Nigeria gains independence from the United Kingdom.

Independence Day is an annual public holiday in Nigeria observed on 1 October to commemorate the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. It is celebrated nationwide with official ceremonies, military parades, cultural displays, and other public events. The holiday commemorates the formal transfer of sovereignty that took place in Lagos at midnight on 1 October 1960, when the Union Jack was lowered and replaced with Nigeria's green–white–green flag.

Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Elizabeth II, presented the constitutional instruments of independence, and the new federal government formally assumed authority. Preparations for the inaugural festivities included cultural events, receptions, and the commissioning of new infrastructure.

Nigerian Independence Day Parade, Madison Av
Nigerian Independence Day Parade, Madison Av (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
NAF911 - Lockheed C-130H Hercules - Nigeria Air Force at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (OBF) in August 1989
NAF911 - Lockheed C-130H Hercules - Nigeria Air Force at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (OBF) in August 1989 (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Independence Day (Nigeria)
Independence Day (Nigeria) (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Flag of Nigeria
Flag of Nigeria (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Watch: Nigerian Independence Day: Incredible Archive Footage Captures Nigeria's New Beginnings (1960)

From the Frontline by ITN channel.

Sources and further reading: Wikipedia — Independence Day (Nigeria), Association for the Study of African American Life and History, BBC News Pidgin (CC BY-SA). Images: Wikimedia Commons.