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

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

By Valentine Uchechukwu Ndukwu.

C.S. Lewis said human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

This grants credence to the belief that throughout history, humans have searched for various things to bring them happiness and fulfillment, often apart from a connection with a higher power. However the search has often been misguided and has led to suffering and disappointment.

But then Today in History has outlined some wonderful moments in history. Scroll down and enjoy.

On this day in 1771, Premiere in Milan of the opera Ascanio in Alba, composed by Mozart at age 15.

Still on this day in 1814, eight people died in the London Beer Flood.

Again, on this day in 1860, we had the first ever The Open Championship (referred to in North America as the British Open).

Interestingly on this day in 1943, the Burma Railway (Burma–Thailand Railway) was completed.

Today in History reveals that on this day in 1975, ‘Salem’s Lot, an American vampire novel by Stephen King, was published.

Today in History also shows that on this day in 1977, the hijacked Lufthansa Flight 181 landed in Mogadishu. The remaining hostages are later rescued.

Amazingly on this day in 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

On this day in 2018, the recreational use of cannabis is legalized in Canada.

Today is Nelust Wyclef Jean’s birthday. He was born October 17, 1969. He is a Haitian rapper, singer, songwriter and music producer. He gained fame as a member of the hip hop trio the Fugees.

Today is Eminem’s birthday. Marshall Bruce Mathers III was born (October 17, 1972). He is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and record executive. Known for his rap flow and conscious rap, which includes political criticism and social commentary, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time, often credited with popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and the acceptance of white rappers.

On the home soil, it was on this day in 1960 that classes officially began at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, opening with an initial enrollment of 220 students and 13 members of the academic staff.

It was also on this day in 1994 that the Nigerian tabloid P.M. News published a high-tension front page featuring the headline “Hang Abiola — Ojukwu Tells Abacha,” reflecting deep political polarization during General Sani Abacha’s military regime and the crisis surrounding the annulled June 12, 1993 election.

On this day in 2010, a Dubai Court of Appeal approved a request backed by Britain and Nigeria to extradite former Delta State Governor James Ibori to Britain to face trial.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Impossible is for the unwilling… You’re the point man ~ keep pointing in the right direction!

Today in History!