Free Speech Movement Day: A Reflection

The Free Speech Movement, born 61 years ago this week at the University of California-Berkeley, symbolised a student-led struggle against state repression.

he was known to many as ‘The Prophet.’ Find out why his legacy matters by swiping through these slides.

Nat Turner was one of the most significant figures in the struggle against US slavery. Born on a Virginia plantation on 2 October 1800 and executed on 11 November 1831 after leading the most sustained slave revolt in US history,

Did you know that Guinea was the only French colony in the mid-20th century to contest continued French control?

This week, Guinea is celebrating 67 years of independence from French colonial rule, which officially ended on 2 October 1958.

Malema Defiant After Gun Conviction

“Going to prison or death is a badge of honour.” This was Malema’s rallying call. Unfazed by a conviction on October 1 in South Africa for possession and discharge of a firearm in public during a 2018 rally celebrating his party’s fifth anniversary.

Still, Nigerians themselves thrive globally. Afrobeats and Nollywood are recognised worldwide as Nigerian contributions, while students, writers, and prize winners showcase the country’s brilliance.

The diaspora excels educationally and sends billions of dollars home in remittances.

Meanwhile, maternal deaths are the highest in the world, millions of children lack schooling, and electricity and food insecurity remain daily struggles. Instead of liberation, Nigerians face state failures due to imperialist control and elite complicity.

Poverty affects over 70 million citizens, corruption has drained trillions of dollars, and International Monetary Fund-backed policies erode sovereignty.

The state even backed intervention in Niger at the behest of the West.

Should Nigeria celebrate “independence” or should Nigerians celebrate themselves? Nigeria gained independence on this day in 1960, but six decades later, the promise of sociopolitical and economic freedom remains unfulfilled.

Rest in Power, Assata Shakur

Many worldwide have been mourning exiled political activist Assata Shakur (1947-2025), who passed away on 25 September 2025 in Havana, Cuba.

TREVOR NOAH CELEBRATES NIGERIANS

Today, Nigeria marks 65 years of independence from British colonial rule, which officially ended on 1 October 1960.

However, negative stereotypes about Nigerians have spread globally, becoming fodder for comedy and social media content.