October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960

October 1, 1960 was a very special day in Nigeria’s history, as it marked the day the country gained her independence from the British Empire.

To mark that eventful day, there was a grand ceremony hosted by the nation’s first prime minister, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

At the ceremony, the country’s sovereign at the time, Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of England, was represented by a member of the British royal family, Princess Alexandra.

In addition to the main ceremony, there were also celebrations by Nigerians all around the country.

Legit.ng has rounded up some amazing photos from that historic day in 1960.

See below:

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960
Late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Nigeria's first prime minister, with Princess Alexandra on October 1, 1960
Source: UGC

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960
The scene at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on October 1, 1960
Source: UGC

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960
Dancers assemble at the Tafawa Balewa Square on October 1, 1960
Source: UGC

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960
School children decked in their uniforms celebrate Independence Day 1960
Source: UGC

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960
School children also seen celebrating in Onitsha on October 1, 1960
Source: UGC

October 1: Amazing photos from Nigeria’s first Independence Day celebration in 1960
An Igbo cultural dance group marks celebrations in Onitsha, October 1, 1960
Source: UGC

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the governor of Taraba state, Darius Ishaku, lamented over the current state of Nigeria and its alleged stunted growth despite being the acclaimed 'giant of Africa'.

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Ishaku, while speaking with journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, said despite being 59 now, Nigeria does not look mature for that age.

“We’ve failed to take Nigeria to enviable position. Yes, we are 59-years-old, but I don’t think we are 59 years mature - it is sweet and ugly.

“It is sweet because we have independence, but ugly because we have not been able to utilise the 59 years to take the country to an enviable position," he said.

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Nigeria @ 59: What's special about being a Nigerian - on Legit TV:

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Khadijah Thabit avatar

Khadijah Thabit (Copyeditor) Khadijah Thabit is an editor with over 3 years of experience editing and managing contents such as articles, blogs, newsletters and social leads. She has a BA in English and Literary Studies from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Khadijah joined Legit.ng in September 2020 as a copyeditor and proofreader for the Human Interest, Current Affairs, Business, Sports and PR desks. As a grammar police, she develops her skills by reading novels and dictionaries. Email: khadeeejathabit@gmail.com