Chiswakhata Mkandawire of Livingstonia

The Ogba people comprise fourteen extended families divided into clans, and occupy am area of about 600 km in the Niger flood plain. This study covers their origns, environment, politcal, economic and social institutions, and cultural practices. It also considers the impact of colonialism and the activities of the Christian missionaries on the Ogba, in the context of the various etnic groups in Nigeria thus affected. It argues that although the Ogba lost much under colonial rule, their resilience and adaptability, in common with many Nigerian ethnic groups was the key to their cultural renewal and adaptation to the modern era. The author further suggests that rather than perceiving Nigerian history as a series of micro- histories of different ethnic groups, it is closer to the truth to understand Nigeria as a loose associations of people with a common history and common cultural traits - all to the good, given their common destiny.