Independence History

Dive into the captivating story of Nigeria’s path to independence on OldNaija. Discover the pivotal events, visionary leaders, and the resilience that led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960. Join us as we journey through history to witness the birth of a free and independent nation.

The 1960 Independence Constitution of Nigeria – Features, Merits & Demerits
When Nigeria gained its independence on October 1st 1960, a homemade constitution known as the 1960 Independence Constitution was adopted…
Read More »
Watch the Video of Nigeria’s Independence Day Celebration in 1978
Below is the video of Lt. General Olusegun Obasanjo, the Head of State presiding over Nigeria’s independence Day celebration, the…
Read More »
How Nigeria’s Independence was celebrated on October 1st 1960 (With Videos)
Nigerians at the Tafawa Balewa Square on October 1st 1960 Joy and merriment rented the air as excited Nigerians stormed…
Read More »
Mallam Aminu Kano, the man whom several structures are named after in Nigeria
A progressive Muslim, Mallam Aminu Kano, was not one to allow business as usual. In politics, he fought external colonial…
Read More »
Northern People’s Congress (NPC)
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (L) and Sir Ahmadu Bello (R) Northern people’s Congress (NPC) was a political party dominant in…
Read More »
The National Council of Nigeria And The Cameroons (NCNC)
Nnamdi Azikiwe The National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) was a political party formed in 1944 by Herbert…
Read More »
Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) – First Political Party in Nigeria
Herbert Macaulay of Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) was formed in 1923 by Sir…
Read More »
How Adunni Oluwole Fought for Workers During the 1945 General Strike & Opposed Independence in 1956
Adunni Oluwole Who was Adunni Oluwole? Adunni Oluwole, born in Ibadan in 1905, was a Nigerian pre-independence politician and human…
Read More »
The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) of 1935
Eyo Ita Esua of Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was founded in 1935 after the introduction…
Read More »
The Independence Speech of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa on October 1st, 1960
Below is the speech delivered by the Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, during the celebration of Nigeria’s independence…
Read More »
The First Republic In Nigeria And Its Collapse (1960-1966)
Nigeria became recognized as a Republic on the 1st of October, 1963, but this did not mark the beginning of…
Read More »
The Kano Riot of 1953 – Causes and Effects
Causes of the Kano riot of 1953 In March 1953, a member of Action Group (AG) in the House of…
Read More »
Old National Anthem Of Nigeria – Lyrics And Important Things You Should Know
The former or old national anthem of Nigeria, titled “Nigeria, we hail thee“, was composed by Lillian Jean Williams,…
Read More »
Rare photo of Princess Alexandra shaking hands with Nigerians during independence, 1960
Below is a rare photo of Princess Alexandra shaking hands with Nigerian dignitaries during the celebration of Nigeria’s independence on…
Read More »
Margery Michelmore – The lady whose postcard sparked outrage in Nigeria in 1961
Margery Michelmore | Life Magazine, 1961 Margery Michelmore came to Nigeria in 1961 for the Peace Corps training at the…
Read More »