Nigeria, a West African country, celebrates its 61st Independence Day today, October 1st, 2021, marking the end of British colonial authority in the country.
Nigerians from all walks of life, as well as Nigerians and fans of the country from other countries, commemorate the day.
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Many people who grew up between 1960 and 2006 recall taking part in match parades in their respective states, with government officials from various levels present to receive salutes from schoolchildren.
While this no longer occurs, it is one of the many activities that take place on a day like this.
The Independence Day celebrations begin with a speech from the country’s President, who discusses the country’s current situation, achievements, and future ambitions.
President Muhammadu Buhari will deliver his annual address to the nation this year.
Independence Day is an official Nigerian holiday in which all Nigerians, both public and private sector employees, have a day off to commemorate the country’s independence.
For those in the younger age who are unaware, Nigeria obtained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, at the same time that most African countries under British colonial rule did.
The late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the Prime Minister of the federal government’s coalition administration under the parliamentary system.
Because the Queen remained the head of state, the 1960 independence was not complete independence from British rule.
Nigeria, on the other hand, became a republic three years later.
The country was renamed the Federal Republic of Nigeria in October 1963, and the late Nnamdi Azikiwe became the country’s first President, giving the country full sovereign rights.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Nigeria is a made-up name given to the country by Flora Shaw, who derived the name from the Niger River.
The country was technically known as Royal Niger Company Territories before being granted the name Nigeria; one could say that during this time, Nigeria was considered as a business enterprise for the colonial authorities.
Nigeria has risen to become home to the world’s largest black population and one of Africa’s largest marketplaces, with its 61st independence anniversary taking place today.