Nigerians Celebrate Naija @60 From Eagle Square – Abuja

Nigerian History has its root in the early civilization of prominent artistry. The Plateau area was the meeting point for cultural influences and agricultural trades. By 500BCE Nok culture flourished. Nok Society (Plateau People) were Agriculturalists making tools and weapons of Iron known for their Terracotta heads and figures.

Nigerian history will be incomplete without the mention of how the country got its independence. The Federation of Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Led by the Northern people’s congress (largely Hausa and Muslims) and Nigeria council of Nigerian citizens (Igbos and Christians). The British noticed that the independence drive had started to gain ground after World War II. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the country’s first prime minister. In 1963, Nigeria declared itself as The Federal Republic of Nigeria with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.

The first coup which led to the death of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in January 1966 established the first military rule with Major General Aguiyi Ironsi an Army commander as the leader of the new administration. July 1966, Northern troops struck back with another coup killing Aguiyi Ironsi. Lt-Colonel Yakubu Gowon assumed office. He replaced the four regions with 12 states and restored a federal state. He promised to bring back democracy by including civilians to the government. In 1983, A brief democratic government was put to an end by the military coup. In 1998, Nigeria became a democratic state with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the first civilian president under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Nigeria today celebrates its 60th anniversary with a parade and celebration at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the nation’s capital. 

To mark the Independence anniversary, the Federal Government has said celebrations will be low-key.

President Muhammadu Buhari in his early morning address to Nigerians called for a sincere process of national healing while tackling pressing national issues such as rising oil prices and electoral reform.