Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s Independence Speech (October 1, 1960) at the Race Course (now Tafawa Balewa Square), Lagos.
“Today is Independence Day. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation.
At this time, when our constitutional development has brought us to independence, it is with heartfelt joy that I call upon you all to join together in thanksgiving to the Almighty God, who has spared us and kept us alive to see this glorious day.
The great day has come, and we are privileged to be the citizens of an independent Nigeria. I am fully aware of the solemnity of this occasion, and of the great responsibilities which independence has placed upon us all. It is a challenge to which we must all measure up. It is a call to nationhood and to service.
This is the culmination of a process which has been conducted in peace and order. Without bitterness, without bloodshed, without violence, Nigeria has attained her freedom and sovereignty. This fact is a great testimony to the maturity of our people, and the determination of our leaders.
As a nation, we are prepared to co-operate with all others, both within the Commonwealth and outside. We will not forget our old friends, and we are proud to carry on the traditions of friendship with Great Britain and the other members of the Commonwealth. But, nevertheless, we are also prepared to make new friends in the wider circle of the world.
We are grateful to the British officers who have worked faithfully and impartially for this country, and who now are leaving, some to retire and some to continue their service elsewhere. We wish them well and, wherever they go, they will always be remembered by us.
And now, finally, I wish to say that Nigeria is ready to lay her wealth, her resources, and her manpower in the service of Africa and the world. The world has no reason to fear, for we shall never impose ourselves upon any nation. Our policy is one of peace and friendship with all nations, founded on the principles of the United Nations Charter.
I now ask you all to rise and join me in saluting our flag – the symbol of a sovereign independent Nigeria.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!"