Historical Society of Nigeria Set to Hold 70th Conference and Anniversary Celebration in Abuja

The Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) has announced plans to commemorate its 70th Anniversary and Annual Conference, which will also feature the 6th Congress of the Association of African Historians, to be hosted in Nigeria for the first time.

Speaking at a pre-conference press briefing in Abuja, the Acting President of the Society, Prof. Zara Kwaghe said the celebration themed “70 Years of Resilience: Honouring Nigeria’s Past, Envisioning Its Future,” would reflect on the Society’s enduring contributions to scholarship, history, and nation-building.

Prof. Kwaghe explained that the week-long event will begin on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, with a grand opening ceremony and the prestigious Dike Memorial Lecture to be delivered by Prof. Emeritus Bahru Zewde Woldehana from Ethiopia.

According to her, the ceremony will be chaired by Prof. Emeritus Ibrahim Gambari, while distinguished guests expected at the event include former Head of State Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Buratai (rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, CON, as well as ambassadors, royal fathers, and top academics from across Africa.

The conference, she added, will feature plenary sessions and presentations exploring critical aspects of Nigeria’s and Africa’s histories, as well as a Gala and Award Night on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to celebrate excellence and achievements in historical scholarship.

Prof. Kwaghe noted that the 70th Anniversary activities began in May with the launch of the Society’s landmark publication titled “Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960–2018,” edited by Professors C.B.N. Ogbogbo, C.C.C. Osakwe, and V.S. Akran, followed by a series of colloquia held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Ibadan.

She called on members of the public and the media to join the Society in celebrating seven decades of dedication to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich history and cultural heritage.

“We invite everyone to be part of this historic milestone as we honour our past and envision a brighter future for historical scholarship in Nigeria and Africa,”Prof. Kwaghe said.

She was joined at the briefing by the former HSN President, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, Secretary General, Prof. Patrick Ukase, Event Manager, Prof. Lemuel Odeh, and other members of the Society.

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