Countdown to October 1, 2017.

 

October 1 will continue to be a remarkable day in the history of Nigeria. It became a national day after the country gained Independence from Britain same day in 1960.

On this particular day every year, nigerians in different locations come out to organize, participate or even gather to witness parades and processions in celebration of the country's enduring peace, unity and progress despite challenges.


The day will continue to be a memorable one. These are some of the unforgettable events on this day in the history of the country:

October 1, 1960: Nigeria gained
Independence from Britain with
the late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
as the prime minister.

October 1, 1961: Southern Cameroo
Ceased to be a part of Nigeria and
became a part of Cameroon, following
the UN-organised plebiscite of Febru-
ary 11, 1961.

October 1, 1963: Nigeria became a
republic.

October 1, 1979: Alhaji Shehu
Shagari was sworn in as president.
The beginning of the second
republic on this day.

The day witnessed a twist in its peaceful record in the year 2010 when two deadly car bombs exploded in Abuja killing at least 8 people and injuring many others distance away from eagle square, the venue of the 50th anniversary event in Nigeria.

Now, time to recall some headlines about other events that await this year's independence day.

"Nigeria has so much to Praise
God for, says Osinbajo"
-Guardian Nigeria.
September 20, 2017

"Nigeria @ 57: Aso Villa church
Plans 400 hours non-stop God's
Praise."
Nigerian Tribune.
September 12, 2017

"2017 Nigerian Independence day
Parade to attract 150, 000 in
America."
-The Trent.
September 10, 2017

"Nigerian Bikers to ride for unity
October 1."
Premium times.
September 23, 2017

"North orders Igbo out of region."
The Sun.
June 6, 2017.

"16 northern groups give Igbo
October 1 to vacate region."
The Guardian
June 7, 2017

"I have obtained audio tape
Ordering northerners to kill
Igbos on October 1 - FFK."
Naij.com

"Threat to igbos: Northern
Youths backtrack on
October 1 ultimatum."
Independent
June 19, 2017

"October 1 Igbo quit notice
Stays - Arewa group insists."
Nigerian Tribune
August 1, 2017

"Vacate middle belt region
Before october 1- Group tells
Herdsmen. "
Naij.com

"We'll declare republic October 1.
- Abubakar Bor Avengers."
The Sun
August 1, 2017

"Avengers vow to declare Niger
Delta Independence October 1."
Independent
August 19, 2016

"Leave Niger Delta before October
1, militants warn northerners,
Yoruba."
Daily Post
August 11, 2017

"Don't resume bombing, declare
N'Delta republic Oct 1, Clark
Begs militants. "
Vanguard
August 5, 2017

"Ignore militants October 1 quit
Notice, PANDEF tells yorubas,
Northerners in N'Delta."
The Punch
August 13, 2017

"Anambra election: Nigeria must
Be restructured before October 1
-Nnamdi Kanu."
Daily Post
July 24, 2017

"Nigeria will be fine October 1."
Daily Trust
September 23, 2017