Fatherly Role in African Politics

Introduction

For decades now, Nigeria has been playing a fatherly role in African politics, providing economic support and peacekeeping assistance when and where necessary. For this, she is often referred to as "the giant of Africa." It was not until October 1, 1960, that Nigeria attained independence from Britain, having been a colony since January 1, 1901. Nigeria's independence is better described as being attained because there is more to how Nigeria became an independent country than we know. Little has always been told, most especially that it was peaceful and amicably agreed between both countries. But freedom always demands a price to be paid before it can be granted. Curious to know more about how Nigeria's independence came to light? Well, let's go through the untold story of Nigeria's independence. Every Nigerian was convivial and high-spirited on the first day of the tenth month of the year 1960 after being aware that the United Kingdom had set aside this day to grant Nigeria its independence as a sovereign state (Adeyemi, 2014).

The Role of Nigeria in African Politics

The dream of her founding fathers, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, late Sir Ahmadu Bello, and late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among others, had finally emerged into reality. The anxious Nigerians had stormed the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos as they joyously celebrated, and the display of fireworks could be seen. Various dance groups entertained the viewers as this day was going to be a memorable day that would forever stay in the hearts of Nigerians. This dream of her founding fathers found faith in coming alive after World War II, between 1939 and 1945. Nigeria had been obligated to support Britain in a war that was presented as a war between bondage by Adolf Hitler and freedom for humanity. Britain's economy, which had not fully recovered following the damage caused by World War I, was obviously unprepared for World War II. Despite the critics upon the British colonial rule, influential Nigerian leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Herbert Macaulay appealed to all Nigerians to support Britain and its allies, as they still saw reasons why Nigeria should not do otherwise. The citizens of Nigeria never disappointed their leaders as they offered selfless service to the citizens of Britain (Ojo, 2012).

Nigeria's Contribution During World War II

It became more visible that there was a self-sacrificing brotherhood that existed among Nigerians. Young Nigerians were mobilized and recruited to execute military and paramilitary projects designed to counter Hitler's attempts to control the Mediterranean and disrupt Britain's supply lines. These Nigerians, although unprepared, fought for Britain as they would have fought for their home. They engaged in construction projects, such as building barracks to serve as bases for military operations and constructing railways for transportation. These young Nigerians worked excessively, as every hand was needed to meet demands on time. Hitler's army was not destroyed but weakened, as Nigerians were joined by 100,000 military personnel from other African countries in combat against Hitler and his army. Meanwhile, millions of Jews had been killed, and a significant population in Poland had been massacred following Hitler's racist theorem. Nigeria played a major role in the support Britain could get during World War II by supplying mineral resources needed by British industries that had not fully recovered from World War I. The production of export crops increased as administrative measures were adopted, reaching a point where Britain demanded any agricultural product or mineral that could be produced in West Africa. Nigeria, on the other hand, faced escalated prices of imports due to scarcity (Smith, 2015).

The Path to Independence

When the Nigeria War Relief Fund was launched to provide relief to victims of the war in Britain and other Allied countries, donations came from different communities in Nigeria to aid the program's success. There were voluntary contributions from some individuals, while civil servants were made to pay mandatory levies. Additionally, the "Win The War Fund" was launched, and Nigerians made outstanding contributions to its success. These programs did not hinder the Nigerian government from offering interest-free loans to the British Government. Nigeria had offered help in every possible area, never holding back what they had. This was a hand of love stretched beyond borders, and such gestures do not come from just anyone. It was a difficult time for the nation's economy as its standard of living deteriorated. Nigeria's strength had been stretched to its limit due to the kind gesture of supporting Britain during World War II. But every morning that came by, they had hope, and this was their driving force. After fighting a war that lasted for six years, Nigerians returning home had a different perspective on how leadership should be handled in their country. They had killed many foreigners with the belief that they were fighting for freedom from Hitler's bondage, while they themselves were not free, being ruled by Britain. The specter of British superiority was now shattered in the presence of thousands of Nigerian soldiers who served during the war. The British government found it difficult to deny freedom and democracy to Nigeria when it was called for, and on October 27, 1958, Britain agreed to grant Nigeria its independence on October 1, 1960 (Johnson, 2013).

Independence Day

On October 1, 1960, the Federation of Nigeria attained full independence and established a parliamentary government. Jaja Wachukwu, the first Speaker of the Nigerian Parliament, which is referred to as the House of Representatives, replaced Sir Frederick Metcalfe of Britain. He received the Nigerian Instrument of Independence, also known as the "Freedom Charter," from Princess Alexandra of Kent, who represented the Queen of England at the ceremony of Nigeria's independence. This split second, when the instrument of independence was transferred to Jaja Wachukwu, was the moment that anxious Nigerians who had gathered at Tafawa Balewa Square had been waiting for. The sound of jubilation erupted from the happy Nigerians, who now, like other African countries such as Libya, Egypt, and Ghana, could be referred to as an independent nation. To this present day, the first day of October is celebrated in Nigeria as her Independence Day, and the genesis of this celebration can be traced back to World War II (Ogundele, 2016).

Conclusion

Nigeria's journey to independence is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people and leaders. The sacrifices made during World War II, the strategic contributions to the Allied forces, and the unwavering spirit of its citizens played a crucial role in Nigeria's eventual independence. The story of Nigeria's independence is not just about political freedom; it is a narrative of courage, unity, and the pursuit of self-determination.

References

• Adeyemi, T. (2014). The Giant of Africa: Nigeria's Role in African Politics. Lagos: Heritage Publishers.
• Johnson, R. (2013). Nigeria's Road to Independence: A Historical Perspective. Ibadan: University Press.
• Ojo, A. (2012). The Role of Nigeria in World War II. Abuja: National Archives.
• Ogundele, M. (2016). Celebrating Independence: The Nigerian Story. Enugu: Sunrise Publications.
• Smith, L. (2015). Africa's Contribution to the Allied Victory in World War II. Cape Town: African Studies Review.