How old is Nigeria?

How old is Nigeria? It seems that a few people actually know the answer to this simple question. However, our people should be aware of the history of Nigeria. What does the date October 1, 1960, tell you? If you still do not understand what we are talking about, then continue reading the article to know what this mysterious date means.

Do you want to know the answer to the question how old Nigeria is? In this case, you should find out when Nigeria got independence.

The history of Nigeria

There were times when numerous wild tribes settled the territory of present Nigeria. For many years, Nigerian lands stayed under the protectorate of the United Kingdom.

Historians divide the history of Nigeria into the following periods:

• 500 BC – 1500 AD: Early Ages
• 1500 – 1800: Middle Ages
• 1800 – 1960: British Nigeria
• 1960 – 1966: Independent Federation and the First Republic
• 1967 – 1970: Civil War
• 1970 – 1999: Military juntas
• 1999 – Present: Democratization

Scientists trace the history of Nigeria to old settlers who lived on this territory the in 11,000 BC. At that time, on the territory of present Nigerian many ancient civilizations existed. For example, it is the prominent Nri Kingdom.

The Songhai Empire also occupied the part of this region. In 1851, British forces captured Lagos. In 1861, the British Empire officially annexed it.

Independence Day

In 1916, Nigeria remained administratively divided into Lagos Colony and the Northern and Southern Provinces. After the World War II, Nigerian nationalism and demands for independence grew significantly. After the British Government legislated constitutions, Nigeria immediately moved toward self-government on a national basis. On October 1, 1954, this colony turned into the autonomous Federation of Nigeria.

READ ALSO: How Nigeria got its independence

In the middle of the twenties century, a massive wave for independence swept across the African continent. Africa. Thus, on October 27, 1958, the British Government finally agreed that Nigeria should become an independent state.

It happened on October 1, 1960. Therefore, how old is Nigeria today? On October 1, 2017, Nigeria will be 57 years old. Every year 1 October is a national holiday in Nigeria. Our people love this holiday very much. It is celebrated all over the country.

The new constitution provided a parliamentary government for three regions in Nigeria. In 1959 – 1960, the first Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament was Jaja Wachuku. Markedly, that on October 1, 1960, Jaja Wachuku got the principal instrument of Independence of Nigeria. It is titled, Freedom Charter. Princess Alexandra of Kent officially gave him this famous declaration.

Nigeria has had several political and military revolutions since the Independence Day. On May 29, 2015, Nigeria selected the legitimate president. Therefore, Muhammadu Buhari became the fifteenth head of the country in its history.

The main aim of the new president and the government is to overcome numerous social problems and corruption.

Conclusion

Now Nigeria is 56 years old. On October 1, 2017, our country and its people will celebrate its 57th anniversary.