His name is Private Adama Aduku, and his story will humble you.
In 1918 he was born in Abejukolo-Ife, Kogi State. Nigeria was not even a country yet. We were still under British colonial rule. First World War was just ending.
Then in 1942 a British colonial soldier came to his village, harassed and humiliated his village Chief right before his eyes. Young Aduku was furious. He made a vow that day "I will wear that uniform and no one will intimidate my people again."
He trekked to Makurdi and enlisted in the Royal West African Frontier Force.
That one decision threw him into WORLD WAR II.
Imagine this, A village boy from Kogi, suddenly fighting in the thick, deadly jungles of India and Burma. Battling malaria, snakes, monsoon rain, and the fierce Japanese Army. He was one of the 90,000 African soldiers Britain used as the backbone of their war in Asia.
He didn't stop there. He also fought in Egypt and North Africa. Two different continents, before age 30.
He was discharged in Lagos in 1946, tried to be a trader at Tinubu Square, Lagos Island, but the soldier in him couldn't stay quiet. He re-enlisted in Zaria in 1950 and served till 1957 just 3 years before Nigeria got Independence.
Then Nigeria forgot him. Like many WW2 heroes, he went back to farm quietly in Kogi.
Until July 7, 2018.
At 100 YEARS OLD, he stood tall, no shaking, wearing his old uniform with his combat medals. The Nigerian Army had to honour him at Army Day Celebration in Lagos. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo gave him an Award of Excellence. The whole hall stood up.
On Dec 31st, 2019, a few hours to New Year, the oldest soldier in Nigeria died at 101.
He lived for a Century in Uniform. He saw colonialism, he saw World War, he saw Independence, he saw military coups, he saw democracy.
Question: How many of our children in schools today even know his name?
#Africa #BlackHistory #African #World
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