Patrick I. Ukase, PhD, MHSN, MNIPR*
(Associate Professor)
Department of History and International Studies,
Kogi State University, P.M.B 1008, Anyigba-Kogi State
Phone: 07035842604
Email:patrickukase@yahoo.com; patrickukase@gmail.com;
Introduction
On the 1st day of October, 1960, Nigeria regained her independence from
Britain amidst pomp and pageantry. Nigerians from all walks of life took to the
streets, to public and personal houses and places to celebrate this momentous
occasion and epoch making event. The excitement of Nigerians certainly knew no
bounds especially when viewed within the context of the subjugation, humiliation
and exploitation the people had passed through under the cleavages of colonialism.
To Nigerians, a new dawn had emerged; a dawn where citizens would no longer
suffer indignities of colonialism; a dawn when Nigerians would pilot the affairs of
their own country and a dawn of economic prosperity. The nationalist who took
over the mantle of leadership from the colonialists assured citizens that they would
write – off the wrongs of colonialism and set the country on the path of economic
prosperity.i
