CHALLENGE IN NIGERIA

This film is held by the BFI (ID: 140399).

Synopsis

DOCUMENTARY. Shows some problems to be faced before Nigeria can hope to become an independent nation within the Commonwealth.

RL.1 Different races and religions in Nigeria to be integrated - The Moslem Northerners (still largely primitive); the farmers and smallholders in the South East (community minded, shots of stilt dancers); the South Western Yorubas (fishermen and farmers). Ibadan: old habits and beliefs still flourish - tribal dances etc. All tribes are partly self-governing under British guidance. Problems of transport and communications causing food shortages; problems of farming, soil erosion causing starvation and disease. Overcrowding and poor conditions in Lagos. Counter measures; building of bridges, roads, locomotives; mechanisation of government owned collieries; work to restore eroded land; building a new dam (914 ft).

RL.2 Fighting disease; a leper colony (government leprosy service). Nigeria's own sources of wealth-timber, cotton, palm produce, ground nuts, cocoa, tin. We see a native textile centre; government inspired co-operative movement for raffia craftsmen; co-operative movement to help improve and market cocoa beans. The problem of independence: fear of westernisation, lack of free education, prevale of witch doctors and superstition. Some Africans are educated abroad, however, and can help govern their country. The division between North and South over the westernisation of Africa - north urguing acceptance, the South critical and Nationalist. The role of Britain in fostering democracy in Nigeria and the Constitution of 1946 are discussed (928 ft).

 

Titles

  • CHALLENGE IN NIGERIA
Series Title:
THIS MODERN AGE
 

Technical Data

Year:
1948
Running Time:
20 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm Film
Colour:
Black/White
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
1828 ft
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
Great Britain
Production Company
This Modern Age Ltd.
 

Countries