Nigeria’s 65th anniversary of independence highlights the excitement of October 1, 1960, when the Union Jack was taken down in Lagos and replaced with the green-white-green flag, as well as the years of effort that made freedom achievable, through the activism of nationalists such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Aminu Kano, and Yusuf Maitama Sule, writesWALE AKINSELURE
Nigeria is currently celebrating 65 years since it gained independence from British colonial rule. At midnight on October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was taken down in Lagos and substituted with Nigeria’s green-white-green flag. At the Race Course, which was later renamed Tafawa Balewa Square, Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, declared the nation’s independence during a speech that ignited national pride. Nnamdi Azikiwe, a prominent nationalist leader and the Premier of the Eastern Region, was inaugurated as Governor-General. Princess Alexandra of Kent, acting on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, delivered the constitutional documents of independence for the British Crown.
The celebration on that Saturday included military parades, cultural shows, the opening of public facilities, and official events that were attended by both Nigerian and international guests. Two days prior, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, addressing the United Nations General Assembly, suggested the importance of Nigeria’s shift: “Those of us who have assisted them in their journey to nationhood feel that we too have the right to be proud.”
The October 1 celebrations were marked by speeches full of admiration. In the excitement of independence, Azikiwe stated that Nigeria had been given “independence on a golden platter.”
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Northern Premier, stated: “No group of people has ever advanced so effortlessly and swiftly from reliance to self-rule.” Chief Obafemi Awolowo, head of the Action Group, remarked: “Britain can rightly be proud of its achievements in Nigeria. We are patriots, but not radicals. We have reached the threshold of independence without conflict.”
Throughout Britain, there was also appreciation. James Callaghan, the Labour Party’s Shadow Colonial Secretary, addressed his party’s conference in Scarborough, stating that Nigeria was “a significant nation where 30 million people transitioned swiftly, determinedly, and without disruption to self-rule.”
Yet underneath the festive singing was the truth: independence was not given freely. It resulted from years of activism, large-scale protests, sacrifices, and the resolve of Nigerians who fought against colonial rule.
Long Road to Independence
The fight for Nigeria’s independence dates back to the establishment of the Nigerian National Democratic Party in 1923 by Herbert Macaulay, who is known as the father of Nigerian nationalism. The NNDP participated in legislative council elections and encouraged youth involvement, leading to the creation of the Nigeria Youth Movement in 1937.
A significant shift occurred in 1944 with the establishment of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, established by Macaulay and Azikiwe. The following decade was characterized by intense political conflicts: the 1945 general strike, widespread resistance against the 1946 Richards Constitution, a national campaign in 1949 concerning the killing of striking Enugu coal miners by colonial authorities, the constitutional crisis of 1951, during which the British disbanded the Eastern Assembly, and a series of constitutional meetings in London throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
These challenges highlighted the Nigerian people’s opposition to externally imposed colonial systems. Nevertheless, the British were not inactive. Their effective implementation of divide-and-rule tactics postponed Nigeria’s independence while intensifying ethnic and regional conflicts. The 1946 Richards Constitution divided the nation into three unequal regions—North, East, and West—which was further solidified by the 1951 Macpherson Constitution. In the North, indirect rule via emirs strengthened traditional leadership. These leaders were integrated into the colonial administration as well-compensated officials. In the East, efforts to introduce warrant chiefs faced strong resistance, resulting in significant mistrust toward colonial authorities.
With the rise of regionalism, political parties began to form along ethnic lines. In the North, Sir Ahmadu Bello’s Northern Peoples Congress held power, yet faced opposition from Aminu Kano’s Northern Elements Progressive Union, which frequently collaborated with the NCNC. In the West, the Egbe Omo Oduduwa established in 1948 led to the creation of Awolowo’s Action Group in 1951, a Yoruba-oriented party that competed with Azikiwe’s NCNC in both Western and Eastern politics. This regional-based political structure would influence Nigeria’s independence and continue to affect its stability after colonial rule.
Negotiating Freedom
Nigeria’s independence was not an abrupt decision. By 1957, the Eastern and Western Regions had already achieved self-government, while the North did so in 1959. Earlier in 1956, the NCNC and AG jointly called for self-rule, but Britain claimed the North was not prepared. The British allowed the East and West to gain self-government in 1957, but pressure increased, particularly after the 1954 elections, where the NPC remained dominant, yet the NCNC held a strong presence in both the East and West. At the 1957 constitutional conference in London, Nigerians presented a unified demand for full independence. With the North preparing for self-government in 1959, the push for national freedom became unstoppable. Nigerian leaders insisted on achieving independence by April 1960. Britain opposed this, instead advocating for federal elections in December 1959 to shape the structure of governance after independence.
The outcomes demonstrated Nigeria’s variety. NPC captured 142 seats, NCNC (alongside its partner NEPU) obtained 89, and AG held 73. A joint government was established between the NPC and NCNC, with Balewa serving as Prime Minister and Azikiwe as Governor-General, while the AG took on the role of opposition. Therefore, independence was announced on October 1, 1960 — the result of discussions, agreements, and political partnerships.
Icons who shaped independence
The fight for independence was led by outstanding Nigerians whose names are forever remembered in history.
Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto
Sir Ahmadu Bello’s political journey started in 1934 when he was appointed District Head of Rabah under Sultan Hassan dan Muazu. In 1948, he pursued studies in local government administration in England with a government-funded scholarship. Upon returning, he served as a representative for Sokoto in the regional House of Assembly and, in 1954, became the first Premier of the Northern Region. The significant 1959 general election that led to independence saw the NPC, led by Bello, form an alliance with the NCNC headed by Nnamdi Azikiwe, resulting in Nigeria’s initial native federal government. Bello opted to stay as Premier of the North, choosing to be close to his community. His life ended abruptly in January 1966 when he was killed during a coup led by Chukwuma Nzeogwu, which overthrew Nigeria’s first post-independence administration.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first Prime Minister
Following the NPC’s victory in the pre-independence parliamentary election, Tafawa Balewa, who was the party’s vice-president, became Nigeria’s first Prime Minister, holding office until his murder during the January 1966 coup. Balewa was heavily engaged in shaping policies and gained a strong international reputation, particularly between 1960 and 1961, when he also acted as Nigeria’s representative in foreign affairs. He was crucial in Africa’s initial post-independence diplomatic efforts and played a vital role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity. During the 1950s, he was involved in constitutional discussions that eventually led to Nigeria’s independence.
Herbert Macaulay, the pioneer of nationalistic thought
Herbert Macaulay is recognized as the pioneer of Nigerian nationalism. Throughout his lifetime, he was a vocal critic of colonial rule. During the 1920s, he organized demonstrations against unliked policies including water charges, land regulations, and the management of railway funds. He helped establish the Nigerian Daily News, which became a platform for influencing political discussions in Lagos. In 1923, he established the Nigerian National Democratic Party, the country’s initial political organization, which held significant influence in the legislative council until the late 1930s, when it joined forces with the Nigerian Youth Movement to create the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons, an organization that promoted independence.
Nnamdi Azikiwe, Zik of Africa
Nnamdi Azikiwe played a key role in Nigeria’s fight for independence. While serving as the editor of The African Morning Post in Ghana, he promoted a nationalist perspective before returning to Nigeria in 1937 to launch The West African Pilot, which emerged as a hub for nationalist thought. In 1943, Azikiwe and other editors from West Africa presented a memorandum demanding independence and social and political changes. The next year, he helped establish the NCNC alongside Herbert Macaulay. Later, Azikiwe served as Nigeria’s second and final Governor-General (1960–1963) and the nation’s first President (1963–1966), leading during the First Republic.
Obafemi Awolowo, the architect of federalism
Obafemi Awolowo, Nigeria’s leading federalist, released “Path to Nigerian Freedom,” a significant analysis of colonial rule and a demand for autonomous governance. In 1950, he established the Action Group and spearheaded the movement towards federalism, which was reflected in the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution. As head of the AG and Leader of the Opposition, he frequently had conflicts with the government led by the NPC, which he believed was overly connected to colonial interests. Awolowo served as the first Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance in the Western Region, and later became its first Premier (1952–1959). Outside of politics, he was a social democrat who advocated for economic and social changes, especially in education and development within Western Nigeria.
Anthony Enahoro, architect of the independence motion
Anthony Enahoro was a trailblazing anti-colonial activist and journalist. By the age of 21, he took on the role of editor for The Southern Nigerian Defender in Ibadan in 1944. As a student leader, he organized demonstrations that resulted in his imprisonment by colonial authorities. In 1953, he made history by introducing the first parliamentary motion advocating for Nigeria’s independence, which earned him the title of “Father of the Nigerian State.” His initiative set the stage for Nigeria’s eventual independence in 1960.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the Lioness of Lisabi
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a bold critic of colonial governance and a vocal supporter of women’s rights. She brought together women to oppose unjust policies like taxation and their exclusion from leadership roles. When colonial authorities attempted to suppress protests, she gathered women through cultural events and, in 1953, held a meeting in Abeokuta that resulted in the creation of the Federation of Nigerian Women’s Societies, a powerful voice for women’s rights. Her efforts earned her the nickname “Lioness of Lisabi.”
Margaret Ekpo, political trailblazer
Margaret Ekpo emerged as a significant political figure and advocate for women’s rights. During the 1940s, she started participating in political gatherings for her husband, who was restricted by his position as a civil servant, and quickly became a prominent voice opposing colonial rule. She became a member of the NCNC and collaborated closely with Ransome-Kuti to encourage women’s involvement in politics. In 1953, she was selected for the regional House of Chiefs, and in 1954, she established the Aba Township Women’s Association, an organization aimed at empowering women at the community level.
Aminu Kano, champion of the people
Mallam Aminu Kano attended Katsina College and subsequently enrolled at the University of London’s Institute of Education. He emerged as a significant leader within the Northern Elements Progressive Union, opposing the authoritarian rule of Northern elites and promoting a more equal society. Born into a family of Islamic scholars—his father served as an acting Alkali—he employed political means to push for changes that benefited common citizens, establishing himself as a representative of the people against the influence of feudal systems.
Yusuf Maitama Sule, the Emir of Kano
Maitama Sule began his political career in 1954 as a member of the Federal House of Representatives and held the position of Chief Whip from 1955 to 1956. He gained recognition as a skilled orator and historian, and was honored with the title Dan Masanin Kano for his knowledge and leadership. In 1959, he was re-elected under the NPC, and in 1960, he led Nigeria’s delegation to the Conference of Independent African States in Addis Ababa, where he proposed the motion for establishing the Organisation of African Unity. Later, he served as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, notably presiding over the UN Special Committee against Apartheid, and in 1983, he was appointed Minister for National Guidance to combat corruption. He ran for president in 1979 but lost to Shehu Shagari, yet continued to be a significant figure in politics. Maitama Sule, who passed away on July 3, 2017, is remembered as a patriot and a unifier.
Sixty-five years following its independence, Nigeria finds itself at a critical juncture. The aspirations of the nation’s founders for unity, stability, and wealth have repeatedly faced challenges from civil conflict, military governance, financial downturns, graft, instability, and lack of progress. Nonetheless, the efforts of the early nationalist leaders continue to offer valuable lessons. Their battles serve as a reminder to Nigerians that independence was not an immediate gift but a hard-earned triumph, achieved through bravery, organization, discussion, and perseverance. At 65, Nigeria still deals with the complexities of its origins, a country granted independence on a “golden platter,” yet one still striving to fully realize its vast potential.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
