Nigeria celebrates 58th independence day - Facts, History and photos
After 58 years of Independence, so much can be said of the Nigerian State, good or bad, Nigeria have lived below expectations and despite it's rich cultural heritage and population, it has remained a divisive entity begging for stability. (Paul Aisa.)
Brief History of Nigeria
Nigeria popularly called the ‘giant of Africa’ is the seventh most populous nation in the world. It is located in the southern coastal part of West Africa with Abuja as its capital city. It is one of the liveliest places in Africa that continues to attract visitors from different parts of the world.
Nigeria’s journey as an independent nation may have begun on October 1, 1960, but its history dates back far before the colonial era.
Many aspects of modern life in Nigeria were established in the 16th century during the colonial era but by the middle of the 20th century the desire for Africans to end all forms of foreign control and influence grew.
Most countries were fighting for the right to take charge of their political, social and economic affairs which eventually led to Nigeria to be granted independence on 1 October 1960 under a constitution with parliamentary government and a favourable degree of autonomy for the country.
Nigeria marked total independence from Britain when it became a federal republic after a new constitution was adopted on 1 October 1963 with Nnamdi Azikiwe as its first president.
Nigeria comprises of unique people, culture and ethnicity with over 500 ethnic groups of which the three largest are Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa brought together by circumstances and colonialism.
Nigeria comprises of 36 states with beautiful beaches, ultra-modern city centres, houses built with opulent luxury, great architecture, scenic attraction sites, universities, museums, national parks, zoos, hotels, resorts and many other amenities.
Her culture and tradition had its influence ranging from the pre-colonial era to the legacy of tribal conflict and the slave ports before its independence in 1960.
Pre-colonial history of Nigeria
Different tribes and empires inhabited the territories that make up what is now known as Nigeria since ancient times. About 200 thousand years ago Nigeria became the land and a part of West Africa. We don't know for sure if somebody was living at this time in this area, but probably from that time the ancient tribes began to penetrate there from the territory of Eastern and Central Africa, and they were distant descendants of the Asuras and the distant ancestors of modern pygmies.
About 2000 years ago, Nigerian people having Nok culture exchanged slaves, Ivory and kola nuts for salt, glass beads, coral, cloth and weapons. They worked with metals like iron and produced terra cotta sculptures. During this period Great Britain was expanding colonies around the world and Nigeria also became a colony of British rulers. In 1900 the British government took control of the Royal Niger Company’s Nigerian territories. After the Second World War the nationalism and independence movements forced the British government to allow autonomy to Nigeria. Thus Nigeria was granted full independence in October 1st 1960. Since independence there were extreme civil wars between northern, Eastern and western regions of Nigeria. The petroleum trade was flourishing and thus Nigeria advanced financially after independence despite the ongoing civil wars and assassinations
Nigeria Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities
Nigeria celebrates its independence every year on October 1st, both in the capital Abuja and 36 states. The President broadcasts a live speech on television and radio to mark the commencement of Independence Day celebrations. There will be flag raising ceremony to honor the nation. The armed forces parades with cultural dances are followed after the Presidential speech. The dance troops, singers, students from all states take part in the Independence Day celebration. On this day homage is paid to the freedom fighters and other national leaders who fought for the independence of Nigeria from the colonial rule. The celebration is an ideal platform for national integration in Nigeria.
17 Interesting historical facts you should know about Nigeria;
770 A.D. – Early Ijaw settlement.
800 – Yoruba civilisation already well established, based on thirteen farming villages centred at Ilé-Ifẹ̀. Mega-state at Igbo-Ukwu has complex social structure, produces copious artefacts including bronzes.
1450 – Beginning of European contact on the Atlantic coast.
1500 – The nominally Muslim Hausa Kingdoms were established in Northern Nigeria.
1845 – The first building in Nigeria was built in Badagry, Lagos State.
1851 – Kano one of the largest city in Africa made 10 million sandal pairs and 5 million hides for export every year.
1851 – Treaty Between Great Britain and Lagos.
1914 – Formation of Nigeria under Governor Frederick Lugard
1959 – The new Nigerian currency was introduced.
October 1, 1960 – Nigeria gained independence from Britain.
October 1, 1961 – Southern Cameroon ceases to be a part of Nigeria and became a part of Cameroun, following the UN-organised plebiscite of February 11, 1961.
October 1, 1963 – Nigeria became a republic.
1965 – Cocoa house in the city of Ibadan, Oyo state was once the tallest building in tropical Africa.
1975 – A brand new car sold for N2000
1975 – An air ticket to London was less than N100
1976 – 75 Kobos exchanged for one British Pound Sterling and 60 Kobos for one US dollar.
Till 1984, A Travel Visa was not required to travel to the United Kingdom.
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