fact about nigeria independence

For more information, go to the Fact Monster page about Nigeria. He could have been the Prime Minister but he turned it down while appointing his deputy Belewa to be the Prime Minister. It was first … There are no Nigerians in the same sense as there are English or Welsh or French. The Yoruba-dominated AG became the opposition under its charismatic leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It is, however, interesting to know that there are in fact a few facts about Nigeria’s independence day that are not widely known. It was … In 1914, the area was formally united as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Obafemi Awolowo on the other hand was not happy about this and was not pleased because he and Nnamdi Azikiwe (figure head role) were not leading the government as intellectuals. In subsequent attempts to reconvene the Western parliament, similar disturbances broke out. The Nigerian unity question did not start today or it is just cropping up because some groups are feeling marginalized along the line. Thus the North dominated the federation government from the beginning of independence. We are called upon immediately to show that our claims to responsible government are well-founded, and having been accepted as an independent state, we must at once play an active part in maintaining the peace of the world and in preserving civilisation. The Sardauna and Belewa on the other hand didn’t not have degrees to their names. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, the three largest of which are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. The region became one of so many rancor and fighting that the federal government in order to weaken the opposition created the Mid-Western Region and Dr. Dennis Osedebay became the Premier of the Region. https://www.legit.ng/1144108-history-nigeria-independence-10-facts-know.html Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Federation of Nigeria was granted full independence on 1st of October 1960 under a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country’s three regions. It is very diverse, with more than 250 ethnic groups; the largest are the Yoruba, the Hausa and Fulani and the Ibo (Igbo). Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. He was the leader of the most biggest party in parliament who always had their way in every decision or voting process. As part of the process of turning a year older, Nigeria will be celebrating her independence day once again. AMAZING FACTS ABOUT NIGERIA. Fighting between the members broke out. The northerners as it were had the population so they dominated the House of Representatives and no major decisions could be taken if they voted against it while southerners on the other hand were more educated so the northerners feared that their southern counterparts would take up all the positions in the government. Required fields are marked *. After the Napoleonic wars, the British expanded trade with the Nigerian interior and by 1885; it was well known in the international scene that the British had a considerable influence on this West African sphere. This stirred up sentiments against the Igbos from other tribes. It is, however, interesting to know that there are in fact a few facts about Nigeria’s independence day that are not widely known. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe while addressing the Igbo State Union in 1949 said, “The God of Africa has specially created the Igbo nation to lead the children of Africa from the bondage of the ages”. When Nigeria gained independence from the UK in 1960 there were high hopes and expectations that we were on our way to self-government. Nigeria is turning 57, hurray! How Did Nigeria Gain Independence in 1960. It was JajaWachuku that received Nigeria’s Instrument of Independence, also known as Freedom Charter, on Independence Day. Public Holidays: A national holiday commemorating independence is celebrated on October 1. It is, however, interesting to know that there are in fact a few facts about Nigeria’s independence day that are not … Nigeria became an independent country on October 1, 1960. Chairs were thrown and one member grabbed the parliamentary Mace and wielded it like a weapon to attack the Speaker and other members. This was divided among the South (Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo) and North (Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Belewa). From 1959 to 1960, JajaWachuku was the First Nigerian Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament also called the “House of Representatives.” JajaWachuku replaced Sir Frederick Metcalfe of Britain. It is, however, interesting to know that there are in fact a few facts about the country’s Independence Day that are not widely known. Here are just a few Nigerians who were instrumental to this cause: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe – known as ‘Zik’, he was the first elected President of Nigeria after independence. The NCNC represented the interests of the Igbo- and Christian-dominated people of the Eastern Region of Nigeria and the Action Group (AG) was a left-leaning party that represented the interests of the Yoruba people in the West. Today, the territory forms parts of Northern Nigeria in West Africa and Cameroon in … The Federal government was given exclusive powers in defense, foreign relations, and commercial and fiscal policy. As a result, when the first post-independence national government, it was formed by a conservative alliance of the NCNC and the NPC. Before Independence Day Southern Cameroon was actually Part of Nigeria: It was first called the British Cameroons during the colonial era. It is not new that our leaders then; Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Belewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo had trust issues for each other. At one point he had to address Belewa as his “lieutenant in Lagos” and this caused a stir in the south towards Belewa and Northern Nigeria. a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country's three regions. The Igbo tribe has always been regarded as the most successful tribe in the country. And we come to this task better-equipped than many.’’. It is a day that will continue to be remembered in the annals of Africa’s history. The Federal government was given exclusive powers in defence, foreign relations, and commercial and fiscal policy. The northern region of the country comprised three-quarters of the land area and more than half the population of Nigeria. www.travelstart.com.ng/blog/17-interesting-historical-facts-about-nigeria This was the internal political situation Nigeria found herself when it is suppose to be charting a new course for Africa’s democratic governance. For instance, the Nigerian People’s Congress (NPC) represented conservative, Muslim, largely Hausa and Fulani interests that dominated the Northern Region. The Yoruba Tribe has the highest rates of twin births in the world: 158 twins per 1000 births! The Akintola faction argued that the Yoruba peoples were losing their pre-eminent position in business in Nigeria to people of the Igbo tribe because the Igbo-dominated NCNC was part of the governing coalition and the AG was not. In the 1959 elections held in preparation for independence, the NPC captured 134 seats in the 312-seat parliament. The Question Of Unity. The richest man in Africa is a Nigeria. The Sardauna’s indigenization policies made it such that more northerners were employed to do certain jobs and in a situation where there was no northerner or any other tribe he would opt for an expatriate to do the job. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC) took over power in the federal government with National Council of Nigerian Citizens being the junior partner in what is called a shaky coalition. Sir Ahmadu Bello was seen as the most influential leader at that time because he had control of the largest region; the north. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, helps fill in this gap by sharing 4 interesting facts about Nigeria’s independence day that are probably unknown. Nigeria is turning 57, hurray! Upon independence, it was widely expected that Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna of Sokoto, the undisputed strong man in Nigeria who controlled the North, would become Prime Minister of the new Federation Government. What was the basis of this mistrust? However, when Western Region parliament met to approve this change, Akintola supporters in the parliament started a riot in the chambers of the parliament. All Nigeria Info blog is dedicated to providing viewers with information revolving around DIY, Business, ICT, Top Lists, Bios, Education and more! A vibrant migrant population who were well known in the area of commerce and industry and this created lot resentment from other tribes especially their northern counterparts. The Federation of Nigeria was granted full independence on October 1, 1960 under a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country’s three regions. https://naijagists.com/facts-about-nigeria-kids-culture-history-religion-tradition During of the constitutional conferences the future Prime Minister Sir Tafawa Belewa stated that “Nigeria existed as a nation only on paper. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Lagos State, the. Administratively, Nigeria remained divided into the Northern and Southern Provinces and the Lagos Colony. Hence on the 1st of October 1954, the colony became the autonomous Federation of Nigeria. The party leadership under Awolowo disagreed and replaced Akintola as premier of the West with one of their own supporters. parade on Nigerian Independence Day Facts About Nigeria. It is, however, interesting to know that there are in fact a few facts about Nigeria's independence day that are not widely known. The others were created by the military. The Muslim-majority of the Northern area of Cameroon opted for union with By 1900, the company’s territory had come under the control of the British Government, which moved to consolidate its hold over the area of modern Nigeria and on the 1st of January 1901, Nigeria became a British protectorate meaning it was part of the British Empire, the foremost world power at the time. Nigeria has recorded 238 new cases of COVID-19. The great country, Nigeria, is indeed Fifty Eight (58) years today. After the independence, Nigeria tried to adopt the UK-style of government; Westminster-style parliamentary democracy. Weekly News Review 19th – 23rd September 2016, List of All Tribes in Lagos State Nigeria, Top 10 Facts You Did Not Know About Nnamdi Azikiwe, How to Check Your BVN Code on Your Phone 2021, Pictures of Ankara Dresses for Children 2021, 35 Ankara Designs for Kids to Rock this 2021. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Well, in this post, we will answer these questions and many more. At independence, what we had was a herding together of over 250 ethnic groups by the UK without seeking for the people’s consent or anything close to a referendum. As part of the process of turning a year older, Nigeria will be celebrating her independence day once again. The showdown towards independence was characterized by mistrust that was reflected more in the leaders at that time. To the Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello he called it “the mistake of 1914” (the year of amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorate). A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a ceremonial head of state. After World War II, in response to the growth of Nigerian nationalism and demands for independence, successive constitutions legislated by the British Government moved Nigeria toward self-government on a representative and increasingly federal basis. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The AG and NCNC delegates walked out of the northern majority in the House. Till today it is the only region or state that was created democratically in Nigeria. So in a vote this motion was neutralized by northerners seeing that they have the majority in the house. Kids from Mexico. The Federation of Nigeria was granted full independence on October 1, 1960 under a constitution that provided for a parliamentary government and a substantial measure of self-government for the country’s three regions. If you’re interested in the history of Nigeria, a couple of questions you may have asked include how did Britain get to colonize Nigeria and how did Nigeria break free and become an independent nation? He received it from Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen’s representative at the Nigerian independence ceremonies. It was expected by Nigeria would become Africa’s first superpower and a stabilizing democratic influence in the region. The Nigerian unity question did not start today or it is just … Capturing 89 seats in the federal parliament was the second largest party in the newly independent country the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). Cost of Foundation For Two Mini-Flats in Nigeria, Lingard, Moyes and a Season That Could Redeem Both Men, This Could Be The Best Super Eagles Squad Ever…If Only…. by Pereere Smart | Oct 1, 2018 | Blogs | 1 comment. Lagos is the largest city, but it’s not the capital. Nigeria is turning 57, hurray! As part of the process of turning a year older, Nigeria will be celebrating her independence day once again. Let me point out that on October 1, 1960, the army office commanding the army guards at the midnight flag raising ceremony was Captain David Ejoor and went on to play a major role in the military interventions that followed later. Kids from Russia. All Nigeria Info, formerly iDONSABI was founded May, 2016. Nigeria had turned 57 her independence day was celebrated once again. The deputy leader of NPC, Sir Tafawa Belewa became Prime Minister while the leader of the NCNC Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became the ceremonial Governor-General until 1963 when the title was changed to president. … The British Cameroons was a British Mandate territory in the then British West Africa. Is It Time For Iheanacho To Head Back To Man City? The federal government Prime Minister, Balewa agreed with the Akintola faction and sought to have the AG join the government. Jumia … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. His name is Aliko Dangote, the founder of the Dangote Group. In 1953 Chief Anthony Enahoro (a Southerner) tabled a motion at the House of Representatives for Nigeria’s independence in 1956 but Northerners were skeptical and apprehensive about this seeing that they didn’t have enough administrative and educated workforce to fill up positions in an independent Nigeria. However, in 1962, a faction arose within the AG under the leadership of Ladoke Akintola who had been selected as premier of the West. In this piece I will be bring you interesting facts about the independence of Africa’s giant nation, Nigeria. Nigeria is the 12 th largest producer of oil and the 8 th largest … Unrest continued in the West and contributed to the Western Region’s reputation for, violence, anarchy and rigged elections. Akintola was appointed to head a coalition government in the Western Region. Nigeria is home to 7% of the total languages spoken on Earth. The Walls of Benin in Edo State, are the longest and ancient man-made structures on Earth. For Obafemi Awolowo; “Nigeria is not a nation; it is a mere geographical expression. Nigeria, the giant of Africa is one of the greatest countries in Africa as a Continent. They were seen in every city and town across the north and country and wherever they always dominated the indigenes of such places. Before October 1, 1960 Southern Cameroon was actually Part of Nigeria. In the 1959 elections, the AG obtained 73 seats. However, Bello chose to remain as premier of the North and as party boss of the NPC, selected Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a Hausa, to become Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. He was an Igbo Mid-Westerner. Recent events have changed the scene beyond recognition, so that we find ourselves today being tested to the utmost. Here’s an excerpt of the speech the then Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa gave on that day, “When this day in October 1960 was chosen for our Independence, it seemed that we were destined to move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage. Nigeria is Africa's most populous country, accounting for about one-fifth of the continent's people. Thus, the AG was reduced to an opposition role in their own stronghold. https://www.usnews.com/.../2019-07-02/10-interesting-facts-about-nigeria According to him, “I would rather be called Sultan of Sokoto than President of Nigeria”. This blog was founded for the sole purpose of enlightenment. We had abundant mineral resources and also the most educated workforce in Africa. I promise you, we shall not fall for want of determination. By the middle of the 20th century, the great wave for independence was sweeping across Africa and on 27th October 1958, Britain agreed that Nigeria would become an independent state on 1 October 1960. First TV Station in Nigeria: How It All Started, Nigerian Traditional Art: A General Overview, Nigerian Art History: Decade by Decade Account, History of the FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps), History of SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme), History of Ondo state (Before and After Creation till date), History of Ogun state (Before and After Creation till date), History of Guidance and Counselling in Nigeria, History of EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission). This was where the similarities ended because in as much as the UK-style focused on debates and party maneuvering, the Nigerian-style was fragmented along regional and ethnic lines. Federal Government Prime Minister Balewa declared martial law in the Western Region and arrested Awolowo and other members of his faction charged them with treason. Your email address will not be published. Seeing that there were three political parties then representing the 3 major tribes; AG (West), NCNC (East), NPC (North), with the NPC and NCNC forming the new government it left out the AG as the main opposition party. However, despite striving towards becoming an independent nation, the political parties in the country still remain quite fragmented. In the Western region which was being led by the Action Group of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, there was an allegation leveled against AG leaders like Awo on planning to overthrow the government. This year makes it 60 years of independence. From 1959 to 1960, JajaWachuku was the First Nigerian Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament also called the “House of Representatives.” JajaWachuku replaced Sir Frederick Metcalfe of … Major political players had something to say about this; showing a lack of confidence in them on Nigeria actually being a nation. Nigeria is turning 57, hurray! Many stories have been told about Nigeria and the road towards independence on October 1, 1960. Nigerian unity is only a British intention for the country”. It is still far from being united. After been a federation, Nigeria eventually got her independence in 1960 from the United Kingdom led by the Hausa and Muslim dominated group; Northern People’s Congress … However, the monarch of Nigeria was still the head of state but legislative power was vested in a bicameral parliament, executive power in a prime minister and cabinet and judicial authority in a Federal Supreme Court. Your email address will not be published. Independence: Nigeria achieved independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960. INDEPENDENCE: 5 Amazing Facts About Nigeria. Eventually, the police with tear gas were required to quell the riot. As part of the process of turning a year older, Nigeria will be celebrating her independence day once again. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 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