Nigerian Independence - 1960 | Movietone Moment | 7 Oct 16

On this day in 1960, Nigeria joined the United Nations, a week after independence. Here’s Movietone’s report on celebrations.

Lagos racecourse was the scene, and it was the afternoon of Nigeria's great day with thousands awaiting the climax. Princess Alexandra, with Sir James Robertson (the retiring Governor General), must have enjoyed the whole jubilant atmosphere of the occasion. It was as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen that Princess Alexandra of Kent returned in the evening to hand over Nigeria's constitution to the Federal Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Next day came the State Opening of Parliament. Dr Azikiwe, President of the Senate and Governor-General Designate addressed the Princess, asking her to open Parliament by reading The Speech from the Throne.

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