History - Junior Secondary 1 - Igala kingdom

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 5 and 6

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC: Igala kingdom

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Locate the Igala kingdom on the map
2. ) Discuss the origin of Igala kingdom
3. ) Describe the socio-political structure of the Igala kingdom
4. ) State the economic activities of the Igala people

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 5

NOTE

IGALA KINGDOM

The Igala Kingdom was located in what is now central Nigeria, primarily in Kogi State. The kingdom centered around Idah, its capital, along the banks of the Niger and Benue rivers. This location placed the kingdom strategically between northern and southern Nigerian regions, allowing for influence and trade across the area.

Origin of the Igala Kingdom
The Igala Kingdom is believed to have emerged as a powerful state around the 14th century. According to oral history, it was founded by Aganapoje, a warrior figure considered the progenitor of the Igala people. The kingdom developed from smaller settlements into a centralized state and became significant under the rule of influential kings known as the Ata. Over time, the Igala Kingdom established itself as a major power in the region, interacting with neighboring kingdoms such as Benin, Oyo, and the Jukun people

EVALUATION:

1. Describe the geographic location of the Igala Kingdom. Which modern-day Nigerian state does it primarily occupy?
2. Explain the significance of the Igala Kingdom’s position near the Niger and Benue rivers. How did this location influence its development?
3. Identify the founder of the Igala Kingdom according to oral history. What role did this figure play in shaping Igala society?
4. Discuss the interactions between the Igala Kingdom and neighboring kingdoms such as Benin and Oyo. How did these relationships impact its early growth?
5. Summarize the origins of the Igala Kingdom and its rise to power. What factors contributed to its establishment as a centralized state?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 6

NOTE

IGALA KINGDOM

Socio-Political Structure of the Igala Kingdom
The Igala Kingdom had a structured socio-political system:

• The Ata: The king, known as the Ata, held supreme authority over the kingdom and was regarded as a semi-divine ruler responsible for the well-being of the Igala people.
• Council of Elders and Chiefs: The Ata was supported by a council of elders and chiefs who helped with administration, policy decisions, and regional governance. Key officials included the Achadu, the prime minister, who acted as the king’s main advisor.
• District Chiefs: The kingdom was divided into districts, each governed by chiefs who reported to the Ata. This ensured that the kingdom’s extensive territories were managed effectively.
• Age Groups and Guilds: Similar to other West African societies, age groups and specialized guilds played roles in maintaining order, enforcing laws, and conducting community rituals.

Economic Activities of the Igala People
The Igala people had a diverse economy that included:

• Agriculture: They cultivated crops such as yams, millet, sorghum, and cassava. The fertile land around the Niger and Benue rivers supported extensive farming.
• Fishing: Proximity to the rivers enabled fishing to be a major economic activity.
• Trade: The Igala Kingdom was involved in trade with nearby kingdoms and regions, exchanging goods such as kola nuts, woven cloth, and ivory.
• Craftsmanship: Igala artisans were skilled in blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery, producing goods for local use and trade.
• Tributary System: Like other kingdoms, the Igala demanded tribute from neighboring communities, which contributed to the kingdom’s wealth and reinforced its influence in the region.

EVALUATION:   

1. Analyze the role of the Ata in the Igala Kingdom’s socio-political structure. How did this leader’s authority affect governance?
2. Explain the function of the council of elders and the position of the Achadu in Igala governance. How did these leaders contribute to the Ata’s rule?
3. Describe how the Igala Kingdom was administratively organized. What role did district chiefs play in managing the kingdom’s territories?
4. Identify the primary agricultural products of the Igala people. How did these crops support the Igala economy and trade?
5. Discuss the economic importance of craftsmanship within the Igala Kingdom. What types of goods were produced, and how did they influence trade with other regions?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively