Tap on green flag Before independence, Nigeria was under British colonial rule. Britain gradually took control of different Nigerian territories, and in 1914, the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated into the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. During the 20th century, Nigerians increasingly demanded greater political participation and self-government. Several important Nigerian leaders pushed for independence, including: Nnamdi Azikiwe — an Igbo nationalist and journalist who became an important advocate for Nigerian self-government. Herbert Macaulay — one of the early leaders of Nigerian nationalism. Obafemi Awolowo — a major Yoruba political leader who advocated self-government and federalism. Ahmadu Bello — a major Northern political leader who played an important role in Nigeria's transition to independence. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa — became Nigeria's first Prime Minister. Different leaders and regions sometimes disagreed about how Nigeria should be governed, but the movement toward self-government continued. The constitutional changes Britain introduced several constitutions that gradually increased Nigerian participation in government. A particularly important one was the 1954 Constitution, which established a federal system with substantial regional autonomy. By the late 1950s, Britain and Nigerian political leaders were negotiating the final arrangements for independence. October 1, 1960 Then came the big day: October 1, 1960 — Nigeria became independent from Britain. Nigeria became an independent country within the Commonwealth. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria's first Governor-General, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the country's first Prime Minister. At the independence ceremony in Lagos, the Union Jack was lowered and Nigeria's green-white-green flag was raised. Independence didn't mean everything suddenly became peaceful or united. Nigeria was an extremely diverse country with many ethnic groups, languages, religions, and regional political interests. The First Republic faced serious political tensions, and eventually the military took power in 1966. So Nigeria's independence was really the beginning of a new chapter, rather than the end of Nigeria's political struggles. The Timeline btw 1914 → Northern & Southern territories amalgamated 1920s–50s → Nigerian nationalism grows 1954 → Federal system established 1957–59 → Regional self-government expands; independence negotiations October 1, 1960 → ?? Nigeria becomes independent 1963 → Nigeria becomes a republic So Happy independence
Nigeria is 66 years old today Pls love and fav project
