Don Quizo & Gold

22/10/2025

Today in History: The Assassination of Thomas Sankara (October 15, 1987)

On October 15, 1987, the revolutionary President of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara, was brutally assassinated by Blaise Compaoré and his men. Sankara was only 37 years old when he was killed, but his ideas and legacy would go on to outlive his assassins.

Sankara’s death did not come as a surprise to him. He had long suspected that his once-trusted comrade, Blaise Compaoré, was plotting against him. Compaoré had begun to skip cabinet meetings, and Sankara’s intelligence sources confirmed his growing disloyalty. From the very beginning, Compaoré had coveted power. When a coup led by Compaoré overthrew President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo in 1983, it was his fellow soldiers who chose Sankara to lead the new government, not Sankara himself, who never sought the presidency.

Before this, Sankara had already shown promise as a young leader. He served as Minister of Information under Prime Minister Saye Zerbo from 1981 to 1982, and later as Prime Minister under President Ouédraogo in January 1983. During his short tenure, Sankara’s charisma and connection with the youth made him immensely popular. But in May 1983, he was dismissed and placed under house arrest, sparking massive youth protests across the country.

On August 4, 1983, Sankara rose to power through a coup organized by his comrades in the army. His administration called itself “The Revolution.” Determined to free Burkina Faso from imperialism and neo-colonial control, Sankara’s government pursued radical reforms in education, agriculture, women’s rights, and national self-reliance. Yet, these same ideals soon created friction within his ranks.

By 1985, internal disagreements had reached a breaking point. Many of his comrades, including Compaoré, had grown tired of Sankara’s austere, anti-luxury lifestyle. While Sankara preached simplicity, even urging ministers to ride bicycles, Compaoré began promising his colleagues a “luxurious revolution,” one that included the Mercedes cars Sankara had banned.

Three months before his death, Sankara received a detailed intelligence brief outlining how he would be killed. Instead of panicking, he gathered a few trusted friends for a quiet guitar session, his favorite pastime, and calmly told them he was ready to die for the revolution.

In the days leading to his assassination, Sankara continued his work as if nothing was amiss.

On October 8, he inaugurated Che Guevara Road in Ouagadougou, alongside Camilo Guevara, Che’s son.

On October 10, he hosted the first anti-apartheid Pan-African summit, welcoming 29 countries and 40 civil society organizations.

From October 11 to 14, he chaired a series of ministerial meetings that Compaoré deliberately avoided.

Then came Thursday, October 15, 1987. Around 3 p.m., Sankara left his office to join his comrades at their usual sports ground, Thursday afternoons were set aside for exercise across Burkina Faso, an initiative he had introduced himself. By 4:30 p.m., armed men loyal to Compaoré stormed the grounds and opened fire.

Showing his characteristic courage, Sankara told his comrades to stay put and walked toward the attackers, shouting, “Take me, I am the one you need.” The gunmen showed no mercy. Sankara and 13 of his companions were gunned down instantly.

For two days, Burkina Faso was frozen in shock and silence. Then, on October 17, Blaise Compaoré appeared on national television, justifying the murder by claiming it was “either him or Sankara,” and promptly declared himself President of Burkina Faso.

But the revolution did not die that day.
Thomas Sankara’s spirit lives on, in every struggle for justice, in every fight against corruption, and in every young African who dreams of a better future.

Rest in power, Captain Thomas Sankara. The people you served have not forgotten you.

14/10/2025

On Sept. 3, 1958, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. walked to the courthouse in Montgomery, Alabama. He was standing by his friend Rev. Ralph David Abernathy, and wanted to show support for a man he respected. When he reached the courthouse door, two policemen stopped him and refused to let him enter.

Dr. King stayed calm. He told them he would wait outside instead. But even standing quietly in peace was not allowed. The officers twisted his arms behind his back and forced him down the street to the police station. They charged him with "loitering," even though he had done nothing illegal. He was simply waiting.

That arrest became another moment that showed the world the strength of Dr. King's heart. He taught that true power is found in peace, even in the face of injustice. In a 1965 sermon in Selma, Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." He often spoke about nonviolence in his speeches and sermons. His words still echo today, and they remind all of us that lasting change begins with courage, patience, and peace.

14/10/2025

14/10/2025

President Bokassa in Uganda: When Power Met Power 🇺🇬 — 1970s

The 1970s in Africa were an age of political turbulence and flamboyant leadership, where newly independent nations sought to assert their sovereignty under the often heavy hand of military rulers. In this landscape rose two of the continent’s most controversial figures, Jean-Bédel Bokassa of the Central African Republic and Idi Amin Dada of Uganda.

When President Bokassa visited Uganda, the world watched with curiosity. Both men had seized power through military coups, Amin in 1971, Bokassa five years earlier in 1966 and both cultivated images of might and grandeur. In Kampala, General Amin spared no expense in welcoming his guest. Streets were lined with flags, soldiers marched in perfect synchrony and musicians filled the air with Ugandan rhythms. For a few days, Uganda became the stage on which two of Africa’s strongest personalities celebrated their friendship, each recognizing in the other a mirror of ambition and authority.

Jean-Bédel Bokassa, once a decorated officer in the French colonial army, had taken power from his cousin, President David Dacko, promising reform and national pride. But his rule soon descended into absolute control. Obsessed with prestige, Bokassa styled himself “President for Life” before crowning himself Emperor of the Central African Empire in a ceremony of almost mythical extravagance in 1977, complete with golden thrones, diamond-studded crowns, and a coronation modeled after Napoleon’s. The lavish spectacle cost tens of millions of dollars, an enormous sum for one of the world’s poorest nations and drew global outrage.

Bokassa’s regime became increasingly brutal. He crushed dissent, ruled through fear and was accused of horrific acts, including the massacre of schoolchildren protesting against compulsory uniforms. By 1979, France, his onetime ally had lost patience. In a covert operation known as “Operation Barracuda,” French paratroopers helped reinstate his deposed cousin Dacko while Bokassa was abroad. Thus ended his empire and his dream of grandeur.

Exiled and later imprisoned, Bokassa’s life became a tragic symbol of post-colonial excess, the story of a man who sought to turn a small nation into a personal kingdom but lost both power and honor in the process. His friendship with Amin, another ruler who would soon fall from power, reflected the fragile nature of African autocracy in that era, powerful men who rose quickly, ruled absolutely and fell dramatically.

Yet, images from that visit to Uganda in the 1970s remain a powerful reminder of a time when Africa’s leaders stood tall in self made glory, proud, feared and ultimately undone by the same power they so fiercely held.

21/08/2025

I held great admiration for Judge Frank Caprio, a man whose life and work reflected true humanity, kindness and compassion. His legacy of fairness and empathy will be remembered for generations. May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.

24/07/2025

Meet Nigeria Match Winner against SA.

Her name is Michelle Alozie, a Nigerian female footballer and medical practitioner.

She scored Nigeria’s winning goal against the South Africa’s side in today's WAFCON Semi-final match. The Nigeria side are now through to the Finals.

23/07/2025

Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini: The Terror Of Bendel State Now Edo State Delta State Nigeria

In the mid-1980s, the name Lawrence Nomanyagbon Anini sent shivers down the spines of Nigerians, especially those in the former Bendel State (now split into Edo and Delta States). A man of fearsome reputation, Anini was not just an armed robber, he became a symbol of lawlessness, corruption, and the failure of justice in Nigeria. His rise and fall are among the most shocking chapters in Nigerian criminal history.

Born in the early 1960s in Benin City, Anini grew up in an era of political uncertainty and economic hardship. Not much is publicly known about his family background, but sources suggest that Anini was exposed to crime at a young age. Starting off as a driver and transport operator, he quickly became familiar with the inner workings of the criminal underworld.

By the early 1980s, Anini had moved from petty theft to armed robbery, and before long, he assembled a gang of highly dangerous men. Among them was Monday Osunbor, a loyal lieutenant with a similarly ruthless reputation, Friday Ofege, Smallie ,Henry Ekponwan, Eweka and Alhaji Zed Zed or Zegezege. Together, they formed a network of robbers who operated with military-style precision and brutality.

The gang specialized in bank robberies, highway ambushes, and attacks on police stations. Their operations were mostly concentrated in Bendel State, but their influence soon spread to other parts of southern Nigeria.

What made Anini's gang particularly terrifying was not just their success in looting but their boldness.

They often struck during the day, sometimes within walking distance of police stations. They set up roadblocks disguised as military checkpoints and they weren’t afraid to kill police officers on duty.

Over time, their crimes escalated in violence and frequency, with reports of mass shootings, bank heists, and hostage takings becoming a near-weekly affair.

The public was horrified. Fear gripped entire communities. People stopped traveling at night. Businesses shortened hours. The name “Anini” became a whispered warning.

Months passed and Anini continued to evade capture. Stories about him turned mythical. Rumors spread that he could disappear into thin air, turn into animals, or that he wore charms that made him bulletproof. Some even claimed he could walk through walls.

But behind the legend was a darker truth — Anini was not a ghost. He was being protected.

It was later discovered that Anini had deep ties to the Nigerian Police Force. At the center of this betrayal was Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) George Iyamu, a high-ranking officer in the Bendel State Police Command. Iyamu not only leaked information to the gang, but also supplied them with arms, helped plan their escape routes, and warned them of upcoming police raids.

This police protection allowed Anini to stay one step ahead of law enforcement, feeding the illusion of supernatural power and deepening public frustration. How could one gang operate so freely under the nose of the Nigerian state?

By late 1986, the situation had become a national embarrassment. Newspapers carried reports of Anini’s crimes almost daily. Editorials questioned the competence of the police. The fear among civilians grew so intense that even public confidence in government began to erode.

The tipping point came when General Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s military head of state at the time, publicly demanded answers. In a now-famous moment, Babangida asked the Inspector General of Police:

“My friend, where is Anini?”

That question marked a turning point.

On December 3, 1986, Anini’s luck ran out. Acting on intelligence from local informants, a special police unit led by Superintendent Kayode Uanreroro raided a house in Benin City. Inside, they found Lawrence Anini, reportedly lying on a bed with his girlfriend.

In the chaos of the raid, Anini was shot in the leg, a wound so severe that doctors later had to amputate the limb. He was finally captured alive, to the relief of a traumatized nation.

While in custody, Anini confessed to his crimes, but what shocked the country most was his exposé on police corruption. He named officers who had supported him, including DSP George Iyamu. His revelations confirmed what many Nigerians had feared: that the criminal network wasn’t just on the streets, it was inside the very institutions meant to protect the people.

The fallout was immediate. DSP Iyamu was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. Several others were dismissed or demoted. The Anini saga sparked reforms in the Nigerian police and led to greater scrutiny of corruption within law enforcement.

Anini’s trial was swift and public. Alongside members of his gang including Osunbor and Iyamu, Anini was found guilty of multiple counts of armed robbery and murder. On March 29, 1987, they were all executed by firing squad at Oko Prison, Benin city.

The ex*****on was televised, serving as both justice and a warning.

For many Nigerians, Anini’s ex*****on marked an end to a dark and terrifying chapter but the scars he left behind especially the deep distrust in law enforcement and the justice system did not end .

Today, Lawrence Anini is remembered not merely as a criminal, but as a symbol of what can happen when crime, corruption, and government failure collide. His story remains one of the most notorious episodes in Nigeria’s history.

Nearly 40 years after his fall, Lawrence Anini’s name still echoes across Nigeria, a chilling reminder of a time when fear ruled the streets, and trust in the system was all but broken.

23/07/2025

Government College Umuahia: The Eton of the East that Shaped Nigeria’s Intelligentsia
Set amidst the rolling fields of Umudike, Government College Umuahia was founded by the Reverend Robert Fisher on January 29, 1929. Initially conceived as a teacher-training institute, by 1930 it was transformed into a British-model secondary school designed to groom future leaders across Nigeria and the Southern Cameroons. Fisher had acquired the land two years earlier and crafted the school in the mold of elite institutions like Eton and Harrow.

Within its gates lay not just classrooms, but a botanical garden, an art gallery curated by Kenneth C. Murray, sports fields with tennis courts and a golf course, and laboratories built for science education unheard of at the time. The school produced top examiners for the Cambridge School Certificate and consistently placed its students among the best in the fledgling University College Ibadan.

GCU earned a reputation as a breeding ground for Nigeria’s literary and professional elite. Its alumni roster includes Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, Elechi Amadi, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Chukwuemeka Ike, and Professor Bede Okigbo, among others—men whose writings, governance, and scientific achievements shaped postcolonial Nigeria.

In 1940, the school building was repurposed as a World War II internment camp for German and Italian prisoners, leading to its temporary closure. It reopened in 1943 and resumed its role in nurturing young minds.

Regrettably, the Nigerian Civil War brought devastation—its grounds turned into Biafra’s General Staff Headquarters and facilities fell into disrepair. In 2014, the Old Boys Association took concrete steps to restore it by signing a Deed of Trust to assume ownership and management via the Fisher Educational Trust.

Today, Government College Umuahia stands not just as an alma mater but as a symbol of resilience, academic excellence, and the enduring influence of Nigeria’s early educational experiment.

Photo: Faculty and students sitting on the steps of the Government College, Umuahia; with a dog.

21/07/2025

This is the Confluence Point in Lokoja, Kogi State, where River Niger and River Benue, two of West Africa's most important rivers, meet.

From above, the merging of the rivers is visibly striking. River Niger appears muddy due to higher silt content, while River Benue is often slightly greenish, owing to differences in sediment and aquatic vegetation.

River Niger, stretching over 4,180 kilometers, is the third-longest river in Africa after the Nile and the Congo. It originates from the Fouta Djallon highlands in Guinea and flows through Mali, Niger, and Nigeria before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean through the Niger Delta. River Benue on the other hand rises from the Adamawa Plateau in Cameroon and travels about 1,400 kilometers westward into Nigeria.

Lokoja held great historical significance during the colonial era. It was the first administrative capital of Northern Nigeria under British rule and served as a strategic base for Lord Frederick Lugard, who governed the Northern Protectorate from there in the early 1900s. Owing to its location at the confluence of two major rivers, Lokoja became a vital hub for trade, transportation, and early European exploration into the Nigerian interior.

20/07/2025

Former President Goodluck Jonathan Appointed U.N. Global Crisis Envoy
Former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has secured yet another significant global appointment. In a remarkable show of confidence, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and the United Nations have collectively appointed him as the U.N. Global Crisis Envoy.

This prestigious role mirrors that once held by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who served as the Middle East Envoy for the United Nations, European Union, United States, and Russia.

With this appointment, Dr. Jonathan becomes the first African former Head of State to assume such a role, marking a historic and groundbreaking milestone that underscores his rising influence on the world stage.

His journey is truly inspiring: from a lecturer to Commissioner, Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President, Acting President, and ultimately President of Nigeria. Now, he steps onto the global stage in a role of immense significance and responsibility.

It is worth noting that this is a position even former Nigerian leaders like Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, despite their far-reaching influence in African politics, never attained.

Congratulations, Your Excellency,
Your humility, particularly in conceding power years ago, continues to open doors and pave the way for even greater accomplishments.