Obaba Museum

It’s Saturday and the afternoon of the first day of October 1960. Lagos Race Course (Now Tafawa Balewa Square) is the scene for Nigeria’s great day with thousands awaiting the climax of events which had began building up from the previous day. Elaborate preparations had been made, across the country, for this historic occasion. The previous day, 30 September, the United Kingdom had sent its congratulations to the Nigerian Prime Minister Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The Queen’s representative, Princess Alexandra of Kent had also been welcome to Nigeria by a downpour of rain but even further endeared herself to the Nigerians lined up on the street when she orders that the roof of the car be left open to the worst the clouds could possibly offer. Later in the day the weather is clear.

Many dignitaries had also gathered at the Race Course to keep vigil for the great Day ahead. At exactly 12 midnight, the floodlights were dimmed and the light came up again, ushering a new Green White Green flag replacing the Union Jack previous flying on the flagpole. The National anthem follows. The independence parties are not limited to the capital city of Lagos; other regions of the country also organised various events to usher in independence, but that of Lagos is of course the biggest.

Only very few Nigerians have access to Television sets. So, to be part of the celebrations, many people troop in to the Race Course in Lagos and their various regional capitals. The celebrations begin by noon with the opening speech by Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa

‘…Today is Independence Day. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation.
Words cannot adequately express my joy and pride at being the Nigerian citizen privileged to accept from Her Royal Highness these Constitutional Instruments which are the symbols of Nigeria’s Independence. It is a unique privilege which I shall remember forever, and it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country…’

On the next day, which is a Sunday, Princess Alexandra attends the morning service, as part of thanksgiving, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Lagos. By Monday, 3rd of October, she formally opens Nigeria’s Independence parliament before a distinguished assembly of people and diplomats. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, President of the Nigerian senate and Governor-General-designate, reads out the letters meant for the opening of the parliament.

The Princess later drives out of Lagos saying an official farewell to Nigerians.
Later that day, she arrives Ibadan to begin a two day official visit to the Western Region in connection with the independence celebrations and Her Royal Highness is being met by Sir. Adesoji Aderemi, the Governor and Chief S.L. Akintola, Premier.
The West African Games which the country waited for in anticipation was finally declared open by the Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Tafawa Balewa at the National Stadium, Lagos.
It’s such a memorable day for all Nigerians who are filled with high hopes and aspiration for their new country, little did they know that less than 7 years later, the attempt to build a strong United and virile nation would lead to much bloodshed.

The history of subsequent governments in Nigeria had also been replete with chaos, abuse of power and further blood shed. As we celebrate Nigeria’s independence from colonialism today, we must remember the bravery and patriotism of all Nigerians who lost their lives in their line of duty and also those civilians who were massacred recently at the Lekki Tollgate.

Happy Independence Day celebrations!