25/02/2026
This segment of our series explores the literal and metaphorical tracks that have shaped Nigeria’s identity. From the physical steel of the railway to the royal processions that moved along them, we invite you to board this literary journey.
The Reading List: Three Perspectives on a Nation
1. Behind the City Wall by Munzali Dantata
Before the tracks were laid, there were the walls. Munzali Dantata takes us into the heart of ancient city-states, exploring the heritage and defensive architecture that defined pre-colonial urban life. This reading sets the stage, reminding us of the foundations that existed before the modern "rails" carved their way through the landscape.
2. Queen’s Visit to Nigeria by Gboyega Badejo
A cinematic recount of a pivotal moment in diplomatic history. Badejo captures the pomp, pageantry, and political weight of the 1956 royal tour. This book serves as a vibrant cultural archive, documenting the intersection of British monarchy and Nigerian traditional leadership during a time of immense transition.
3. If the Rails Could Speak by Adebunmi Akinbo
The centerpiece of our theme. Akinbo gives a voice to the silent witness of Nigeria’s industrial and social evolution—the railway. From the labor of those who built the tracks to the stories of the passengers who traveled them, this work explores how the "iron snake" connected disparate cultures and laid the groundwork for a modern economy.
After this event, the readings will be accompanied by an exhibition featuring:
* Archival Photography: Rare glimpses of the 1956 Royal Visit.
* Industrial Art: Installations inspired by railway steel and locomotive engineering.
* Architectural Sketches: Visual renderings of the ancient city walls of the North.
Event Logistics
✓ Host Gallery: Old Running Shed.
✓ Curated Discussion: A moderated panel on "The Impact of Infrastructure on Cultural Identity."
✓ Special Feature: A pop-up bookstore featuring signed copies of the highlighted titles.
The Exhibition is slated for September 27th to October 16, 2026, celebrating a Nation and all in Service before, and after.
"We travel not just through space, but through the stories that built our stations and our Nation." - Dr. Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/13HmWdDwR_6uJSV4vc8GGQ #/registration
