New documentary to mark Mandela’s 1990 anti-apartheid visit to Nigeria

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The Curator of the Hakeem Shitta Photo Archives and Cultural Centre, Esther Oladimeji, says the organisation will release a documentary commemorating Nelson Mandela’s 1990 visit to Nigeria.

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Oladimeji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that the documentary marked the 36th anniversary of the historic visit of Mandela and Winnie,his wife.

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She said the documentary featured rare photographs taken by late Nigerian photojournalist, Hakeem Shitta, during the reception at Tafawa Balewa Square.

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According to her, the visit symbolised Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity with South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle.

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Oladimeji said Mandela’s visit came barely three months after his release from Victor Verster Prison in South Africa.

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She explained that Mandela arrived in Nigeria aboard a Nigerian presidential jet on May 13, 1990, to personally appreciate Nigerians for their sacrifices.

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“Mandela did not just come on a diplomatic tour; he came home to Nigeria to say thank you for standing firmly with South Africa.

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“The documentary revives the spirit of African brotherhood witnessed at Tafawa Balewa Square during the historic civic reception.

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“It ensures younger Africans never forget the sacrifices Nigerians made for the liberation of South Africa,” she said.

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Oladimeji described HSPACA as Nigeria’s “Alternative Archive” with more than 6,000 rare photographs documenting Nigeria’s political and cultural history between 1981 and 1997.

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She said the archive preserved iconic moments involving African and global cultural figures.

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According to her, personalities featured in the archive include Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and Wole Soyinka.

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She noted that the photographs captured military leaders, entertainers, and journalists who shaped Nigeria’s anti-apartheid solidarity movement.

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The curator identified personalities in the photographs as Augustus Aikhomu, Raji Rasaki, Sonny Okosun, Peter Obe, and Onyeka Onwenu.

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She said Okosun performed anti-apartheid songs, including “Fire in Soweto”, during the Mandela reception at Tafawa Balewa Square.

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Oladimeji added that Onwenu also performed her famous tribute song, “Winnie Mandela”, during the ceremony.

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“The massive crowd at Tafawa Balewa Square reflected the emotional bond Nigerians shared with the Mandelas and the ANC.

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“Mandela himself acknowledged that Nigeria’s support for the anti-apartheid movement was second to none.

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“He said Nigeria provided scholarships, financial support, and diplomatic backing for ANC exiles during the struggle,” she said.

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Oladimeji said the documentary remained relevant because it addressed present tensions between Nigeria and South Africa through historical reflection.

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She said the production challenged xenophobia and mutual distrust by reminding Africans about decades of shared sacrifices.

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According to her, the documentary also corrected attempts to downplay Nigeria’s role in dismantling apartheid in South Africa.

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She explained that Nigeria spent billions supporting liberation movements through the Southern Africa Relief Fund established in 1976.

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The curator said ordinary Nigerian workers and students contributed financially to the struggle through what became known as the “Mandela Tax”.

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She described Nigeria as a frontline state against apartheid despite having no direct border with South Africa.

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According to her, the documentary also highlighted the role of music and culture in sustaining the anti-apartheid movement across Africa.

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Oladimeji said South African traditional dancers performed alongside Nigerian entertainers during the Lagos reception, creating what she called a “festival of freedom”.

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She added that legendary broadcasters, Ikenna Ndaguba and Bisi Olatilo, anchored the historic event.

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She further said the documentary coincided with activities marking the centenary of Steve Rhodes.

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“To commemorate the centenary, the Hakeem Shitta Photo Archives and Cultural Centre released a documentary chronicling Steve Rhodes’ contributions to Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment history. While political leaders such as Augustus Aikhomu and Raji Rasaki represented state authority during Mandela’s 1990 visit, Steve Rhodes shaped the cultural atmosphere of the celebration.

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“The centenary documentary will serve as a reference point for younger Africans seeking to understand Nigeria’s cultural and political influence during the anti-apartheid era,” she said.

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According to her, the documentary presents a Nigeria that was politically influential, culturally sophisticated, and united in its support for African liberation.

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“This year, Africa is not only reflecting on 36 years since Mandela’s historic visit to Nigeria, but also celebrating 100 years of Steve Rhodes.

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“Together, Mandela and Rhodes represent a frontline generation defined by political courage, cultural excellence, and African solidarity.

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“By commemorating both the Mandela HSPACA unveils documentary to commemorate Mandela’s 1990 Lagos visit and the Steve Rhodes centenary, HSPACA is connecting the political backbone of African liberation with its musical soul,” she said. (NAN)

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