I wish to pay tribute to all these people and to declare our everlasting admiration of their devotion to duty. But now we have acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace: it has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well- built upon firm foundations. Today is Independence Day. Re: Read Nigeria's Inaugural UN Speech By Prime Minister Sir Abubakir Tafawa Balewa by Teacher1776(m): 3:41pm On Sep 20, 2017 The colonizing powers of the last century partitioned Africa in haphazard and artificial manner and drew boundaries which cut right across former groupings. On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. The Speech Declaring Nigeria’s Independence by Nigeria’s First Prime Minister Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – October 1, 1960. On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. At the time when our constitutional development entered upon its final phase, the emphasis was largely upon self-government. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. He was elected in 1946 to the nothern house of assembly, and to the legislative council in 1947. When this day in October 1960 was chosen for our Independence it seemed that we were destined to move with quiet dignity to place on the world stage. Do you find this information helpful? This morning I said in the House of Representatives that bitterness due to political differences would carry Nigeria nowhere, and I appealed to the political leaders throughout the country to control their party extremists. In these days of rapid communications we cannot live in isolation, apart from the rest of the world, even if we wished to do so. What follows is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s speech delivered at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos at the Independence Ceremony. Learn how your comment data is processed. Here is the full Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa speech as the Nation’s prime minister prior to independence delivered at Tafawa Balewa square Lagos state. All donations are tax deductible. Independence speech on 1st October 1960 "Independence speech on 1st October 1960. His father worked in the house of the district head of Lere, a district within the Bauchi Emirate. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a true patriot, an excellent orator and a politician of uncommon finesse. Nigeria has long waited to celebrate freedom from the British colonial leaders, for an independent Nigeria. Forego a bottle of soda and donate its cost to us for the information you just learned, and feel good about helping to make it available to everyone! I know that every constitutional advance puts a great strain on the civil service. Contact us: [email protected]. Originally a trained teacher, he became a vocal Information Division, Federal Ministry of Information, 1964 - Nigeria - 226 pages. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a leader of the Northern People’s Congress. “Today is Independence Day. As Lagos state welcomes dignitaries and its residence home and abroad, citizens were ably represented by their leader Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, to deliver his eloquent speech on the great day. He trained as a teacher, and was a respected member of the elite of the northern region of Nigeria after the end of World War II. This has been a great day for Nigeria, and, as the first Prime Minister of the Federation of Nigeria, I am proud to speak to my fellow-countrymen tonight. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE(1) (December 1912 – January 15, 1966) was a Nigerian politician, and the only prime minister of an independent Nigeria. Kabarin Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. We are grateful to all the civil servants, through whose work the country has reached the present stage of political development. And there have been countless missionaries who have laboured unceasingly in the cause of education and to whom we owe many of our medical services. Nigeria has now reached a critical stage in her history. He was assassinated during the January, 1966, coup. Time will not permit the individual mention of all those friends, many of them Nigerians, whose selfless labours have contributed to our Independence. The first Prime Minister was from Bauchi State. And, finally, I must express our gratitude to Her Royal Highness the Princess Alexandra of Kent for personally bringing to us these symbols of our freedom, and especially for delivering the gracious message from Her Majesty the Queen. I shall not labour the point but it would be unrealistic not to draw attention first to the awe-inspiring task confronting us at the very start of our nationhood. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Speech at 1960 Independence Day. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (He is also referred to as Alhaji, having performed the Muslim pilgrimage at Macca. It would be fascinating to mention Sir Tafawa Balewa’s journey into politics which thus gave him leverage to give a grand speech later in 1960, a year that was memorable and still memorable to Nigerians – Nigeria independence. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A school teacher, politician. In the following radio address broadcasted to the Nigeria in September 1957,  Balewa accepts his new appointment and outlines the political future of the soon-to-be independent nation. What follows is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa's speech delivered at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos at the Independence Ceremony. Full Text of Speech Delivered by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, at Nigeria's Independence Ceremony, October 1st, 1960 On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was born in December 1922 and was killed on January 15, 1966. You have entered an incorrect email address! Today is Independence Day. Today’s ceremony marks the culmination of a process which began fifteen years ago and has now reached a happy and successful conclusion. Today's ceremony marks the culmination of a. The 'not guilty' verdict was seen as a victory for free speech and marked the beginning if a new era of liberalism. The first Prime Minister was from Bauchi State. Let us be honest with ourselves, and let us be sincere—we know what we want, and we are sure that we can get it, and get it at the right time, provided we are not delayed by selfish quarrels. Made by Alhaji the Right Honourable Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, K.B.E., This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience, compelled to watch one country after another overtaking us on the road when we had so nearly reached our goal. “Today is Independence Day. Originally a trained teacher, he became a vocal leader for Northern interest as one of the few educated Nigerians of his time. This is an occasion when our hearts are filled with conflicting emotions: we are, indeed, proud to have achieved our independence, and proud that our efforts should have contributed to this happy event. Today is Independence Day. We must seize the opportunity which has been offered to us to show that we are able to manage our own affairs properly. Today is Independence Day. by Elliott & Fry bromide print, 20 May 1960 Purchased, 1996 Photographs Collection NPG x86252. We provide series of practicable business, blogging and life advice to offline & online entrepreneurs, as we encourage business creation. (1960) Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, “Independence Day” On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. BlackPast.org is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. A small donation would help us keep this accessible to all. The way to do this is to create understanding, mutual respect and trust. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, speaking as Nigeria’s Prime Minister Full Text of Speech Delivered by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, at Nigeria's Independence Ceremony, October 1st, 1960 On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. Commissioner ministry of culture and tourism. As a legislator he was a vocal advocate of the right of nothern Nigeria. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation. All our friends in the Colonial Office must today be proud of their handiwork and in the knowledge that they have helped to lay the foundations of a lasting friendship between our two nations. Not only is there additional work to be done, but some officers find it hard to accept the new changes, but I must emphasize that Nigeria has today taken another important step forward, and if we are to succeed we must have the loyalty of all Nigerian and expatriate officers in this vital period before self-government is achieved. It is therefore most important that the development plans throughout the country should be carried out with vigour in order that we may have a proper financial standing when, in three years’ time, we ask the world to regard us as an independent self-governing nation. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years, Nigeria has been eagerly looking forward. Independence Speech By Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – October 1, 1960. The success of the harvest will depend upon us, and that is why I am glad to speak to you tonight. What follows is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa's speech delivered at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos at the Independence Ceremony. (1957) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, “First Speech as Prime Minister” By 1957 Nigeria was clearly on the path toward independence. I promise you, we shall not fail for want of determination. The Independence Speech of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa on October 1st, 1960. Tafawa Balewa Speech at 1960 Independence. In preparation the British Government named Abubakar Tafawa Balewa the first Prime Minister of the soon to be independent nation in a power sharing agreement among the colony's three major political parties. He was named Prime Minister of the after the elections associated with Nigerian independence. and N.P.C. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa giving a speech on Independence day. I should like to reassure all our expatriate staff of our continued Sincerity in the pledges given over the last few years and to promise them that they need have no fears about their future. I would like to remind you of what a great American once said. Tafawa Balewa was a vocal […] The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. The first Prime Minister was from Bauchi State. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-1966) was the first prime minister of independent Nigeria, serving from 1957 to 1966. But do not mistake our pride for arrogance. The full speech of the prime minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Sir. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, KBE(1) (December 1912 â January 15, 1966) was a Nigerian politician, and the only prime minister of an independent Nigeria. Today, we have with us representatives of those who have made Nigeria: Representatives of the Regional Governments, of former Central Governments, of the Missionary Societies, and of the Banking and Commercial enterprises, and members, both past and present, of the Public Service. In preparation the British Government named Abubakar Tafawa Balewa the first Prime Minister of the soon to be independent nation in a power sharing agreement among the colony’s three major political parties. All too soon it has become evident that for us Independence implies a great deal more than self-government. And so, with the words ‘God Save Our Queen’, I open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, and of the Commonwealth, and indeed of the world”. Oasdom.com would be sharing his independence speech in 1960. The satirical review Beyond the Fringe launches the … 0 comments; 501 views » » Hotsaint » 01 Oct 2017, 11:16 am Today is Independence Day. Below is the speech delivered by the Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, during the celebration of Nigeria’s independence… Read More » 0 Reviews. We are grateful also to those who have brought modern methods of banking and of commerce, and new industries. So, enjoy the emotional speech of this wonderful voice advocate. Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a leader of the Northern People’s Congress. A school teacher, politician. TODAY SIR. It is a unique privilege which I shall remember for ever, and it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country. He was a Nigerian politician, and the first prime minister of an independent Nigeria. Nigerian National Press, Ltd., 1964). M.P., Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Apapa: He is the face in … The Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafaw Balewa, landed in London on his way to New York, just days after Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom. We, the elected representatives of the people of Nigeria, concentrated on proving that we were fully capable of managing our own affairs both internally and as a nation. Nigeria as has lost great leaders and he’s is one of such heroes. This great country, which has now emerged without bitterness or bloodshed, finds that she must at once be ready to deal with grave international issues. By 1957 Nigeria was clearly on the path toward independence. Late Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The assistance and unfailing encouragement which we have received from each Secretary of State for the Colonies and their intense personal interest in our development has immeasurably lightened that burden. Their aim and our aim remains what it has always been—the welfare and prosperity of Nigeria. Indeed, unity today is our greatest concern, and it is the duty off everyone of us to work so that we may strengthen it. What follows is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s speech delivered at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos at the Independence Ceremony. He was a "cool figure" who preoccupied himself with integration of Nigeria's over 250 ethnic groups as before and during his tenure. Many, I know, will be disappointed to be absent, but if they are listening to me now, I say to them: ‘Thank you on behalf of my Thank you for your devoted service which helped build up Nigeria into a nation. Abubakar Tafawa Galewa, who presented for the first time as a prime minister in the year (1957). To you who are listening tonight I repeat that appeal—Let us put away bitterness and go forward in friendship to Independence. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. He was also an international statesman, widely respected […] For this, I pay tribute to the manner in which successive British Governments have gradually transferred the burden of responsibility to our shoulders. Also Read: Nigeria Independence – 41 vital dates to know in the history of Nigeria. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. I appeal to all my countrymen and women to cooperate with me and my colleagues to create a better understanding among our peoples, to establish mutual respect, and trust, among all our tribal groups, and to unite in working together for the common cause, the cause for which no sacrifice will be too great. We welcome you, and we rejoice that you have been able to come and share in our celebrations. And so, with the words ‘God Save Our Queen’, I open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, and of the Commonwealth, and indeed of the world. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a Nigerian Politician, a teacher and the first Prime Minister of Nigeria. From Bashir Abdullahi El-bash Here is the speech of the first prime minister of Nigeria, Alhaji Sir. We are grateful to the British officers whom we have known, first as masters, and then as leaders, and finally as partners, but always as friends. He was assassinated during the January, 1966, coup. Full Text of Speech Delivered by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, at Nigeria's Independence Ceremony, October 1st, 1960 On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. I want everyone in Nigeria to realise that this is no easy task, and it cannot be performed by the Federal and Regional Ministers and legislators alone. Each step of our constitutional advance has been purposefully and peacefully planned with full and open consultation, not only between representatives of all the various interests in Nigeria but in harmonious cooperation with the administering power which has today relinquished its authority. Balewa's father, Yakubu Dan Zala, was of Gere ethnicity, and his mother Fatima Inna was of Gere and Fulani descent. Tafawa Balewa speech has shown that as a country, we all need to stand united and contribute our individual quota to make Nigeria better. [SEE!] (1960) Patrice Lumumba, “National Radio Address”, (1960) Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, “Independence Day”, African American History: Research Guides & Websites, Global African History: Research Guides & Websites, African Americans and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Alma Stephenson Dever Page on Afro-britons, With Pride: Uplifting LGBTQ History On Blackpast, Preserving Martin Luther King County’s African American History, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Envoys, Diplomatic Ministers, & Ambassadors, African American Newspapers, Magazines, and Journals. It is important that we should first show respect to each other before asking the world to respect us. Excerpts of The Speech declaring Nigeria’s Independence Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – October 1, 1960 My parents are natives of Eastern Nigeria, the arsenal of republicanism in Nigeria. Today is Independence Day. It was this, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. To further this overriding need for unity, my colleagues in the Council of Ministers and I have decided to give the country a lead by inviting the leaders of the Action Group to form with us a truly National Government composed of members of the main parties in the Country, and here I must pay tribute to Dr Azikiwe, to Chief Awolowo, Dr Endeley and to the leader of my own party, the Sardauna of Sokoto, for supporting me in this decision. \ n Abubakar Tafawa is celebrating 55 years of death. He was a “cool figure” who preoccupied himself with integration of Nigeria’s over 250 ethnic groups as before and during his tenure. At It is tempered by feelings of sincere gratitude to all who have shared in the task of developing Nigeria politically, socially and economically. I am convinced, and I want you also to be convinced, that the future of this vast country must depend, in the main, on the efforts of ourselves to help ourselves. Nigeria First Independence Day Speech, 1960 By Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Today is Independence Day. Our political advance will be of no value if it is not supported by economic progress. [Photo credit: THEWILL] Nigeria@60: What Tafawa Balewa said in his independence speech Nigeria became a sovereign nation on October 1, 1960. The Most Translated Website In The World, Top 5 Major Benefits to Hire A Professional Electrician, Easy Tool To Analyze Today’s Football Results, How To Link Your NIN To Glo, MTN, Airtel & 9mobile Network. It is a task for everyone of you because it is only by the personal effort of each individual that Independence for the Federation can become a reality in 1960.