International records / OpenAlex research

Conspiracy of Optimism: Nigeria at Independence

At the stroke of midnight, on 1 October 1960, the green and white flag of the Federation of Nigeria was raised for the first time. In an atmosphere remarkable for its subdued character and ‘quiet constitutional dignity,’ Nigeria was formally granted its independence. The ceremonies and speeches emphasised nothing so much as continuity. Paying ‘tribute to the manner in which successive British governments have gradually transferred the burden of responsiblity to our shoulders’, the Prime Minister of this most populous African nation expressed the quiet optimism and sobriety with which Nigerians…