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October 1, 1960 is not just a public holiday, here are some of the things you should know about Nigeria's Independence Day.

The only memorable thing most pupils in primary and secondary schools know about the Nigerian Independence is that October 1 of every year is a public holiday.

The only memorable thing most pupils in primary and secondary schools know about the Nigerian Independence is that October 1 of every year is a public holiday.

Here are some things you've probably not been thought about Independence Day at school:

1 October

Independence day is a holiday, celebrating the anniversary of a country's independence from another country that ruled it in the past.

Therefore, Nigeria Independence Day is an official national holiday in Nigeria, celebrated on the first of October. It marks Nigeria's proclamation of independence from British rule on 1 October 1960. So for this reason, Nigeria celebrates its independence on 1st of October.

History of Nigeria Independence day

In 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protectorate was combined with the Northern Nigeria Protectorate to create the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria , which has the borders of modern-day Nigeria. By 1950s, they call for independence of territories in Africa and the decline of the British Empire led to the country being granted independence on 1 October 1960 as the Federation of Nigeria

Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960. And an Executive Council, made up entirely of Nigerians, was led by a Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Its first government was a coalition of conservative parties, and it came into power on the back of increasingly enthusiastic demands for political independence from colonial powers that swept across much of the African continent during the middle of the 20th Century.

Nigeria’s independence government was led by the Northern People’s Congress in alliance with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (a largely Igbo party), with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister. In 1963, the country became a republic and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe its first (non-executive) President.

The important of 1st October in Nigeria

The importance of Independence Day in Nigeria comes with the fact that it brings all the Nigerians together in one accord.

1:. The Golden Voice of Tafawa Balewa

Balewa, who was a trained teacher grew up to fame from being a school teacher to a respected politician. He represented the northern interests in the colonial government and held different positions. He eventually became the first and only Prime Minister of the country in 1960.

Aside from being a respected statesman, Tafawa Balewa was also famous for his eloquence. His oratory skill earned him accolades among international communities. And that was the main reason he was nicknamed the Golden Voice of Africa.

On his 48th birthday which coincided with the independence of Nigeria in 1960, Tafawa Balewa, as the PM of the country declared Nigeria's independence and also delivered a hope-filled speech that set Nigerians alight with joys and celebrations.

2. The last British Governor-General

Sir James Wilson Robertson was a British civil servant who served as the last colonial Governor-General of Nigeria.

The reign of the British colonial masters in Nigeria came to an end with the administration of Sir James Wilson Robertson in 1960.

Robertson was said to have been sent to Nigeria to serve as the head of the British colony because of because of his good work in England. He was Governor-General of Nigeria from 15 June 1955 to 16 November 1960.

3: Race Course, Lagos

Race Course is a 14.5-hectare ceremonial ground in Lagos Island. It was the foremost venue for government events when Lagos was the capital of Nigeria.

This place might look empty and deserted today, but the ground played a significant role in the independent Nigeria history because it was the birthplace of Nigeria Independence, a place where Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafa declared the country as a sovereign nation. But after His death theFederal Government of Nigeria renamed the ground to Tafawa Balewa Square.

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