Who were the first inhabitants in Nigeria?

Here is a more detailed account of the early inhabitants of Nigeria:

1. Nok Culture:

• The Nok Culture flourished in central Nigeria between 500 BC and 200 AD.

• Nok sculptures, discovered in the 1930s, represent some of the earliest known terracotta art in Sub-Saharan Africa.

2. Igbo-Ukwu Culture:

• The Igbo-Ukwu Culture existed in southeastern Nigeria between the 9th and 10th centuries AD.

• Famous for its exquisite bronze artifacts and intricate metalwork.

3. Benin Kingdom:

• The Benin Kingdom was established by the Edo people in the 11th century AD in southern Nigeria.

• Known for its advanced bronze-casting techniques, producing beautiful sculptures, plaques, and masks.

4. Yoruba Kingdoms:

• The Yoruba Kingdoms arose in southwestern Nigeria between the 12th and 19th centuries AD.

• Ife was a prominent center of Yoruba civilization and renowned for its terracotta and bronze artworks.

5. Hausa Kingdoms:

• The Hausa Kingdoms emerged in northern Nigeria from the 13th century AD onwards.

• Kano, Katsina, and Zaria were notable Hausa city-states.

These early inhabitants of Nigeria laid the foundation for the rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups that exist in the country today.