Introduction

Realising the potential of the territories, the Portuguese, the British and others established slave trading stations in the Niger delta. The British sent consuls to the riverine territories Calabar and Lagos where trading posts were established and the colonialists took full possession of Lagos. British troops were engaged in any such conflicts as arose with the native people who were involved in the slave trade after it was prohibited by the British in 1807. The celebration involves members of the celebrant’s age group and people of different age groups and gender who, if it ever became a debatable issue, would bear witness according to their memory that the event was celebrated. If the early rite of passage is omitted, this usually has implications for the individual’s personal dignity in the society as people talk about such things. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.