Who actually discovered the River Niger?

Cliff Imasuen Staff replied 3 years ago

A thought-provoking response, I must say. However, perhaps you should consider that a discovery is recognising for the first time something that already exists. This is different from invention which means creating something totally new with one’s own ideas and development.
A geographical area might be discovered by tourists, explorers and geographers who make it known to the world or include it in the map or other reference materials.
True, the River Niger may have existed from time immemorial, but it was known only to the locals and was of little or no consequence to the world beyond its banks.

Thompson Baanmen replied 3 years ago

In as much convincing as your theory of discovery meant seems to others, I don’t concur with you on such grounds. My conviction of discovery is uncovering something no one thought existed. It’s absolutely myopic to say Christopher Columbus discovered America while the Red Indians have resided for centuries in America. I have as well gone through different dictionary definitions.

Thompson Baanmen replied 3 years ago

Besides, history has it that he never explored the entire area before he got killed. His crazy theory of Niger and Congo merged was later discovered to be untrue.