Remembering Nigeria's Independence Day Through Past and Present Places

Lagos, Nigeria's erstwhile political capital, is the only city with important sites that relive the memories of October 1, 1960

A Day to Remember

On 1 October 1960, Nigeria was granted full independence from Great Britain. The country received its Freedom Charter, on 1 October 1960, from Princess Alexandra of Kent, the Queen's representative at the Nigerian independence ceremonies.

From 'Race Course' to Tafawa Balewa Square

Nigeria's first Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa announced the country's independence in his speech read at what was then known as the 'Race Course', alongside Princess Alexandria and Sir James Robertson on October 1, 1960.

From Independence to Tinubu Square

Among the landmark monuments that commemorate Nigeria's independence is the Independence Square which was built in 1960. Afterwards, it was renamed Tinubu Square in honour of a foremost Lagos aristocrat, Madam Efunroye Tinubu, who died in 1887.

From Colonial Prison to Freedom Park

During the colonial era, the government passed the prisons ordinance that introduced its own concept of criminal justice to the colony to keep order and protect their interests. For this reason, various prisons were constructed in and around Lagos.

Since 1960, October 1 has been a day for Nigerians to celebrate. Whether on the streets or in one of those renovated vestiges of the colonial era, it has always been a time to savour independence.