Class: Primary 4
Term: 3rd Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme:
Previous lesson: Major Historical Features and Sites in Nigeria: Palace, Markets & Churches/Mosque
Topic: Some Nigerian People
Content/Learning Area: Some people in Nigeria e.g. The Isoko,The Itsekiri,The Urhobo.
Time allocation: 40 Minutes

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Cognitive Domain: Identify and describe the origins, locations, and key historical facts about the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people.

• Affective Domain: Appreciate the cultural contributions of various Nigerian ethnic groups.

• Psychomotor Domain: Locate the homelands of these groups on a map of Nigeria.

• Social Domain: Show respect for cultural diversity and the uniqueness of Nigerian people.

Reference Materials

1. Nigeria Primary School History Book.
2. Online resources and educational websites about Nigerian cultures.

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials: Maps of Nigeria, pictures or videos showcasing the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people, and textbooks.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups fosters cultural awareness and national unity among pupils.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of what Nigeria is and that it is made up of different people.

Lesson Content

The Isoko People

Origin and History

The Isoko people are located in the southern part of Delta State, Nigeria, particularly in the Isoko North and South Local Government Areas. They are believed to have migrated from the Benin Empire and surrounding regions of the Niger Delta. They have a deep connection to the land, practicing agriculture, fishing, and trade as major economic activities.

The Isoko people are often associated with the kingdom of Benin due to their cultural influences. Over the centuries, they have maintained their unique identity despite influences from neighboring ethnic groups.

Language

The Isoko language is part of the Niger-Congo language family, specifically the Edoid subgroup. It shares similarities with the languages spoken by the Benin and Urhobo peoples. The Isoko people are also bilingual, speaking English and other regional languages for trade and communication.

Culture and Traditions

• Attire: Traditional attire includes the “Isiokpo”, a cloth wrapped around the waist, and beads for ceremonial occasions. Women often wear wrappers and blouses, with headpieces and jewelry.

• Festivals: The Eni Festival is the most important cultural event, celebrating ancestors and deities. It is marked by dancing, feasting, and sacrifices.

• Food: The Isoko people are known for their palm oil dishes, such as Isoko soup, made from local vegetables and fish. They also consume cassava, yam, and plantains.

• Social Structure: They practice a system of traditional leadership, with village chiefs overseeing local matters. Elders are highly respected, and decision-making is often communal.

The Itsekiri People

Origin and History

The Itsekiri people primarily inhabit the Warri region in Delta State, specifically in the Warri South, Warri North, and Warri South-West Local Government Areas. They trace their origins to the 15th century, when they were founded as a mixed group of Yoruba, Benin, and Portuguese descent. Their kingdom, the Warri Kingdom, remains a symbol of their rich heritage.

The Itsekiri played an important role in trade, especially with the Portuguese during the 15th and 16th centuries. The region saw the introduction of Western goods and Christianity, but the Itsekiri maintained a strong connection to their indigenous practices.

Language

The Itsekiri language is an Edoid language, related to both Yoruba and the Benin languages. It is still spoken by a large percentage of the population, though many Itsekiri people also speak English.

Culture and Traditions

• Attire: Traditional Itsekiri clothing includes richly embroidered robes for the men and beaded dresses for the women. Both genders wear ornate jewelry made from beads, cowrie shells, and metals during ceremonies.

• Festivals: The Olu of Warri’s coronation is a grand event, with dancing, masquerades, and feasts. The Itsekiri also celebrate the Oritse-Avwreni Festival, honoring their ancestors.

• Food: Popular dishes include pounded yam with pepper soup, bitterleaf soup, and various seafood dishes, such as fish and shrimp.

• Social Structure: The Itsekiri are led by the Olu of Warri, the traditional ruler, who is highly revered. The community is organized into clans, with each clan having its own leader.

The Urhobo People

Origin and History

The Urhobo people are located in the central and southern parts of Delta State, Nigeria. They belong to the larger group of Edoid peoples, and their origin is believed to date back to ancient times. The Urhobo have a rich history, with a strong emphasis on agriculture, particularly in cultivating yams, cassava, and palm produce.

The Urhobo people historically formed a confederation of communities, each with its own leader. They were also involved in trading networks that spanned much of the Niger Delta. The Urhobo maintained their independence and resisted colonial domination for as long as possible.

Language

The Urhobo language is part of the Edoid group of languages, closely related to the Isoko and other Niger Delta languages. The Urhobo people are bilingual, with many also speaking English and other local languages.

Culture and Traditions

• Attire: Traditional Urhobo attire includes woven cloths and brightly colored wrappers. Men wear tunics and trousers, while women wear blouses with wrappers tied around their waist.

• Festivals: The Urhobo Cultural Festival is a major celebration of their culture, featuring dances, traditional music, and masquerades. The Eguvwie Festival is another important event that honors the gods and ancestors.

• Food: The Urhobo people are known for their use of yam in many dishes, such as yam porridge and yam flour dishes. They also enjoy edikang ikong soup, which is made from spinach, meat, and fish.

• Social Structure: The Urhobo people have a monarchical system, where traditional rulers called Orosuen govern the various Urhobo kingdoms. Each community is also governed by elders who play a key role in decision-making.

Teaching Methods

To deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Discussion, Description, Visual Aids, Storytelling.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction (The Teaching Skill for this step MUST be “Set induction”)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Begins by asking pupils what they know about different people in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Share their existing knowledge about different Nigerian people.

Step 2: Brief Explanation

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains that Nigeria is made up of many different ethnic groups,each with its own unique culture and history.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.

Step 3: Focus on Isoko People

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aids/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures or videos of the Isoko people and discusses their location,occupation,and cultural practices.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the visuals and participate in the discussion about the Isoko people.

Step 4: Focus on Itsekiri people

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aids/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures or videos of the Itsekiri people and discusses their location, occupation, and cultural practices.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the visuals and participate in the discussion about the Itsekiri people.

Step 5: Focus on Urhobo People

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Aids/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures or videos of the Urhobo people and discusses their location, occupation, and cultural practices.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the visuals and participate in the discussion about the Urhobo people.

step 6: Note-Taking

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to summarize the key points about the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo people in their notebooks.
Pupils’ Activity: Write down the key points in their notebooks.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the questions asked by the teacher.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the lesson by reiterating the importance of understanding and appreciating Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.

Lesson Keywords

• Isoko – An ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria.
• Itsekiri – An ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria, known for their riverine culture.
• Urhobo – An ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria, known for their agricultural practices.
• Ethnic Group – A community or population made up of people who share a common cultural background or descent.
• Culture – The customs,arts,social institutions,and achievements of a particular nation,people,or group.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Name three ethnic groups in Nigeria discussed in the lesson.
2. State one unique characteristic of each of the ethnic groups mentioned.
3. Locate the general region of these ethnic groups on a map of Nigeria.

Assignment/Homework

1. Research another Nigerian ethnic group and write a short paragraph about their culture and location.
2. Draw a picture representing one aspect of the culture of any of the ethnic groups discussed.

Differentiation

• For slower learners: Provide simplified notes and focus on identifying the names and locations of the ethnic groups.
• for advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on other aspects of the culture of these ethnic groups,such as their traditional foods or festivals.
• For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use more visual aids, storytelling, and interactive activities to engage different learning styles.

Note for Teachers

Ensure to use visual aids and real-life examples to make the lesson more engaging and relatable for the pupils. Encourage pupils to share any personal experiences or knowledge they have about these or other Nigerian ethnic groups.