Esan Wikimedians Community

Advancing @Wikimedia's mission through Esan language. Promoting Esan culture, heritage documentation and language revitalisation using wikimedia projects.

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

PRESS RELEASE

WikiHeritage Fellowship 2.0 to Document the Untold Stories of Women in Pre-Colonial Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria | September 21, 2026

The WikiHeritage Fellowship returns for its second edition with a focus on Women of Lagos: The Pre-Colonial Era, an eight-week programme dedicated to researching, documenting and improving public access to the histories of women whose contributions to the development of Lagos have received limited recognition.

The fellowship will bring together young history graduates, history enthusiasts and emerging heritage advocates, equipping them with practical skills in historical research, archival documentation, digital storytelling and leadership.

Through collaboration with the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB), participants will examine historical records and explore the contributions of women to the social, economic, cultural and political development of pre-colonial Lagos. Research will cover notable women, women's associations, entrepreneurship, community development and traditional institutions.

The programme will also provide leadership training through the Young Innovation Leaders Foundation (YIL), preparing fellows to lead community-based heritage preservation initiatives and sustain their contributions beyond the fellowship.

Experienced archivists and Wikimedians will train participants in archival research, digitisation, Wikipedia editing, reliable sourcing and open knowledge practices. Fellows will apply these skills to create and improve Wikipedia articles and, where copyright and institutional permissions allow, make selected historical materials available on Wikimedia Commons.

Fellowship Timeline

The programme will run from September 21 to November 6, 2026, following a preparatory period for applications and participant selection.

* September 21 – October 9: Programme launch, orientation, leadership development, archival training and Wikimedia skills development.

* October 12 – 16: Practical archival research and digitisation at LASRAB.

* October 19 – 30: Wikipedia article creation, content improvement and peer review.

* November 2 – 6: Public showcase, community engagement and fellowship close-out.

The fellowship will conclude with a presentation of participants' research, an award ceremony and the launch of the Archives-to-Wiki Network, which will support continued collaboration and heritage documentation.

By combining historical research with leadership development and open knowledge practices, WikiHeritage Fellowship 2.0 seeks to make the contributions of women in pre-colonial Lagos more accessible while developing a new generation of heritage leaders committed to preserving the state's history.

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

WikiGap Nigeria 2026 is our annual initiative to celebrate and document the achievements of Nigerian women.

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Wikimedia User Group Nigeria will roll out three key programmes to bridge the gender gap on Wikipedia and amplify Nigerian women’s stories:
🔹 March 1–31: Nationwide online campaign to create and improve articles about notable Nigerian women in English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo.
🔹 April 8 | Abuja: One-day capacity-building training for new female editors, followed by structured mentorship.
🔹 April 9: High-level symposium, “Give to Gain,” hosted at the Residence of the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria, featuring inspiring women leaders.

In partnership with the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria, Women FM 91.7, NAWOJ, Girls Voices Initiative, and Africa Wiki Women.

Let’s give to gain.
Let’s document her story.
Let’s close the gap. 💜

#wikigapnigeria2026 #iwd2026 #GiveToGain

[Esan Wikimedians Community @wikimediaesan]

Season’s greetings to Esan sons and daughters worldwide!

May this festive season bring peace, unity, and pride in our shared heritage.
Wishing you joy today and a prosperous year ahead.

#owesena #MerryChristmas #seasonsgreetings #esansonsanddaughters #esanworldwidecommunity

[Esan Wikimedians Community @wikimediaesan]

@esan_ent Isẹẹ!

[DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA @DHQNigeria]

PRESS RELEASE

CIRCULATION OF A FAKE VIDEO PURPORTED TO EMANATE
FROM THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF GENERAL OO OLUYEDE

The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to the circulation of a fake video depicting a mischievously cloned image of the Chief of Defence Staff General OO Oluyede AFM. In the fake video, a malicious statement was attributed to him about the intent of the military to forcefully recruit young Nigerians from the age of 18 years into the military against their will.

This fake statement and video are clearly intended to defame the character of the Chief of Defence Staff and are capable of portraying the military in bad light. The military remains a noble profession with thousands of patriotic Nigerians ever ready to willingly join its ranks as attested to during various recruitment exercises into the 3 arms of the Nigerian military.

For the avoidance of doubt, let it be on record that the purported statement was never made by the Chief of Defence Staff, any of the Service Chiefs and indeed by any member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
In this age of Artificial Intelligence, disinformation and malinformation it is important that care is taken by all to avoid the creation and sharing of fake statements and videos without clearly verifying their source and authenticity.

It is therefore important for all to note that all statements and releases from the Chief of Defence Staff are to be sourced from verified Defence Headquarter’s designated spokespersons and its official social media handles. All are please requested to kindly disregard the fake video and statement in circulation.

SAMAILA UBA
Brigadier General
Director Defence Information
Defence Headquarters
22 November 2025

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Call for Applications – Entertainers Needed for NWCDA 2025

Are you a creative performer looking for an opportunity to showcase your talent?
We’re giving you the chance to perform at the Nigeria Wikimedia Community Distinguished Awards (NWCDA 2025) in Lagos!

Whether you sing, dance, act, tell jokes, perform poetry, spoken word, or cultural displays; we’d love to see your creativity bring the event to life.

This isn’t a competition; it’s a platform to share your gift and creativity.

Note: Preference will be given to performers based in Lagos or those who can conveniently make their way to Lagos for the event.

Apply here: https://t.co/M6x8vfvxIS
Deadline: 9th November 2025

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Tomorrow in Akure, Ondo State, South West, Nigeria, as part of our mission to expand our reach within our ecosystem to build a network of volunteers across the country and the continent to raise awareness for open knowledge. Our president. @oluwanishola73 and some community members will join @jci_nigeria for their 2025 National Convention Training.

Wikimedians in Ajure are welcome to join us there.

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

We’re excited to announce the Nigeria in Data: Markets, Meals and Music contest, focused on improving existing items and creating new items about Nigerian markets, meals and music.

We invite all Nigerian editors to join the contest from October 11 – October 31st, 2025, as we document Nigeria’s diversity, one Wikidata item at a time. There are amazing prizes to be won for top contributors!

For more details, visit event page and register - https://t.co/J2jtjiYBXn

Join the virtual launch this Saturday, October 11 by 4:00 PM WAT - https://t.co/e957F0uHgu

[Esan Wikimedians Community @wikimediaesan]

⏰ 2 Hours toWebinar series!

Don’t miss “Documenting Esan Language and Heritage Using Wikimedia Projects”

Day 2: Practical Training on Creating Esan Content Using Wikimedia Projects
📅 Date: 1st October 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

🔗 Register https://t.co/cagnLOSoM7

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

10 years of free knowledge, 10 years of community, 10 years of impact!

Today, we at Wikimedia User Group Nigeria celebrate a journey that began in 2015 with a simple belief: knowledge belongs to everyone.

For a decade, we’ve worked side by side with volunteers, educators, creators, and changemakers to bring Nigeria’s voices, cultures, and stories to the world through Wikipedia and its sister projects.

This anniversary is not just about us, it’s about every editor who made a first edit, every volunteer who discovered the power of open knowledge, and every partner who believed in the mission.

Here’s to 10 years of opening doors to knowledge and to the future we’ll continue to build together. 🚀

#wugnat10 #WikimediaNigeria #10YearsOfWikimediaNG

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Faces in the Wikimedia Movement

As we celebrate 10 years of Wikimedia User Group Nigeria, we pay tribute to Wikimedians who have stood the test of time, contributing for over a decade and still shaping the Wikimedia Movement today.

From 2010 till now, their passion, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire us all.

Here’s to our long-standing Wikimedians who remind us that the Movement thrives because of people like them! 🙌

#10YearsOfWikimediaNG #wugnat10 #10YearsofImpact

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Get ready for an inspiring Naija Office Hour!

We’re excited to host two incredible voices in heritage and knowledge sharing:

*Ms. Toyin Ogunlana – Director General, Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau
*Silvia Gutiérrez – Senior Program Officer, Libraries at the Wikimedia Foundation

Together, they’ll take us on a journey into “Preserving Nigerian History and Identity.”

Join the conversation and discover how safeguarding our heritage keeps our stories alive and strengthens who we are as a people.

📅 Saturday, 6th September 2025
🕛 12:00 PM (WAT)
Register Here: https://t.co/Lhi9xegCna

#naijaofficehour #wikimediang

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Join us tomorrow for the 24th Edition of Naija Office Hour with the Wikimedia Nigeria community!

Alongside our theme “Preserving Nigerian History and Identity,” you’ll get to hear conversations on the WUGN Strategic Plan, the WMF Board of Trustees Election, Africa in 90 Seconds, and a GLAM Community Talk.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, 6th September 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM (WAT)
📍 Venue: Zoom
Register Here to join: https://t.co/Lhi9xehacI

#naijaofficehour #WikimediaNG #Wikimedia

[Grok @grok]

Yes, in "Archaeology and History in Southern Nigeria," Patrick Darling describes Ishan (Esan) earthworks and settlements dating back to around A.D. 500, with chronological progression from north to south. This predates the Benin Kingdom's traditional founding (c. 11th-12th century). He notes later migrations, including refugees from Benin in the 15th centuryYes, in "Archaeology and History in Southern Nigeria," Patrick Darling describes Ishan (Esan) earthworks and settlements dating back to around A.D. 500, with chronological progression from north to south. This predates the Benin Kingdom's traditional founding (c. 11th-12th century). He notes later migrations, including refugees from Benin in the 15th centuryYes, in "Archaeology and History in Southern Nigeria," Patrick Darling describes Ishan (Esan) earthworks and settlements dating back to around A.D. 500, with chronological progression from north to south. This predates the Benin Kingdom's traditional founding (c. 11th-12th century). He notes later migrations, including refugees from Benin in the 15th century.

[Esan Wikimedians Community @wikimediaesan]

@esan_ent Kindly reach out through the DM for further conversation.

[Esan Wikimedians Community @wikimediaesan]

Igbabonelimhin is an acrobatic masquerade dance common with the Esan people. The word literally means “clapping for the spirit”. Read more https://t.co/ExZ1z04DUo
Igbabonelimhin like other Èsán dances and culture are not documented on the internet to enhance their visibility.
1/2

[Wikimedia Igbo @wikimediaigbo]

MASTERING WIKI TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE CONTRIBUTION - AN IWUG WEBINAR

Ndewonu!

Ever wondered how Event organisers generate their work list? OR how event jurors keep track of all your edits during any Wiki contest?
If you answered YES, then this session is for you!

Join #Thread

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

📰 In the News!

On August 9th, the world marked the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 🌍.

📌 Tribune Online highlighted the role of Wikimedia User Group Nigeria through the Nigerian Language Oral History Documentation Project, an initiative dedicated to preserving and documenting Nigeria’s 520+ languages and rich cultural heritage.

Read more about it here 👉 https://t.co/fY1tt2N3hp

Learn more about the Nigerian Language Oral History Documentation Project
https://t.co/M8KPHt2IKP

https://t.co/btPMuCAwB6

#indigenouspeoplesday #wikimedianigeria #languagedocumentation

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Our WPWP Office Hour on 16th Aug 2025 was packed with insights💡, from campaign goals to eligibility and more!

For this year, only contributions to Nigeria-related articles/pages count. Remember to use both hashtags #WPWP + #WPWPNG in your edit summary.

Exciting prizes await top contributors! Learn more: https://t.co/eXKFzp8Txn

#WPWPNigeria #WikimediaNigeria

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

📢 AfroCreatives WikiProject+Films 2025 is here! 🎬

The Wikimedia User Group Nigeria (WUGN) is excited to announce the virtual launch of the AfroCreatives WikiProject+Films 2025 in Nigeria! 🚀

📅 Date: Wed, 20th Aug 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM UTC/ 5:00PM WAT

💰 Prizes for Top 3 Contributors:
🥇 ₦100,000 | 🥈 ₦70,000 | 🥉 ₦50,000

👉 Participants can now start contributing to Nigeria’s film industry-related articles on Wikipedia, visit Meta page for more information.

Also, don't miss the virtual launch where you’ll learn how to contribute and get full details on the project

🔗 Launch (Zoom) Registration:
https://t.co/lyjFW6vrG9

🔗 Visit Meta Page for more information:
https://t.co/9MH66VXrJL

Let’s tell Nigeria’s film story together — one edit at a time! 🎬✨

[Wikimedia User Group Nigeria @WikimediaNG]

Nominations are now open!

Be part of the 3rd Edition of the Nigeria Wikimedia Community Distinguished Awards — a celebration of outstanding contributions from September 2024 to July 2025.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized for their impact on Wikimedia projects? Nominate them (or yourself) today.

Award Categories include:
🟢 Best New Contributor
🟢 Best Indigenous Language Contributor
🟢 Editor of the Year
🟢 Community Builder
🟢 Wilson Oluoha Best Media Contributor
🟢 Torch Bearer
🟢 Wikimedian Lifetime Achievement Award

Submit your nominations here:
https://t.co/DEQfP8rd1k

Deadline: 5th August 2025