Observation

This was an unpopular question and the candidates that answered it score below average. The candidates were expected to mention the city states that had trade relations with Europeans and the role of King Jaja of Opobo in the commercial activities of the Niger Delta. Few the candidates responded correctly but with minimal explanation while some did not understand the question and provide answers that contradicted the role of Jaja of Opobo. Candidates were expected to mention the following points in order to get good marks.

(a)       
(i)         Bonny                                                 (vi)       Okrika
(ii)        Nembe                                                 (vii)      Koko
(iii)       Brass                                                   (viii)     Old Calarba
(iv)       Kalabari                                               (ix)       Opobo
(v)        Buguma

(b)       
(i)         He led the Anna Pepple House to absorb many other trade houses.
(ii)        He promoted palm oil trade after absorbing 14 out of 18 trade houses.
(iii)       He effectively blocked the access of British merchants to the interior in order to                                        ensure an effective trade monopoly.
(iv)       He continued to imposed taxes on the British traders in his domain even after the                                     Berlin Conference.
(v)        His excellent connection with Igboland gave him direct access to the source and                                        regular supply of palm oil.
(vi)       His wealth and power enabled him to dictate the price of palm oil.
(vii)      He shipped his palm oil directly to Britain.
(viii)     Through his commercial activities, a new class of Merchant Princes emerged.