Chapter 02 of 17

Independence - First Republic

In 1960 Nigeria won its independence, and a young republic set out to lead itself.

Independence Day Headlines, 1960
Newspaper coverage marking Nigeria's independence, Saturday 1 October 1960.
Chief Samuel L. Akintola
Premier of Western Nigeria (1959-1966).
The House of Representatives
The House of Representatives during the First Republic.
Members of the House
Members of the House of Representatives during the First Republic.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Prime Minister of Nigeria (1960-1966), from independence to his death.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
President of the First Republic (1963-1966).
Chief Obafemi Awolowo
First Premier of Western Nigeria (1954-1959).
Dr. Michael Okpara
Premier of Eastern Nigeria (1959-1966).