British Colonial Enterprise and the Evolution of Cosmopolitan Towns in Nigeria: The Case of Kafanchan, 1926-1960

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Godwin Danjuma Kwalbe
Ubaka Cosmas Molokwu

Abstract

This paper interrogates the role of the British colonial enterprise in the evolution and development of Kafanchan town. The research
employs content analysis of both primary and secondary sources in order to reconstruct the history of the town. Findings from the study trace the evolution and development of Kafanchan town to the construction of the railway line from Southern to Northern Nigeria that culminated in a station at an unsettled area of land: Kafanchan. The town evolved in response to the temporary sheds erected as quarters for construction workers and staff of the Nigerian Railways who belonged to diverse ethnic groups. Due to the strategic nature of this railway station, the population grew. This triggered the emergence of a settlement that was cosmopolitan right from its foundation.

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How to Cite
Kwalbe, G. D., & Molokwu, U. C. (2024). British Colonial Enterprise and the Evolution of Cosmopolitan Towns in Nigeria: The Case of Kafanchan, 1926-1960. Modern Africa: Politics, History and Society, 12(1), 41–58. https://doi.org/10.26806/modafr.v12i1.248
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Author Biographies

Godwin Danjuma Kwalbe, Kaduna State University, Nigeria

He is a History Lecturer at the Kaduna State University, Nigeria. He is a PhD candidate at the Abuja University. His research interests revolve around African social and economic history, peace and conflict studies and development studies. He has published in several local and international journals. E-mail: gkwalbe@gmail.com 

Ubaka Cosmas Molokwu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

He is a History and International Studies lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interests revolve around African economic and social history, peace and confl ict studies, and development studies. He has published widely in both local and international journals. E-mail: ubamolokwu@gmail.com