From the big screens to the halls of Oslo, December 10 has witnessed premieres, prizes and pivotal moments. Across the centuries, this day carries stories of groundbreaking achievements and unforgettable moments of sorrow.
In this edition of Today in History, News Round The Clock (NRTC) recounts the significant events that make the day special.
1815- Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer
Ada Lovelace, the English mathematician, was born on December 10, 1815. She is known as the world’s first computer programmer. She was the first person to recognize that computers had a larger potential than just arithmetic operations. Ada joined Charles Babbage in his work on the Analytical Engine. She is widely seen as a visionary who saw the potential of computers before they existed in real life.
1909- First woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature
December 10, 1909, is a memorable time in history, especially for women. The Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf received the Nobel Prize in recognition of the lofty idealism, vivid imagination, and spiritual perception that characterize her writings. Her works are rooted in Swedish folklore and legends. This marked her as a pioneer in literature.
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1948- Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
On December 10, 1948, in Paris, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The UDHR emerged in the aftermath of World War II and was a response to the need for universal protection of individuals. Countries agreed for the first time that human beings deserve to live freely, equally, and in dignity. The adoption of the UDHR recognized human rights as the foundation for freedom, justice, and peace.
1964- King receives the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo
Dr Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the African American population. Records show he became the youngest person to ever receive the award at 35 years old. Violent opposition often confronted the peaceful protests he organized. Instead, King and his followers persisted, and their non-violent movement gained momentum.
1978- World premiere of ‘Superman’ played by Christopher Reeve
On this day, the Superman franchise premiered at the Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C. The event was a charity gala, billed as a “Presidential Premiere” with President Jimmy Carter in attendance. The Superman movie featured Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane.
2001- The Fellowship of the Ring premieres
The first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, had its world premiere on December 10, 2001. It was held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London. The film was a commercial success, and critics regard it as the most influential fantasy film ever made. It hit theatres worldwide in the days that followed, grossing $897 million.
2005- Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash
Twenty years ago today, the Sosoliso plane moving from Abuja to Port Harcourt crashed. Reports indicated that the domestic passenger flight harboured 60 students aged 12 to 16 from Loyola Jesuit College., Tragically, the crash happened when the plane was about to land, killing about 108 persons. Only two people could live to tell the tale. Many families lost their loved ones in this horrible event and it remains a sorrowful memory. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
2009- President Obama receives the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize
On December 10, 2009, President Barack Obama received in person the Nobel Peace Prize at the Oslo City Hall in Norway. This was a recognition of his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.
