On the first of every October, celebrations run rampant across the borders of Nigeria and its international community. Why? Because that is the date the country celebrates its annual independence from Britain.
The theme for Nigeria's Independence Day anniversary was “Nigeria @ 63: Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity” which would also be “in line with the present economic realities” of Nigeria as announced by George Akume, the secretary to the government of the federation.
As one of the plethora of African countries to be colonized by the British in the 19th-20th century, Nigeria became a British Protectorate in 1901 after its invasion in 1851.
It wouldn't be until after World War II that a sense of Nigerian nationalism developed among the citizens. As a result, there were increasing demands for independence which pressured Nigeria's colonial ruler, making ruling the colony more difficult. Tensions and conflicts among the different regions of Nigeria also played a role in exacerbating this.
By 1951, the country was divided into the north, east, and western regions with each having its own house of assembly according to the BBC.
Britain continued to rule the country until an act of the British parliament called the “Freedom Charter” gave the colony its independence within the commonwealth on October 1, 1960. The charter was from Princess Alexandria of Kent, Queen II's representative. After independence, a new constitution was formed, arranging the federal system with an elected prime minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and a ceremonial head of state, Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Balewa announced the country's independence to the public in a speech at the “Race Course” (later renamed Tafawa Balewa Square) alongside Princess Alexandria and Sir James Robertson, the last colonial governor-general of Nigeria, according to Wikipedia.
Now the Tafawa Balwa Square is the most well-known attribution to Nigeria's independence and is used to host different public events on Independence Day.
Independence Day!
The morning of Independence Day is kicked off with a special announcement by the president to the public that marks the forthcoming festivities.
The national flag is raised as the national anthem is sung and a parade of the armed forces appears. The Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the workforce, and national education services also celebrate this day to the public. The national cake is also cut to commemorate the celebrations at Aso Rock (the presidential villa), AllNationalDay, and primary and secondary schools perform parades in various state capitals and local government areas.
Despite the majority of corporations and government agencies being closed, most shops, markets, and restaurants remain open, allowing people to enjoy the festivities and support the holiday gatherings of these businesses.
Filled with celebrations, people in the streets wearing the colors of the Nigerian flag, family gatherings, and rest, Independence Day is a monumental day that defines the national unity among Nigerians globally.
From a coup to a bloody civil war to being the most economically prosperous nation in Africa, Nigeria is a country whose historical legacy and development continue to be refined and tested. As an attestation to the nation's continued interest in progress, Independence Day is a day that signifies the nationalist pride that is within the hundreds of millions of culturally diverse Nigerians globally.
David Rotimi from Unsplash
