TODAY IN HISTORY – 17th Sept, 2026 – ORBITS NEWS

TODAY IN HISTORY – 17th Sept, 2026 – ORBITS NEWS

By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu.

In whatever you do, always make references to the past events that led to the present situation. One thing is certain, they usually make bold statements in the future. Thanks to V. John Simeon for this insightful input this morning on Today in History.

Take a look at some remarkable events that went down on this day in the distant past.

Interestingly on this day in 1849, American abolitionist Harriet Tubman makes her first attempt to escape from slavery.

On this day in 1908, the Wright Flyer flown by Orville Wright, with Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge as passenger, crashed, killing Selfridge, who becomes the first airplane fatality.

Still on this day in 1920, the National Football League is organized as the American Professional Football Association in Canton, Ohio.

Regrettably on this day in 1928, the Okeechobee hurricane strikes southeastern Florida, killing more than 2,500 people.

Today in History shows that on this day in 1935, the Niagara Gorge Railroad ceases operations after a rockslide.

Sadly on this day in 1949, the Canadian steamship SS Noronic burns in Toronto Harbour with the loss of over 118 lives.

Again, on this day in 1961, the world’s first retractable roof stadium, the Civic Arena, opened in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It was on this day in 1974 that Bangladesh, Grenada and Guinea-Bissau joined the United Nations.

In 1978, the Camp David Accords were signed by Israel and Egypt.

Today in history reveals that in 2006, on this day, an audio tape of a private speech by Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány is leaked to the public, in which he confessed that his Hungarian Socialist Party had lied to win the 2006 election, sparking widespread protests across the country.

Today in history also reveals that in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V earned more than half a billion dollars on its first day of release.

Sadly again, on this day in 2006, Nigeria recorded a Military Plane Tragedy. It was a devastating aviation disaster that occurred when a Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 transport aircraft crashed into a hillside in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The plane was carrying senior military officers to a retreat at the Obudu Cattle Ranch. Out of the 17 people on board, 13 lost their lives, including 10 senior army generals, dealing a massive blow to the leadership of the Nigerian military.

In 1932, and on this day, Samuel Ogbemudia, Nigerian army officer and politician was born. However, he died in 2017.

Remember, you have to be odd to be number one, you’re the point man ~ keep pointing in the right direction.

Today in history