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**Calabar: Di First Capital Wey No Dey Get Credit for Nigeria**

#### Abstract

Dis research paper, e dey explore di historical and socio-political dynamics wey lead to di establishment of Nigeria first capital, Lagos, and how dem later move am go Abuja. E dey look inside di early encounters of Nigerian people with di trans-Atlantic trade, especially for Calabar and Creek Town. E still provide detail on top Eyo Honesty, wey be prominent figure for Calabar history, and di origin and meaning of im name. Dis paper dey aim to give us full understanding of Nigeria colonial history, di impact of trans-Atlantic trade, and di legacy of some important people wey bin dey inside.

### Introduction

Di history of Nigeria, e dey deeply entangle with colonial times and how British Empire take handle di economic and political tins. Even though people dey hail Lagos as Nigeria first capital during colonial time, some historians and locals believe say Calabar na di original first capital. Dis paper dey find out why dem choose Lagos as capital, wetin lead to dem to move am go Abuja, and di historical importance of Calabar and Creek Town for di time wey trans-Atlantic trade dey happen. E still dey provide biography of Eyo Honesty, wey be important person for Calabar history.

### Thesis Statement

Dem choose Lagos as Nigeria first capital based on economic and political reasons during colonial time. But dem later move di capital go Abuja sake of unity, better administration, and central position. Calabar and Creek Town, wey be one of di first places wey see trans-Atlantic trade, get strong historical legacy. Eyo Honesty na one of di people wey reflect di mix of culture and colonial influence for dis area.

### Di Establishment of Lagos as Nigeria First Capital

#### Historical Context

Lagos, e start as small Yoruba village, but British people see am as important place wey dem fit use for trade. Dem come annex Lagos for 1861, and na so e begin transform to colonial capital.

#### Importance of Lagos

Dem choose Lagos as capital because of dis reason:

1. **Economic Powerhouse:** Lagos natural harbor make am easy for trade, and e be strong economic center.
2. 2. **Political Control:** Making Lagos di capital give British people chance to control di nearby areas well.
3. 3. **Infrastructure:** Lagos get di infrastructure wey dem need to manage colonial tins, like ports, roads, and later railway.

### Relocation go Abuja

#### Reasons Why Dem Move Capital

Dem move capital from Lagos go Abuja for 1991 sake of these reasons:

1. **Overpopulation and Traffic:** Lagos, e too congested and e get too many people wey dey cause wahala for infrastructure.
2. 2. **Neutral for Ethnic and Political Reasons:** Abuja dey for middle of Nigeria, and e symbolize unity for different ethnic groups.
3. 3. **Security and Accessibility:** Abuja location for middle of Nigeria, e make am easy to reach and e dey secure pass Lagos.

### Calabar and Creek Town: Early Encounter with Trans-Atlantic Trade

#### Historical Importance

Calabar and Creek Town, e be among di first places for Nigeria wey see European traders for di time wey trans-Atlantic slave trade dey happen. E change di socio-economic structure for dis area well well.

#### Economic and Social Impact

1. **Trading Relationships:** People from Efik for Calabar start to dey trade with European traders. Dem dey exchange palm oil, ivory, and slaves.
2. 2. **Cultural Exchange:** Dis trade bring change for di local culture, language, and how dem dey rule demselves.

### Eyo Honesty: Historical Figure for Calabar

#### Biography

Eyo Honesty, e be important leader and trader for Efik people for 19th century. Im leadership and im skill for trade, e make big impact for how Calabar dey do business and politics.

#### Meaning of “Honesty”

Dem call Eyo Honesty so because im dey known for fair business and e no dey lie for trade. For time wey people dey exploit and do bad bad tins, im dey stand out.

#### Contribution and Legacy

1. **Expanding Trade:** Eyo Honesty, e make trade grow well well, and e bring prosperity to Calabar.
2. 2. **Political Influence:** Im leadership help bring peace for di area when tins tough, and e make dem respect am well, both for Nigeria and European traders.

### Conclusion

Di decision to make Lagos Nigeria first capital, and later move am go Abuja, e show how economic, political, and social tins mix together for Nigeria colonial and post-colonial history. Early contact with trans-Atlantic trade for Calabar, and di legacy of people like Eyo Honesty, e show how Nigeria don relate with di world for history. To understand dis well, e give us better knowledge of how Nigeria take grow, and di lasting effect of colonial time.

### References

1. Crowder, M. (1978). *The Story of Nigeria*. Faber and Faber.
2. 2. Falola, T., & Heaton, M. M. (2008). *A History of Nigeria*. Cambridge University Press.
3. 3. Flint, J. E. (1960). *Sir George Goldie and the Making of Nigeria*. Oxford University Press.
4. 4. Lovejoy, P. E. (2000). *Transformations in Slavery: A History of Slavery in Africa*. Cambridge University Press.
5. 5. Nwabara, S. N. (1977). *Iboland: A Century of Contact with Britain, 1860–1960*. Hodder and Stoughton.