After years of struggle and oppression under British rule, Nigeria finally gained its independence on October 1, 1960. Today marks Nigeria’s 55th year of independence.
Like other countries, the independence day of Nigeria is celebrated with great zeal and festive fervor.
Every year, there are lots of events to mark Nigeria’s independence, though many are of the opinion that there is nothing worth celebrating.
To commemorate this year’s Independence Day celebration, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
1960:
This was the year Nigeria gained her independence from British rule. The first Independence Day celebration took place at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Lagos. The Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, delivering his independence speech had said: “Today is Independence Day. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years, Nigeria has been eagerly looking forward. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent Sovereign nation.”
Princess Alexandra Reads The British Royal Message, October 1,1960
Jaja Wachuku (left: capped) as First indigenous Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives (during Nigeria’s Independence Ceremonies on 1 October 1960) with Prime Minister Balewa and Princess Alexandra of Kent.
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1970
The celebration of the 10th anniversary of Nigerian independence in 1970 took place in an atmosphere of a euphoria induced by the cessation of the civil war and the beginning oil boom. Yakubu Gowon was the Head of State and the youngest person to have ruled the country. His government fought to keep Nigeria one during the civil war. The war started in June 1967, and continued until Biafra surrendered on January 15, 1970 after over 1 million people had died.
1979
Nigeria returned to civilian government rule in October, electing Sheu Shagari as President of the Second Republic. Giving his inaugural speech, Shagari had said: “Fellow Nigerians, we have witnessed today the birth of the Second Republic of Nigeria. With the swearing-in-ceremony this morning, I have formally assumed office as your first executive president. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your patience, and support throughout the period of transition.”
In 1983, a military coup ousted the democratically elected government and Nigeria returned to military rule.
1990
A new constitution was set up in 1990, and the country was to return to civilian rule in 1992. In 1992, the Federal Council allowed an election to take place. However, the Babangida government annulled the results of that election and postponed additional elections for a year. Another election was held in June of 1993 and Moshood Abiola was to be declared the winner. Babangida again claimed fraud, and annulled the results of the second election, which was believed to be the first fair election held in the history of Nigeria. Hundreds were killed in demonstrations, human rights and pro-democracy activists were arrested, and opposition newspapers were shut down. Finally on August 27, 1993, Babangida resigned and Ernest Shonekan, a civilian, was appointed President. Shonekans’ rule was short-lived, lasting less than 3 months as he was overthrown by Sani Abacha on November 17, 1993. Nigeria once again returned to military rule.
After the capital of Nigeria was moved to Abuja on December 12, 1991, the nation’s Independence anniversary had always been a carnival. Many Nigerians from all walks of life always found it a delight going to the popular Eagle Square, Three Arms Zone, Abuja. At the capital, a lot of efforts are put into it to showcase national values, unity and strength.
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The late Head of State, Sani Abacha, lifted the Independence parade to new heights when he introduced the calisthenics into the celebration. Nigerians were treated to a beautiful presentation at the 1997 Independence anniversary. Elections to return to civilian rule were set for August 1, 1998, with a return date to civilian rule set for October 1, 1998. However, in April, Abacha became the only nominated candidate for the presidency. However, on June 8, 1998 Abacha died and Abdulsalam Abubakar took his place, setting up a transition program that would lead the country back to democracy by May 29, 1999.
In February 1998, Nigerians voted for a civilian president in an election marred by claims of voter fraud and irregularities. Two days later, former military ruler Olusegun Obasanjo was confirmed winner of the election by the Nigeria election commission. He was inaugurated as the new civilian president on May 29, 1999.
2000
Nigeria clocked 40 years in the year 2000. Giving his independence day speech the then president, Olusegun Obasanjo had said: “The fortieth anniversary, at the turn of the century and the beginning of a new millennium is a unique and symbolically compelling moment to reflect on our journey so far and to articulate and affirm an animating, elevating and enduring vision and ideals for Nigeria and unwavering commitment to the actualization of a great Nigeria.
In most cultures and societies, the fortieth birthday is a significant landmark in any person’s life. Any man or woman who reaches 40 years of age is judged to be truly mature, and worthy of being entrusted with sacred responsibilities.”
After eight years, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua took over from Obasanjo. He was declared the winner of the controversial Nigerian general election of 2007, held on April 21, and was sworn in on May 29, 2007. Yar’Adua died in 2010 and the Vice President Goodluck Jonathan was declared the acting president.
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2010
The lavish celebrations Jonathan had put on that afternoon to mark Nigeria’s independence golden jubilee was marred by two bombs explosions near Eagle Square in Abuja (the venue of the celebration), killing more than 20 people.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan cutting the 50th anniversary cake at the state house in Abuja.
After the October 1, 2010 attack, the Eagle Square has been abandoned as the site for Independence day celebrations. The parade and other activities to mark Independence Day have been held at Presidential Villa since then.
Jonathan change of parade during the 2011 Independence day celebration.
In 2011, Nigeria’s Independence was marked at the Presidential Villa, with a few privileged Nigerians admitted under stringent security scrutiny to observe the ceremony. Same thing happened in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Jonathan cutting the 53rd anniversary cake
In 2014, the Presidency held a brief Military Ceremony at the Villa to mark the Nation at 54. The colourful event which was the usual change of guards by the Brigade of Guards also witnessed the cutting of the independence cake.
Nigeria’s 54 years anniversary celebration.
2015
This is the first Independence Day celebration for Muhammadu Buhari as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was celebrated at the Presidential Villa.
President Buhari cutting the 55th anniversary cake.
The post Nigeria At 55: The Journey So Far (SEE PHOTOS) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.
Nigeria At 55: The Journey So Far (SEE PHOTOS)
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