Best Books to Read for Nigeria Independence Day

Recommended Books to Read for Nigeria Independence Day

These are perfect recommended books to pick up this First of October! Recommended Books to Read on Nigeria Independence Day.

Here at Tarbiyah Books Plus, our team had agreed that perhaps what all Nigerians need this October 1st is a breezy, escapist novel.

When we first started work on a list of recommended reads for the October 1st holiday, we naturally thought about books about Nigeria’s history.

Some of these books have topped best-seller lists, and all of them are hard to put down once you start. Here are our favorite history books to commemorate Nigeria Independence Day!.

Best Books to Read for Nigeria Independence Day

What are the best books to get you into the right headspace to celebrate the First of October?

Especially in a year when Nigeria is more polarized than ever, with fierce debates raging over healthcare, the economy and racial and social justice? Biographies of Presidents. Patriotic odes to the spirit of Nigeria. You know what we mean.

Nigerian Independence Day: Here are some books you can read

Oil, Politics and Violence

Oil, Politics and Violence by Max Siollun. Modern Nigeria cannot be understood without reference to its era of military rule.

Military rule and oil wealth effected cataclysmic changes in Nigeria that nearly tore the country apart on several occasions.

40 years after the end of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, Max Siollun answers the key questions that go to the root of the Nigerian nation

Stunted Nigerian Dreams by Eddie Mbadiwe

Stunted Nigerian Dreams: Musings of A Nigerian Academic and Legislator is a book about the myriads of problems confronting the realisation of the Nigerian dream.

It is from the patriotic desire of a Nigerian to see things change for the better. It offers fresh ideas in the way things should be done and gives an insight into ways in which the country can be better.

Nigeria’s Soldiers of Fortune: The Abacha and Obasanjo Years

In the cataclysmic decade that is the focus of this book Nigeria’s Soldiers of Fortune by Max Siollun, Nigeria was subject to several near-death experiences.

These began when the country nearly tore itself apart after the northern-led military government annulled the results of a 1993 presidential election won by the southerner Moshood Abiola, and ended with former military ruler General Olusegun Obasanjo being the unlikely conduit of democracy.

Soldiers of Fortune: A History of Nigeria (1983-1993)

Soldiers of Fortune is a fast-paced and thrilling narrative of the major events of the Buhari and Babangida era.

The book draws on previously uncovered observations from interviews conducted with insiders (including a former member of the Brigade of Guards and Nigerian Airways personnel who witnessed the attempted kidnap of Umaru Dikko), to compile step-by-step dramatic reconstructions of disputed events and intrigues.

Siollun’s fresh perspective challenges preconceived views to reveal the true story behind controversies of the period: the annulment of the June 12 election, the dubious execution of Mamman Vatsa, the foiled kidnapping of Umaru Dikko, the Orkar coup and the inconclusive case of the assassination of Dele Giwa.

Dialogue With My Country By Niyi Osundare

Dialogue with My Country is like a cruel pun on the word ‘dialogue’ because columnists in Nigeria always seemed to be talking to themselves. 

Agbese believes that Osundare’s choice of the book title was meant to be understood as a dialogue of the deaf because though Osundare had been talking for 24 years, nobody has been listening.

Are You Not A Nigerian? By Bayo Olupohunda

‘Are you not a Nigerian?’ is a collection of non-fiction essays on the Nigerian condition, some of them satirical. These essays x-ray the Nigerian condition and highlight the many problems we face as a people.

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This book Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is about a boy from a poor village, goes to work for Odenigbo, a radical university professor.

Soon they are joined by Olanna, a young woman who has abandoned a life of privilege to live with her charismatic lover.

How to Be a Nigerian by Peter Enhaoro

This famous little book How to Be a Nigerian by Peter Enhaoro is one of the funniest to come out of Africa.

First published in 1996, it continues to be in demand. The Nigerian author turns a humorous and ironic eye on his fellow compatriots.

The Trouble with Nigeria by Chinua Achebe

The eminent African novelist and critic, here addresses Nigeria’s problems, aiming to challenge the resignation of Nigerians and inspire them to reject old habits which inhibit Nigeria from becoming a modern and attractive country.

In this famous book now reprinted, he professes that the only trouble with Nigeria is the failure of leadership because with good leaders Nigeria could resolve its inherent problems such as tribalism; lack of patriotism; social injustice, and the cult of mediocrity; indiscipline; and corruption.

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This book Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie talk about when Nigeria is shaken by a military coup, Kambili’s father, involved mysteriously in the political crisis, sends her to live with her aunt.

In this house, she discovers life and love – and a terrible, bruising secret deep within her family. This extraordinary debut novel from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author of “Half of a Yellow Sun

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