These 10 African capital cities have interesting stories behind their names

Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, was a name taken in the early 20th century from a small town that is now in the greater Abuja area. It was chosen to be Nigeria’s capital city in 1976.

Unlike a number of other cities on this list, Abuja had no prior history of significance before Nigeria’s independence. The city’s elevation was made possible by investments after 1976.

RELATED STORIES

This world-renowned female artist's sculptured piece on Queen Cleopatra disappeared for over a century

Have you heard of the Hamitic hypothesis which says Blacks have been cursed by God?

Made to sleep on the floor, getting whipped - Ex-slaves first hand account of their ordeal

Here are five unique traditions only Zambians can understand