle over ownership of the land which was eventually awarded in favour of Late Chief Gbadamosi Eletu-Odibo clan as against the Ojomo Chieftaincy Family. It is said that one of the main reasons the Eletu Odibo family annually celebrates Osapa Day, aside being the date they won their land case that consequently turned the entire family into overnight billionaires, is that it is a subtle signal indicating that they deserve to have a king that would rule over them. Originally, the annual festival should have been christened "Ojude Oba" as been done in the ljebu Ode, but they have no crowned king yet. According to Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo, a scion of the Odibo clan, his grandfather used to stay in It...

 By Victor Olubiye Harriet Jacobs was born into slavery in Edenton, North Carolina, in 1813. For the first few years of her life, she didn’t even know she was enslaved. Her enslaver allowed her to live somewhat freely. But after he died, she was given to a new master — a cruel man who sexually harassed her from the time she was a teenager. To escape his abuse, Harriet entered into a relationship with another white man, hoping for protection. She had two children by him. But even that did not stop her enslaver’s threats. So, Harriet made a heartbreaking decision: she ran away, leaving her children behind — not forever, but to find a way to secure their freedom. But Harriet didn’t run far. She went into hiding in the attic of her grandmother’s home, where she lived for seven years. The crawl space was only 9 feet long and 3 feet high. She could not stand up or move much. She lived in near silence, watching her children grow through tiny cracks in the wall. Eventually, with the help o...

 By Victor Olubiye Niyi Osundare is a Nigerian poet, dramatist, linguist, and literary critic. Born on 12 March 1947, in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria, his poetry is influenced by the oral poetry of his Yoruba culture, which he hybridizes with other poetic traditions of the world, including African-American, Latin American, Asian, and European. Osundare gained degrees in English at the University of Ibadan (BA), the University of Leeds (MA), and York University, Canada (PhD, 1979). Previously professor (from 1989) and Head of English (1993–97) at the University of Ibadan, he became professor of English at the University of New Orleans in 1997. Osundare has a wife, Kemi, and three children. In 1997, he accepted a teaching and research post at the University of New Orleans. In 2005 Osundare was caught in Hurricane Katrina, and he and his wife were stuck in their attic for 26 hours. Their neighbour, who at the time was driving by in his boat, heard their shouts for help. They were rescued and ...

 By Victor Olubiye In the quiet town of Ikare in present-day Ondo State, a child was born in 1879 to the family of Tunolase, a respected herbalist and spiritualist. That child, Moses Orimolade Tunolase, would later become one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s religious history—the founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, and a trailblazer of indigenous African Christianity. Stories about his birth are wrapped in mystery and legend. Some say he spoke shortly after birth, others claim he walked within days. While these accounts are not recorded in formal documents, they reflect how the people around him saw his life—as nothing short of miraculous. What is well established, however, is that Orimolade was partially disabled, possibly from birth or early childhood, and moved with difficulty all his life. Yet despite his physical limitations, he would travel extensively across Nigeria, preaching a gospel of holiness, healing, and prophetic revival. He began his ministry as...

 By Victor Olubiye The longest walkable road in the world stretches over an incredible 14,000 miles and has never been fully completed. This epic route begins in Cape Town, South Africa, and ends in Magadan, Russia, traversing diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures. It’s a journey that would take approximately three years to walk, assuming a steady pace of 12-15 miles per day. Along the way, travelers would pass through an array of destinations, each offering unique challenges and experiences: - Cape Town, South Africa: The starting point, known for its stunning coastline, Table Mountain, and vibrant cultural heritage.   - Botswana: Vast savannahs and wildlife reserves, offering a taste of Africa's natural beauty.   - Zambia: Home to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world.   - Sudan: Featuring ancient archaeological sites and vast desert landscapes.   - Jordan: A land of historical treasures, ...

 By Victor Olubiye Born on May 29, 1905, in Abeokuta, Olufela Obafunmilayo Sowande grew into one of the most influential African composers of the 20th century. Trained in both African and European musical traditions, Sowande masterfully fused Yoruba folk melodies, Christian hymns, and Western classical music into rich, original compositions that earned him international acclaim. Educated at the University of London, Sowande became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and worked as an organist in several London churches. He also performed as a jazz musician to support himself during school, playing with notable bands in the UK during the 1930s. In 1944, he composed his most recognized piece, the African Suite for string orchestra, broadcast by the BBC. It showcased African themes in a Western orchestral setting, helping to define a new genre known as African art music. Other major works include Folk Symphony (1960), Six Sketches, and various pieces for organ, like Yoruba Lamen...

 By Victor Olubiye Prof. Zaynab Alkali, born in Borno on February 3, 1950, is the first female novelist from Northern Nigeria. A graduate of Bayero University, she holds a PhD in African Literature.   She taught at major institutions including the University of Maiduguri and Nasarawa State University, where she became Dean of Arts.   Married to Prof. Muhammad Nur Alkali, she is a mother of six and author of books like The Stillborn and The Virtuous Woman.   She won the ANA Literary Prize in 1985 and remains a literary pioneer in Nigeria.

 By Victor Olubiye Nkemdilim “Mary” Onyali-Omagbemi (née Onyali, born 3 February 1968) is a Nigerian former sprinter, she was a 5x Olympian 1988 - 2004. She had won the bronze medal in the 4 × 100 m relay at the 1992 Olympic Games and in the 200 m at the 1996 Olympic Games. She also won the 1994 Commonwealth Games 100 metres title. Onyali-Omagbemi performed especially well in the All-Africa Games, winning a total of 7 individual medals in the short sprints. She won 100 m in 1991, 1995 and 2003 and took a bronze medal in 1987. Gold medals in 200 m were taken in 1987, 1995 and 2003. Furthermore, the Nigerian 4 × 100 m relay team won all races between 1987 and 2003, at the African Games. Born Mary Onyali, by the time of the 2000 Olympics she was known as Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, having married fellow Nigerian sprinter Victor Omagbemi. Competing for the Texas Southern Tigers track and field program, she won an NCAA title in the 200 metres. Her consecutive Olympic appearances from 1988 to ...