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NIGERIA ÎO

PUBLISHED BY I-EDERAL MINISTRY OF INFORMATION PRINTED IN BY ASSOCIATED PRESS OF NIGERIA LIMITED --i '

r ■tf**- , INTRODUCTION

Early October, 1970 saw the celebration of Nigeria's Tenth Independence Anniversary. It was time of joy for all Nigerians and, indeed, for all Africa. Every member of the Organisation of African Unity was represent¬ ed at this happy testimonial gathering, which marked the end of our country's first decade as an independent and soverign nation. In those ten years, the country had made rapid economic and social progress but in the last few years, strife, culminating in civil war, had impeded wholesome advancement and caused widespread disaffection within the community itself. All this was over by October, 1970: the hungry had been fed; the wounded in good care; the mind disabused of sterile conten¬ tion; acrimony superseded by a spirit of togetherness. A new and freshening wind was blowing rigorously across our land. These were the ingredients of the celebration which exemplified a New Nigeria dedicated to the well-being of all its citizens, in harmony with its neighbours, prepared to join all the world to serve the best interest of mankind.

The past is no more: a happier and more satisfying future is ahead.

mat was the spirit of the celebrations—that is the ethos of the New Nigeria. Rt. Rev. S.I. Kale, Anglican Bishop of , preaching the sermon

Open air Servie*

National celebrations marking Nigeria's 10th Independence Anniversary began in Lagos, the Federal Capital, with a Christian Thanksgiving Service held at Tafawa Balewa Square on Sunday, Sept¬ ember 27, 1970. Long before 10.a.m. when the hour-long, inter-denominational service was scheduled to start, the square was thronged with thousands of wor¬ shippers.

Ministers from various denominations officiated at the service. Preaching the sermon, texts for which were taken from Psalms 124:8 and 48:14, the Anglican bishop of Lagos, the Rt. Rev. Seth I. Kale, urged Nigerians to "ask the heavenly Father to give us a second chance, that is: to raise up as one people, grouped as we are at present into twelve states; to teach us to live together as one family; and to hold together a good tradition and an ideal which will not permit divisions, jealousies, pettiness, greediness and un¬ faithfulness such as embarrassed all well The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, meaning men in the first Republic and Most Rev. J. K. A. Aggey, delivering the benediction which led to disaster". ( Left) Rev. N. O. Sa/ako, President of the Methodist Church, reading the responsory. (Centre) Prophetess Captain Abiodun Emmanuel, Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Society, offering the thanksgiving prayer. (Right) Most Rev. J. F. Ogunko, Primate of the United Native African Church (Bethel), reading the collect it Tafawa Balewa Square

A section of the over 7,000-strong congregation that attended the open air service

5 CAMEROON

(Top left) Major Generai Gowon welcomed Presi¬ dent Ahidjo at Ikeja air¬ port. (Top right) A handshake and a smile of welcome for Mme Ahidjo (centre) Cameroonians in Lagos were at Ikeja air¬ port to welcome their President. (Bottom left) President Ahidjo and General Go won during the drive into the city Many countries, especially African countries, responded to Nigeria's invi¬ tation to join her in celebrating this grand occasion. Consequently, Lagos, became the proud host, during the anniversary week, to 12 presidents, 2 Head of Govern¬ ment, 21 ministerial delegations (almost all of them African) and a delegation from each of the OAU, the UN and the International Observer Team to the Nigerian Civil War. There were also foreign journalists from France, West Germany, Great Britain, USSR, South America, Poland, East Germany, Togo, Dahomey and Congo Kinshasa.

(Top) Mrs. Victoria Gowon, President Ahidjo, General Gowon and Mme Ahidjo during a dinner given by Nigeria's Head of State (bottom) General Gowon presenting the Cameroon Head of State with the insignia of Nigeria's highest honour, the Grand Com- mander of the Order of the Federal Republic. Centre in suit is the Commissioner for Externa! Affairs, Dr. Okoi Arikpo Major General Gowon and other V. I.Ps await the arrival of President Jean Bokassa at Ikeja Airport

(Left) General Bokassa and General Gowon shake hands (right) Citizens of Central African Republic in Lagos were at the airport to welcome their president. At the bilateral talks between Nigeria and the Central African Republic

Though guests had been scheduled His Excellency the Head of the Fed¬ to arrive at Ikeja airport on Monday eral Military Government and Com¬ and Tuesday, September 28 and 29 mander in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed respectively, the presidential delegation Forces, Major General . from Nigeria's eastern neighbour, the Highlights of the president's visit Republic of Cameroon, led by His included a dinner given in his honour Excellency E! Hadj Ahmadu and Mme by the Head of the Federal Military Ahidjo arrived on September 25. The Govérnment, the bilateral talks held at delegation was met at the airport by Dodan Barracks, the official residence

I Left) Soon after President Bokassa was decorated with the insignia of Nigeria's highest Order, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic, the president conferred on General Gowon the Grand Cross of the National Order of Central African Republic. (Right) General Gowon gave a dinner party at Dodan Barracks in honour of the visiting Head of State 9 DAHOMEY ijjfc

/Wr. Hubert Maga, Chairman of Presidential Commission, Dahomey

10 EQUATORIAL GUINEA

of Nigeria's Head of State; a reception for the president at the National Hall; his meeting with Cameroon nationals in Nigeria; a dinner given by the visit¬ ing Head of State; and a brief visit to Ibadan, capital of . President Macias Nguema, Equatorial Guinea Before President Ahidjo left Nigeria on September 29 after his four day visit, Nigeria's highest civil honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), was con¬ ferred on him for his most positive support during the Nigerian civil war and for his personal role in helping to bring about the final reconciliation be¬ tween Nigeria and those countries that sided with her rebels.

Other early departures included President Diori Hamani of Niger who had to leave on October 1, because of the general election taking place in his country that same day, and His Im¬ perial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, who left the previous evening to attend the funeral of President Gammal Abdel Nasser of the United Arab Republic.

The last of the official guests to arrive for the celebrations was the President of the Central African Re¬ public, His Excellency General J. B. Bokassa, whose plane touched down at Ikeja airport on Sunday, 4 October, 1970. He was met on arrival by a party led by His Excellency General Gowon.

During his two-day stay in Lagos, he visited industrial areas, held bilat¬ eral talks with General Gowon whom he invested with the accolade of the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Central African Republic, and was awarded the GCFR.

On Tuesday, October 6, the Presi¬ dent boarded his plane for the return journey to his capital. A warm handshake at Ikeja airport (continued on page 28) 11 (Top right).Emperor Haile Selassie arrived in the,rain but this did not stop him from inspecting the guard of honour (centre) mounted by a detach-, ment of the Nigerian army. (Right) A glass of soft drinks before the 18 mile drive from the airport to the Federal Palace Hotel

12 GAMBIA

President Dauda Jawara, Gambia

Sir Dauda and Lady Jawara at the tattoo flanked by President Eyadema and Hubert Maga, Chairman, Dahomey's Presidential Commission

13 Chief Leabua Jonathan, Prime Minister, Lesotho

General Gowon welcomed Chief Jonathan as he alighted from his plane

14 LIBERIA

President William V. S. Tubman, Liberia

On their way from the tarmac to the V. LP. lounge are Brigadier Ekpo, Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters; President Tubman; Major General Gowon; Mrs. Tubman; Col. Johnson, Military Governor of ; and Commodore Soroh, Chief of Naval Staff

15 MAURITANIA

President Moktar Ould Daddah, Mauritania

(Left) President Daddah inspecting a guard of honour at Ikeja airport. (Above) The President left the tarmac flanked by Brigadier Ekpo; Mr. Kam Salem, Inspector General of Police; His Excellency General Gowon and Col. Johnson

16 NIGER

President Diori Hamani, Niger

A kiss for a bouquet while Mrs. Joda, General Go won and President Hamani looked on

17 SENEGAL

President Leopold Sedar Senghor, Senega!

President Senghor and General Gowon

V./.Ps presented to President Senghor at Ikeja airport included Rear-Admiral Wey, Mr. Kam Salem, Chief Awolowo and Brigadier Ekpo

18 SIERRA LEONE

Mr. Banja Tejan-Sie, Governor- General, Sierra Leone

Mr. Ahmed Joda, Permanent Secretary, Federai Ministry Mrs. Tejan-Sie soon after their arrivaI at of information, was one of those presented to the ikeja airport Governor-General and Mrs. Tejan-Sie

19 SWAZILAND

A The Swaziland delegation led by Prince Makhosini alighting from the plane at Ikeja airport.

Prince Makhosini Dlamini, Prime Minister of Swaziland TCHAD

President Francois Tombaibaye, Tchad

(Above) The President met members of the diplomatic corps, service chiefs and Federal commissioners, soon after his arrivai Tchad nationals in Lagos (below right) dancing a welcome for their Head of State to music supplied by orchestra (below left)

21 TOGO

President Etienne Eyaderna, Togo

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Togolese youths welcomed their Head of State with this dance. The President stopped for a few words with junior members (below left) of Union of Togo Nationals in Nigeria (Below right)

- -MONSIEUR LE PRESI¬ Í--\. DENT. LES TOGOLAIS RECONCILES DU NORD ,-HestS* Ihmert Lotto«»

^a»-MESSES

22 UPPER VOLTA

President Sangouie Lamizana, Upper Volta

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(Top left) General Lamizana inspecting -4' SMââê a guard ofhonour at Ikeja airport. (Centre) General Lamizana striding between Brigadier Ekpo and General Gowon from the tarmac to the V.l.P. lounge. (Right) The beginning of the drive into Lagos city 23 General Gowon decorating Mr. Diaf/o Telli, O.A. U. Secretary Générai, with the insignia of Commander of the Federal Republic. (Opposite page) Leaders of some ministerial delegations to the celebrations 24 Garden Party 26 he Garden Party (continued from page 11) On Wednesday, September 30, a garden party was held at the State House. It was the first social event of the celebrations, an occasion that brought the cream of Lagos society together, and an opportunity for the Nigerian elite to meet members of the various delegations. During the party, the Head of State launched eight 10th Independence Anniversary commemorative stamps issued by the Ministry of Communi¬ cations.

(Right) Major General Gowon launching the Independence anniversary commemorative postage stamps during the garden party. (Below) The police band performing at the party Lighting of Torch of Unity and Military Tattoo

v" ■ 't: j. ' '. :;.'h r mmt Police cavalrymen at the military tattoo

The Torch of Unity was lit by His struction breaks, I urge Nigerians Excellency Major General Yakubu everywhere to keep this Torch Gowon at 10 a.m. on Friday, Septem¬ burning and dedicate themselves ber 25. On that occasion His Ex¬ to the service of God and our cellency said: country in the interest of our This Torch of Unity I am about to people and of mankind. light will be carried to all the State After the Torch was lit, it left Capitals for the purpose of ushering Dodan Barracks on the first in the second decade of our exist¬ leg of a ence as a nation—the Decade of journey designed to link all the State Development and Reconstruction. capitals - Lagos, Benin, Port-Harcourt, , , Jos, Maiduguri, , It will signify our determination to Sokoto, Kaduna, llorin, and Ibadan build a virile and free nation through with the headquarters of the Federa¬ a great unified and systematic tion. attack on the problem of our time. It will demonstrate our desire to The Torch returned to Lagos on the conquer the evils of poverty, evening of Wednesday, September 30. ignorance, disease, tribalism and It was borne by an athlete escorted by injustice. As the dawn of De¬ police outriders into Tafawa Balewa cade of Development and Recon¬ Square at precisely 10.25. The Torch was received by the Head of State and passed on to a couple of youngsters who, on behalf of Nigerian youths, took the oath of allegiance, following words: Soon after the lighting of the Bowl of Unity the Military Tattoo commen¬ ced at the same venue. There were displays by cavalrymen, police despatch and outriders, and an army physical training unit. The display continued until midnight when a 21-gun salute fired by the Navy, sirens from ships in the harbour and the ringing of General Gowon church bells ushered in the National lighting the Fo/u Erinle entering the Race torch of Day. unity at Dodan Course with the Torch of Barracks Unity in a lap of honour The day dawned bright, predicting a very fair weather for the climax of the Independence Anniversary cel¬ ebrations—the National Day parade. The parade which turned out to be the largest and grandest Forces parade and school children's rally ever to take place in Nigeria was mounted at Tafawa Balewa Saqure by about 500 officers and men drawn from the Niger¬ ian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police and re-inforced by units of Nigerian Ex- Servicemèn, Prisons and Fire Brigade staff, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Red Cross, Boys Brigade, St. John's Am¬ bulance, Lagos State Civil Defence Volunteers and over 3,000 school chil¬ dren. And for the first time in the history of the nation, armoured and artillery units were on display. Crowds of spectators began to throng Tafawa Balewa Square, venue for the parade, as early as .7 a.m. The weather was still bright as the troops began to arrive at the forming up area. But while the parade formed, the skies clouded over and a torrential down pour drenched it, transforming the parade ground into pools ot water. Heavy though it was, the rain could neither break up the parade nor dis¬ perse the spectators then about 10,000 strong. Even the school children braved it all in what the Daily Times describ¬ ed as "an inspiring demonstration of the new dedication now pervading the whole country". After the arrival of the Head of State, the parade went through as planned: the inspection, the march past by the Armed Forces and the supporting units, the display of Two youngsters taking the Oath of Allegiance on behalf of armoured vehicles, the firing of the Nigerian youth 30 General Gowon walking across to light the Salute to the Flame of Unity bow/ of unity

31 32 "Fell-de-Joie", His Excellency's a— Speech, the advance in Review Order, and the salute of His Excellency. Only the fly past by the Nigerian Air Force did not come off on schedule because of poor weather. • A state banquet at the Independence Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel brought to an end the National Day celebrations in Lagos. About 900 guests were feted. A feature of the **1-* * Ii* banquet was the conferment of i l I . I. ; ,1 » Nigeria's highest honours on 10 African leaders present at the occasion. The Presidents of Liberia, Senegal, Upper Volta, Togo, Equatorial Guinea Gambia, Dahomey, and the Governor General of Sierra Leone were awarded the Grand Commander of the Order tï•* * * of the Federal Republic, which was earlier that day presented to the Presi¬ dent of Niger at the VIP lounge, Ikeja -'"".nui.uu Airport, shortly before his departure. : *"! ! •k • ' • i ;. i : ; i ■ • r ». The Prime Minister of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Swaziland were each *■« * .* conferred with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger. Hi.An.. * - ï u.., n

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Independence Building lit up at night Forces Parade and School Children's Rall^l

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34

(above) Genera! and Mrs Gowon arriving for the parade escorted by police cavalrymen (Left) Major General Gowon was met on arrival at the parade ground by the Military Governor of Lagos State, Col.

36 "Fell-de-Joie", His Excellency's Speech, the advance in Review Order, and the salute of His Excellency. Only the fly past by the Nigerian Air Force did not come off on schedule because of poor weather. A state banquet at the Independence Hall of the Federal Palace Hotel brought to an end the National Day celebrations in Lagos. About 900 ■ • ■ •-* .tV-rv ' guests were feted. A feature of the 1- a««*« banquet was the conferment of * Nigeria's highest honours on 10 African leaders present at the occasion. The litfi.Wfcttimi A

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Independence Building lit up at night

33 Forces Parade and School Children's Rally

34

(above) General and Mrs Gowon arriving for the parade escorted by police cavalrymen (Left) Major General Gowon was met on arrival at the parade ground by the Military Governor of Lagos State, Col. Mobolaji Johnson

36 (Right) General Gowon a/so met the Service Chiefs: Mr. Kam Salem, Inspector General of Police Brigadier E. Ekpo, Chief of Staff, Su¬ preme Headquarters; Brigadier D. Ejoor, Commandant, Military Academy; Mr. T. Fag- bola, Deputy Inspector General of Police; Commodore N. Soroh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff; Col. Emmanuel fkwe. Chief of Air Staff; Brigadier Hassan Usman Kat- sina, Chief of Staff, Army (Below) Flanked by Service Chiefs, the Head of State at the playing of the National Anthem Spectators at the parade filled the grand stands and overflowed on to dwarf walls around the parade ground and the roofs of army vehicles standing by to get a good view. At a stage during the parade, umbrellas went up as the rain began to fall

General Gowon, inspected the parade (above) mounted by the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Police and the massed bana (below) General Gowon was cheered by school children and girl guides (above) and the spectators (below)

41 Lt. Col. Abisoye, Officer Commanding the parade, leading the march past

The

42 The Air Force Address delivered by His Excellency, The Head of The Federal Military Government, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces at The Forces Parade and School Children's Rally at Tafawa Balewa Square on the 1st of October, 1970.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests. of our Fatherland. In those unhappy months, Ladies and Gentlemen: Africa rallied round us and gave us their full support. We celebrate not only the anniversary Today, we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of our Independence and the restoration of of the Independence of this country. This is peace in our country but also the triumph of the first time for many years that we have African unity and solidarity. celebrated this great occasion in peace and with the security of all our people guaranteed. Fellow countrymen, we have amongst us Today, we celebrate the reunification of all the Heads of State and Government and dis¬ our people in one happy family. We do not tinguished representatives from almost all however, celebrate the victory of one section African countries. of our country over another. I wish, on behalf of all of us, to pay our And as we celebrate this joyful occasion gratitude to them. Without their support our with prayers and thanksgiving to God Al¬ task of keeping Nigeria one would have been mighty, we must not forget our fallen com¬ much more difficult. You have in the next rades, our brothers and sisters and the little' few days an opportunity to show your love, ones who lost their lives during our recent respect, and 'appreciation for all our august crisis. May God grant them perfect rest. To visitors. the injured and maimed we give our sincere promise to do everything to cater for their I am indeed grateful to ail African Leaders welfare. who individually and collectively spared no effort to help effect a peaceful solution to our For thirty long months, we had to fight a problems. We thank all the members of the war we did not want, to preserve the integrity O.A.U. Consultative Committee on Nigeria 44 under the Chairmanship of His Imperial in our training institutions. The future of this Majesty Haile Selassie of Ethiopia; President country lies in their hands; let those of us now Tubman of Liberia; Ahidjo of Cameroon, priviledged to direct the affairs of this nation Diori Hamani of Niger, Mobutu of the Congo ensure that we lay a sound foundation upon and the former Heads of State of Ghana. We which they wilf build a truly great nation. thank all the Heads of State who contributed

' to the recent reconciliation-which we have I thank, again, the friends of Nigéria in achieved with our African brothers. It is in the Africa and around the world. We value their true interest of our Continent. friendship and offer, in return, genuine friendship and cooperation. We are pledged to This is also an appropriate occasion for me devote all our skills and resources to peace and to acknowledge my personal and very deep progress in our country, in Africa and the gratitude to you, my countrymen, for the World. unalloyed loyalty you have shown to our country and to myself during that painful and I thank, on behalf of all of us here this demanding period of our national history. morning, the participants in the parade, es¬ I have always recognised that without the pecially the members of the Armed Forces— loyalty and solid support which each and the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian everyone of you has given to the Government Air Force and the Nigeria Police for a most and the Armed Forces nothing could have impressive parade. Your smartness and bearing been achieved. I thank you all individually and does credit to the various services. Your collectively for your prayers for victory and loyalty, courage and discipline have been peace in the country during the period of the fully tested in battle and were not found crisis. Please continue to pray for the peace of wanting. You must do everything possible to the country. The nation is grateful to you ensure that the peace we have won is not Well done! And God bless you. disturbed again. I am proud of you all. I must also thank ail the voluntary organisations, ex- I must pay a special tribute to the farmers, servicemen and the smart determined school and workers of this country, who fed the children for participating in the paradç. I say nation, earned very valuable foreign exchange, well done to you all. kept the machinery of Government, commerce and industry moving smoothly and so ensured Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, the triumph of the nation. I call upon you dear compatriots, I shall be making a special once again to continue to demonstrate the broadcast to the nation this evening. I take same dedication and patience in order to en¬ this opportunity, however, to thank our sure the unity and future progress of our distinguished visitors once again for coming nation. to celebrate this solemn occasion with us. To you fel low citizens, I also express our gratitude In my tours around the country, nothing for your demonstration of patriotism and has given me more happiness and encourage¬ loyalty. ment for our future than the enthusiasm for "One Nigeria" so evident in the faces of the Long live a strong and united Nigeria school children and the young men and women Long live African Unity. Banquet Commissioner for Finance and Mrs. Awo/owo arriving for the banquet Girls of Queen Elizabeth School, florin

The Banquet. Aboi

H. Maga GCFR Dahomey

This was how they looked at the moment of receiving Nigerian national honours (Above) Liberia's President Tubman, GCFR

M. Nguema GCFR D. Jawara GCFR Equatorial Africa Gambia

Presentation of National Honours

L. S. Senghor GCFR B. Tejan-Sie GCFR E. Eyadema GCFR Senega! Sierra Leone Togo

General Lamizana GCFR L. Jonathan GCON M. Dlamini GCON Upper Volta Lesotho Swaziland 50 Thanksgiving Prayers at Tafawa Balewa Square

Alhaji Ibrahim, Chief /man of Centra! Mosque, Lagos, preaching the sermon during the Moslem thanksgiving prayers

Part of the congregation at the prayers Festival Of The Arts

The first All-Nigeria Festival of the traditional dances (Mobolaji Johnson Arts was organised to commemorate Sports Centre) and university partici¬ the 10th Independence Anniversary. pation which took the form of a lecture The week-long festival (September on Nigerian music, an illustrative ex¬ 25 to October 2) was sponsored by hibition, a film festival, and plays the Federal Military Government and which were all held on the College of organised by the Nigerian Arts council. Education campus. It brought together in Lagos from all Two-events marked Friday October the twelve States well over 400 per¬ 2, 1970, the last day of the festival: a forming artistes-dancers, painters, grand finale at the Glover Memorial sculptors, craftsmen, musicians and Hall which was attended by the Head dramatists—most of whom featured in of State and other distinguished guests the parade which preceded the formal and a carnival dance organised later in opening of the festival by His Excel¬ the evening by the Lagos State Arts lency the Military Governor of Lagos Council at the Lagos City Hall. State at the Lagos City Hall on the "In its scope and concept," wrote afternoon of-Friday, September 25, a festival reporter, "the planning of the 1970. Highlights of the festival in¬ festival had little to fault it. It rep¬ cluded an exhibition of fine art (Lagos resented all the States in traditional City Hall),acraftsexhibition (National culture; it covered most branches of Museum, Onikan), an exhibition of contemporary culture; it rightly in¬ .books and films (Institute of Inter¬ cluded the universities as important national Affairs), an exhibition of agencies for the stimulus of contem¬ children's paintings (Kings' College), a porary culture and the investigation concert of Nigerian traditional music and preservation of traditional (Lagos City Hall), a competition in culture."

The She'hu of Bornu's personaI band which sounded the fan-fare that declared the festival open 52 Flanked by thç:. ^'-'tary Governor of Lagos, (X^Çihnson, and the Secretary cfine Nigerian Arts Council, Mr. drhabor Emokpao, the Chairman of the Arts Council, Chief Kola Balogun, makes J'e opening remarks right) The Vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, Dr. Saburi Pjobaku, delivering a lecture under the auspices of the Nigerian Arts Council (Above) An Edo musical group from the Mid-West State. The State also presented two dance ensembles. The first comprised Igbabonelimwin orchestra (left) and masquerade dancers (below) from Ishan, lyeshi dance from Warriand From the Benue-Plateau State came the Gberichu dance (above) usually done on happy occasions; the Swange dance för solo performers; and the Miango dance, the victory dance of the Iregwe speaking peoples of Jos Plateau. (Left) Tiv music a/so came from the State

55 * 4

Sato Ajara dance was presented by Lagos State. The dance got its name from the twin drums popular with royalty among the Egun people of Badagry in Lagos State 56 (Right) The girls in identical costume sitting in the front row are members of the demonstration choir that illustrated points made by Ayo Bankole during his lecture on Yoruba music. (Below) Girls of Queen Elizabeth School, Horin, , gave a demonstration ofShantu music and dance. They also gave demonstrations of Nupe and Yoruba songs and dances and staged Dr. James Ene Henshaw's play, A Man of Character, under the direction ot Mrs. K. A. Giwa Three variations of the Owu dance came from . The orchestra (above left) comprising the Ngu, a collection of 7pot-drums played by a master drummer, the aliii or drum and the ekere or wooden drum—supplied music for the Abara dance (above right) from Bonny. Other forms of Owu dance from the State were the masquerade dance from Kono in Legbo Ogoni Division and the Mermaid dance which was presented by girls of the Government Secondary School, Port Harcourt. From the North West State came a Nupe traditional dance group (below) led by the formidable entertainer, Hadjiya Fatima Lo/o, standing second from left in the front row

58 4

(Above) A scene from Sato dance presented by Western State. The dance placed third at the Festival. (Right) Ekeledi, the dance of maidens among the Yakurr people one of whose main towns is Ugep in the mid-Cross River district of South East State. (Below) Young girls, members of a South East State troupe, enjoying themselves in a performance offstage

59 60 61 Guest Departures

National flags of guest countries to Nigeria's 10th Independence Anniversary fluttering at Ikeja international airport from where delegations entered and left the country 62 President Jawara talking to the Press before he boarded the plane for home

Col. Ikwue, Brigadier Ekpo, General Gowon, Cot. Johnson and Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kam Salem and other VIPs saw Governor-General (\n suit) and Mrs. Eanja Tejan-Sie to their plane 63 BENUE PLATEAU STATE

The first in the series of events to mark Nigeria's 10th Independence An¬ niversary in Benue-Plateau State was the Torchlink ceremony on Sunday, September 29. It was followed by a thrilling football match and, the next evening, by an atheletic meeting in which over 200 children from schools in and around Jos competed. A colour¬ ful display of traditional dances was held at the Jos Township Stadium and a ball-room dance at the Catering Rest House, Jos. Representative divisions in the state performed during the display of traditional dances, and some 200 guests attended the ball-room dance which lasted until well after midnight. A The Independence Anniversary cake, made in garden party which was held for children on October 8 ended the Nigeria's national colours and bearing the Benue-Plateau official celebrations. coat-of-arms, was cut at the Garden Party by the Governor of the State October 1, Nigeria's National Day, was marked with a joint parade of the Army, the Police and school children at the Polo Ground, Jos. Otfier activities during the celebra¬ tions included Moslem and Christian religious services and a garden party during which the Military Governor, Mr. Joseph Dechi Gomwalk, cut the independence cake, saying: 'As you eat this special cake with the inscrip¬ tion of our motto, "Liberty and Justice", you are all assured of your liberty to move about this state freely and perform your duties without molestation; but make sure that you do not deny others their rights'.

During the joint parade on October 1, the Military Governor read the following address: The Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State, Mr. Joseph D. Gomwalk, delivering his address at the joint Parade

Jukun Akuma masquerade dancer Gwandara Okpoku masquerade dancers from Lafia Division from Wukari Division 65 EAST CENTRAL STATE

The Administrator of East Central State, Mr. , taking the salute at the Independence Day parade in Enugu

Police Commissioner Michael fbekwe and Mr. & Mrs. Asika at the thanksgiving Col. /. D. Bisalla service 66 The people of the East Central State celebrated the occasion of the 10th Independence Anniversary enthusiastically with colourful cere¬ monies featuring traditional dances, masquerade and acrobatic displays. The celebrations began on Saturday, September 26, with a Torchlight link ceremony at which the Administrator of the East Central State, Mr. Ukpabi Asika, blessed the Torch and prayed that the flame of unity should never waver and its light never dim. They continued on Sunday, September 27, with a combined religious service held at the St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church, Asata, Enugu. On Wednesday, September 30, a thrilling football match played at the Enugu Sports Stadium, a cocktail party at 9.30 p.m., and firework display preceded the firing of a 21 gun salute by the army to usher in October 1, Nigeria's National Day. The day was marked with a colourful military parade and school children's rally at 8 a.m., a display of traditional dances at the Sports Stadium in the afternoon, and a state dinner and ball at 9 p.m. The week-long celebrations during which school children through¬ Mr. Asika blowing out the candles on the out the State were feted, ended on Independence cake Friday, October 2, with special thanks¬ giving prayers by Moslems throughout the State.

Mr. Asika reading the lesson sioner for Economic Development, Mr. Sam Ikoku

Girl Guides during the march-past

Horsemen at the durbar

68 Kano celebrated the nation's 10th Independence Anniversary (the first one since the civil war) with such pomp and pageantry as was never before witnessed in the State. The celebrations started off in the morning of Sunday, September 27, with Chris¬ tians offering prayers for peace and unity in the country. This was followed in the afternoon by a State buffet luncheon party at the Abdullahi Bayero College, in the evening by a durbar featuring over 1,000 horsemen and held at the Kano Turf Club, and at night by a State cocktail party at Government House. A marathon crowd, estimated at 40,000 gaily dressed men, women and children, watched the National Day parade mounted by the Armed Forces. The day was also marked by the re¬ lease of four prisoners who were granted clemency by the State Governor and a rousing cocktail party climaxed by an impressive tirework display at the Race Course. The next afternoon, a large crowd watched a football match between the Nigeria Fulani women demonstrating a traditional dance Police and the Air Force. Earlier, on September 28, thousands of people had thronged the Race Course for the blessing of the Torch of Unity by the Military Governor of the State, Police Commissioner, Alhaji .

Aihaji and Alhajiya (foreground) Bako at the buffet Fireworks display at the Kano Race Course lunch at Abdullah! Bayero College, Kano

69 kwara state

The Military Governor of Kwara State, Lt-Cof. David Bamigboye, The Torch of Unity being carried through the streets taking the salute at the National of ilorin by an athlete Day parade F" f ft il Thanksgiving service in Ilorin Catholic Church The four-day long 10th Indepen¬ dence Anniversary celebrations in Kwara State began on September 28, 1970. Events marking the occasion included an inter-denominational open- air religious service, the Torchlink ceremony, athletics and boxing competitions, a ceremonial parade, a cocktail party at Government House, an all-night dance, a buffet dinner party.

Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Bamigboye "digging" the highlife

ishola Saliu, light flyweight champion, is declared winner '

\

Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Bamigboye at the buffet dinner party. 71 LAGOS STATE Kano celebrated the nation's 10th Independence Anniversary (the first one since the civil war) with such pomp and pageantry as was never before witnessed in the State. The celebrations started off in the morning of Sunday, September 27, with Chris¬ tians offering prayers for peace and unity in the country. This was followed in the afternoon by a State buffet luncheon party at the Abdullahi Bayero College, in the evening by a durbar featuring over 1,000 horsemen and held at the Kano Turf Club, and at night by a State cocktail party at Government House. A marathon crowd, estimated at 40,000 gaily dressed men, women and children, watched the National Day parade mounted by the Armed Forces. The day was also marked by the re¬ lease of four prisoners who were granted clemency by the State Governor and a rousing cocktail party climaxed by an impressive firework display at the Race Course. The next afternoon, a large crowd watched a football match between the Nigeria Fulani women demonstrating a traditional dance Police and the Air Force. Earlier, on September 28, thousands of people had thronged the Race Course for the blessing of the Torch of Unity by the Military Governor of the State, Police Commissioner, Alhaji Audu Bako.

Alhaji and Alhajiya (foreground) Bako at the buffet Fireworks display at the Kano Race Course lunch at Abdullahi Bayero College, Kano 69 KWARA STATE

The Military Governor of Kwara State, Lt-Col. David Bamigboye, The Torch of Unity being carried through the streets taking the salute at the National of liorin by an athlete Day parade T T

Thanksgiving service in llorin Catholic Church The four-day long 10th Indepen¬ dence Anniversary celebrations in Kwara State began on September 28, 1970. Events marking the occasion included an inter-denominational open- air religious service, the Torchlink ceremony, athletics and boxing competitions, a ceremonial parade, a cocktail party at Government House, an all-night dance, a buffet dinner party.

Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Bamigboye "digging" the highlife

Ishofa Sa/iu, light flyweight champion, is declared winner '

Lt.-Col. and Mrs. Bamigboye at the buffet dinner party. 71 LAGOS STATE The National celebration in Lagos to mark the 10th anniversary of Nigeria's independence reflected the dual role of the city as the seat of the Federal Military Government and the capital of Lagos State. Thus, though the celebration was the responsibility of the Federal Military Government, its grandeur was enhanced by the Lagos State Government's contri¬ bution: the school children's rally which featured during the Forces parade, a water regatta at the Five Cowrie Creek, an Adamu Orisha play on Lagos Island, and a State garden party at the City Hall. The State Government also organised an inter- divisional athletic competition for school children at the UAC Sports ground in Suru-Lere. Activities to mark the occasion were also held in the divisional headquarters.

Lagos State rounded off its celebrations with a grand Adamu Orisha play. Some of the Eyo masquerades during the display

73 MID - WESTERN STATE

Nigeria's 10th Independence An¬ niversary celebrations began in the Midwest on September 25, with a Torchlink ceremony watched by over 10,000 spectators at Kings Square, Benin City. On September 27, a thanksgiving service was held in St. Matthew's Anglican Cathedral, Benin City. Next day, an exhibition of traditional dances from the 14 administrative divisions of the State was held at Kings Square. On September 29, the £213,000 Hotel Bendel was opened by the Military Governor. Later the same day, the final of the Midwest zone football challenge cup competition was played between the Vipers Club of Benin and the Valley Club of Warri at Ogbe Stadium. On September 30, a military rally and a careers' display were given by the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army at Kings Square. A cocktail party was also held at Government The Military Governor of Mid-West State, House. The celebrations reached their Coi. S. 0. Ogbemudia, reading his address peak on October 1, with a colourful at Kings Square, Benin

Col. Ogbemudia cuts the tape to declare the £213,000 Hotel Bendel open School children during the march past at Kings Square 74 National Day parade at Kings Square, a military tattoo and a state ball at the Police Officers' Mess. Celebrations in the divisional head¬ quarters featured thanksgiving services in churches and prayers in mosques, National Day parades, traditional dances, cocktail parties and Indepen¬ dence Day balls.

Mrs. Begho presenting a silver cup to a young dancer whose team from Asaba Division won the first place in the traditional dance competition

Itsekiri women take their turn during the dancing competition NORTH CENTRAL STATE

The Torch of Unity, the symbol of Nigeria's solidarity, was received and blessed in Kaduna by the Military Governor of North Central State, Col. Abba Kyari, on Tuesday, September 29. This was the first in the series of events that was organised to mark Nigeria's 10th Independence Anniver¬ sary. Other events were the national Day parade: the Dresentation of 10 cattle to the Armed Forces, the Gen¬ eral hospital and St. Gerald's hospital; an international football match played between Niger Republic and the North Central State; traditional danc¬ ing at the Kaduna Stadium and the Mogadishu Barracks; a visit by the Military Governor to hospitals; and a cocktail party at Government House, Kaduna.

Co/. Abba Kyari, The Military Governor of North Central State, delivering his National Day speech

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A handshake between the captains before the international football match between North »(ir., ... . Mrs. Abba Kyari enjoying a joke with some friends Central State and Niger Republic during at the drinks party at Government House, Kaduna the celebrations.

76 Students from Sheik Sabbah College, Kaduna, at the march-past

ft A State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, group of traditional dancers thrilling an audience Miss D. M. Miller, chats with the former German Consul at the Kaduna stadium 77 NORTH EASTERN STATE

The Military Governor of North Eastern State, Col. , delivering his speech

The State Governor inspecting a contingent of the Nigerian Red Cross Society at the parade at Maiduguri Race Course

78 The arrival in Maiduguri of the Torch of Unity via the Western gate of the town on September 27 was the signal that started off, in the North East State, the celebration of a decade of the country's attainment of independence. Highlights of the celebrations were a State ball at the West End Club, Maiduguri, a football match at the Yarwa Government Day Secondary School ground; a cocktail party held at the Government House; a buffet luncheon party at Government House; a children's party and the greatest Armed Forces parade ever mounted by the Armed Forces in the State.

Miss Dorcas Kure and Ibrahim Umar before they handed over the Torch to the State Governor in Maiduguri

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••• •

Mrs Jumai Usman presenting a toy to a young patient at the Maiduguri General Hospital. This was part other engagements during the anniversary ,icelebrations 79 NORTH WESTERN STATE

Nigeria's 10th Independence Anni¬ versary celebrations lasted five days- Monday September 28 to Friday, October 2 and featured many events. One of these was the receipt and bles¬ sing of the Torch of Unity on Sept¬ ember 29 by the Military Governor of the State, Police Chief Superintendent .

The previous day, the Military Governor had embarked on a visit to educational institutions in and around Sokoto. He was accompanied by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sir Abubakar, emirs and chiefs and many other dignitaries. In the afternoon, a North i. West State team met a The Military Governor of North Western State, Niger Republic team in - a friendly football match Mr. Usman Faruk admiring a pewter made played at the Giginya Memorial in the Farfaru Government Secondary School. The Governor undertook a tour of educational institutions in the State capita! as part of the anniversary celebration's

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Prayers at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Sokoto. 2nd and 4th from left are Sir Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, and the Governor

80 Stadium, and in the evening, tradi¬ tional dances and music were per¬ formed at the same venue. The morning of September 30, was devoted to thanksgiving prayers by both Moslems and Christians, and the completion by the Military Governor and his entourage of their visit to educational institutions. A cocktail party was held at Government House in the afternoon and firework display at the race course in the evening. The National Day (October 1 ) cel¬ ebrations featured a military parade and school children's rally at the Race Course, and a schools' athletic meet¬ ing at the Government Col lege, Sokoto. The last event of the celebrations was a visit to the Sokoto General Government School, Sokoto, during the march-past hospital and to a Baby Show in a clinic at the Sultan's palace on Octo¬ ber 2 by the Military Governor, the sultan, emirs, chiefs, civil commis¬ sioners and other V.I.Ps.

Ladies helping themselves during the luncheon party

State Commissioner of Police, S. K. Dimka; the Emir of , Alhaji Suleimanu Barau; and the Etsú Nupe, Malíam Musa Bello chatting with State Governor Usman Faruk The horse racing that ended the celebrations. 81 RIVERS STATE

The 10th Anniversary was marked in the State capital by a week-long programme featuring religious services; a grand parade of the Armed Forces and the Police; a display of traditional dances; water regatta; and a march past of school children, ex-service¬ men, scouts, guides, boys-brigade and the Red Cross. The week began with the arrival of the Torch of Unity at the State Capital on September 26. During the Torchlink ceremony, the Military Governor declared; "From the ruins and ashes, violence and divisions, misery and death of yester¬ years, my people will rise with other Nigerians to build a prosperous united nation based on equality, justice and

love. .

During the celebration a symposium, the subject of which was "What v The Military Governor of Rivers State, Lt.-Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff, taking the salute at the grand parade at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt

T *7 * f -V W ▼

Governor Diete-Spiff and Col. O/u Obasanjo, Governor Diete-Spiff blessing the Torch of Unity taking part in the open air thanksgiving Service in Port Harcourt 82 Traditional dances and masquerade displays featured Gig display at the NPA harbour, Port Harcourt in the 10th Independence Anniversary celebrations in the Rivers State

Nigeria's goals should be in the next decade", was held at the State Assem¬ bly Hall. The independence anniversary was observed in other parts of the state with religious services, traditional dances, masquerade displays, wrestling tournaments, football matches, march past by school children and merry making A firework display by the Army at midnight of September 30 heralded Nigeria's National Independence Day. The week-long celebrations in the Rivers State were rounded up with a State Ball and Banquet.

At the unveiling of the cenotaph at Liberation Square, Port Harcourt 83 SOUTH EASTERN STATE

The Military Governor of South Eastern State, Col. U. J. Esuene, receiving the two-faced Okpon-lbuot masquerade which accompanied the Uqua war dance in a courtesy call on him.

84 The 'Shrimp and Lobster' dance from Opobo Division at the Calabar Sports Stadium

For the South Eastern State, the 10th anniversary of Nigeria's Indepen¬ dence was a unique and historic occasion for it marked the end of a long period of insecurity and anxiety and the commencement of a decade full of hope for a brighter tomorrow. The three-day celebration started off with an open air thanksgiving service held at the Calabar Sports Stadium, which was also the main venue for activities, such as traditional dances exhibited by artistes from all over the State. Other venues were the African Club Hall, the Bassey Duke Effigy Roundabout, and Calabar Road. On October 1, the Military Governor, Col. U. J. Esuene took the salute at a parade of the Armed Forces, the Police and the Navy and during a march past by school chil¬ dren, boy scouts, girl guides and other voluntary organisations, The celebrations continued with many other events including football and netball matches between schools; drama by school children; a regatta conducted at the Duke Town water front, and a trade fair, the first to be organised by the State Ministry of Trade and Industry in the South The Ubom dance, the most colourful of the traditional Eastern State. dances during the celebrations.

85 WESTERN STATE

The Military Governor of Western State, Brigadier Adeyinka Adebayo, being received by church dignitaries on his arrival at St. James' Cathedral, Ibadan, for the thanksgiving service

Toasting the unity of Nigeria. Flanking Governor Adebayo are Police Commissioner, Mr. F. H. E. Brisibe, and Mrs. Modupe Adebayo

The 10th anniversary of Nigeria's independence was celebrated throughout the Western State. In Ibadan, the State capital, the celebration opened with a State thanksgiving service at the St. James' Cathedral, Oke Bola, Ibadan. Other features of the celebration included a cocktail party at the Western Hall, Ibadan; receipt and blessing of the "Torch of Unity" by the Military Governor of the Western Distinguished guests at the State banquet at Premier State, Brigadier R. A. Adebayo; a military tatoo; a Hotel, toadan, included these two chiefs: the Akarigbo military parade and school children's rally;a display of Ijebu Remo, Oba Awolesi, and the Orangun of Ilia, of traditional dances at the stadium; and a State Oba Ayeni Banquet at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

86 West Africa's fastest woman, Titi Adeleke, A section of the mammoth crowd that watched events at the bearing the Torch of Unity on its fast journey Liberty Stadium, Ibadan to Lagos LONDON

To mark the cordial Anglo-Nigerian relation, six Nigerian children, on behalf of the Youths of Nigeria, present a gift to Queen Elizabeth H at Buckingham Palace on the occasion of the 10th Independence Anniversary

Nigeria's High Commissioner in the U.K., His Excellency Sule Kolo, welcoming the Botswana High Commissioner, Her Excellency Miss G. K. T. Chiepe, M.B.E. to a party at the Hotel Hilton to mark the 10th anniversary of Nigeria's Independence. Looking on is the Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. J. A. 0. Akadiri.

The gift to Queen was an oval- shaped mirror hanging by means of brass chains from two carved elephant tusks mounted on an ebony base

While within the country the 10th anniversary was observed with pomp and pageantry, a quiet dignity pervaded the celebrations by Nigerians abroad. From the cocktails in Canada, through The Fulham Municipal Symphony orchestra playing Lazarus the concert in London to the special Ekwueme's Psalm XXIII with Joseph Vandernoot conducting publication in Japan, the story was the same. That pomp and pageantry and and Kenneth Reynolds (hand on chest) singing the solo. that dignity came from a full apprecia¬ The Orchestra also played the works of two other tion of the forward strides taken by Nigerian composers—Fela Sowande and Adam Fiberisima— Nigeria as one, united country since in a concertât which Nigeria's Deputy High Commissioner she attained independence on October and his wife played host 1, 1960.

88 Nigeria's High Commissioner and Mrs Enahoro played host to the Nigerian community in Canada on the occasion of the 10th Independence Anniversary

Nigeria's Ambassador to Japan and Mrs Dove-Edwin with Mrs Sung and Mrs Shoda, mother of the Crown Princess of Japan, during the reception the Ambassador gave on the occasion of the 10th Independence Anniversary SPEECHES BY THE STATE MILITARY GOVERNORS KWARA STATE

My Fellow Countrymen, Federation of Nigeria has come to stay that our people should invest less on Today is a great and memorable day as a united entity. If therefore we are to trading ventures but more in industrial for our take our Country. Great and memorable rightful place in the comity of projects. These projects in the short run because this is the tenth anniversary of nations we must be prepared to show the do not bring in immediate bright returns our Independence. Indeed this is the first whole world that we are willing to live but in the end they are more rewarding. time since the 1966 crisis that we have together without bitterness. This is the Perhaps I should stress that no amount the opportunity of celebrating the anni¬ belief of my Government and that of of foreign aid and loans would make this versary of our country's Independence most sensible Nigerians. If we are to country progress unless we ourselves with such pomp and pageantry. Each and maintain the unity of this Country then desire progress and participate actively everyone of us should therefore give each and everyone of us must avoid in it. I should therefore like to appeal to thanks to God for sparing our lives to deeds and utterances which create ill- everyone to associate himself with the witness this important occasion. We feelings amongst the component parts of Government's development plan. should also thank the leaders of this the Federation. I therefore appeal to you While the Government is conscious of country for successfully leading us ail to exercise restraint and to avoid the the need to assist the people in this dev¬ through the darkest days in the country's temptation of whipping up tribal senti¬ elopment effort, it will be wrong, how¬ history. Our gratitude must also go to ments. You should bear in mind that all ever, for any Community to rely solely those who sacrificed their lives for the of us irrespective of our ethnic origin on the Government and Local Govern¬ survival of this great Country as well as fought together to maintain the unity of ment Authorities to provide all the to many others whose sufferings, sacri¬ this great Country in the hope that by needed services and amenities. More fices and willing support helped to bring so doing a better Nigeria will emerge. than ever before, self help and personal the civil war to a quick end. The youths One of the virtues of the creation of effort which is not foreign to our tra¬ of this country also deserve our gratitude States in the Country is the desire not dition must be employed to improve our for the noble role they have been playing only to bring the people closer to jne living standards. Every Community large in fostering a spirit of unity and under¬ Government but to ensure maximum or small must be prepared on its own to standing among the various groups of participation of the ordinary citizen in work to provide for its needs. The im¬ this country. As leaders of tomorrow, the affairs of his State through the sti¬ portance of Community effort to the they have a duty to continue to work mulation of greater efforts at the local overall development objectives of the together to ensure a strong and virile level. If the hopes and aspirations of the State has been emphasised on a number nation not common only for themselves but also people of this State are to be of occasions by my Government which for generations yet unborn. In the midst fully satisfied the unity of the State gave a total of £25,000 aid towards of these celebrations and rejoicing we must be fully maintained. Community development projects should not fail to reflect on the lessons My advice is that while dwelling on throughout the State last year. You of the past and the dimensions of the things that divide us we should do so should take the fullest advantage of the tasks that lie ahead. with the aim of reducing our differences advice and coordination which is being The events of the past four years and let us never tire to point to the given to you by the various agencies of have been very grave and severe. During things which unite us. the Government. Complacency must these four years all of us have witnessed Like any other State in the Feder¬ give way to action in every Community. very serious differences which rocked ation, Kwara State has had its own teeth¬ May I take this opportunity to re¬ the unity -of our country to its very mind ing problems. Nevertheless, I am happy you that the most important task foundations. However, through God's to note that with sheer determination facing the nation is the problem of re¬ guidance we have been able to surmount construction and rehabilitation. and with your support my Government Happily some of the difficulties that have stood has been able to overcome most of them. all the States Governments in the Fed¬ in our way. With the end of the civil war eration have I should, like to express my profound already set the appropriate there is now a better hope for unity. A gratitude to all of you, the people of machinery in motion to resettle the new vista has now been opened for in¬ Kwara State especially the Emirs and displaced persons. As part of the recon¬ tegrating the multi-ethnic group in this Chiefs as well as to the various Local struction programme my Government country into one national community. Government Authorities for this support will soon launch its own four-year- Nation not an easy es¬ building is task that I and my Government have been development-plan which will set out pecially in a country such as ours. receiving. We have cause to be grateful targets for the next four years. Even as I As I speak to you today, a to those who are responsible for this have said, we must look forward number of problems still remain unre¬ success and to the Civil Servants for to the existing years, ahead of us. The solved. Others will come up as this nation their sincerity of purpose which has task is great and we all have to bear a moves from strength to strength. No been responsible for the development so heavy responsibility in accordance with all a one ever our nation, least of federated far achieved. I trust that I can always ability. We must all bear our share grew to full maturity without strains of the sacrifices and hardwork and then count on this support and loyalty from and stresses. It will be unnatural and we shall all share the rewards and ben¬ you. surprising for issues not to arise from On this occasion of the Tenth Anni¬ efits. With God's help, united and with a time to time over which men will not shared enthusiasm we can reach all the versary Celebrations I call on our people agree. What is important is that each to rededicate themselves for the greater targets we have set ourselves and build a disagreement and each difficulty should responsibilities that lie ahead. As for the healthy prosperous State. be approached with good will and tackl¬ future my Government will spare no May God bless the Federal Republic ed honestly and frankly in the spirit of pains in its endeavour to raise the stand¬ of Nigeria, whose birth we are celebrat¬ give and take, with genuine respect for ards of living of the people. This can be ing. May this Tenth Anniversary usher the views and feelings of one another. accelerated by the active support of in an era of peace, tranquility, economic Every crisis resolved contains a lesson capital from indigines of the State. In progress and everlasting unity. for the future. this respect I have in mind the feeling Amen. It is an incontrovertible fact that the 90 WEST draw My Dear People, the development contribution have up bold and comprehensive pro¬ either been drastically reduced or com¬ grammes for expansion to take advantage of the many We are celebrating today the Tenth pletely abolished as a result of that increasing demand for Anniversary of Nigerian Independence. Commission's Report. The price of products. I must warn them, however, We all have cause to be grateful to God cocoa has gone up from £65 to £155 against unfair business practices which have been very much in evidence in for sparing our lives to see this day. We per ton since the Army took over; and, should also thank Him for keeping this for the first time ever, a serious attempt recent years. These include the produc¬ country intact. For the disintegration is being made to control the prices of tion of goods of inferior quality, manipu¬ of the country would have meant con¬ essential commodities throughout the lation of trading accounts, and charging tinuous tribal warfare with its attendant State. exorbitant prices which are in no way loss of lives, limbs, and properties. It am therefore appealing to our related to local cost of production. My would have meant competitive expendi¬ people wherever they may be to sink Government is determined to stamp out ture on arms and ammunitions, the re¬ their differences, show maturity and all such malpractices and bring the prices sources which would have been devoted appreciation, and work together for a of many commodities within the reach united and of the common man. to rasising the standard of living of our prosperous State within the people. It would also have meant the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is no I am also appealing to students beginning of the disintegration into time for us to point an accusing finger. throughout the State to learn to obey tribal units of many other African We have all sinned and come short of and respect their parents and teachers. countries. expectation; but I am sure that, with all They should bear in mind that those we who For the great sacrifices every one has the trials and tribulations have passed aspire to be leaders and attain a made to bring the Nigerian civil War to through during the past five years, and position of eminence in future must not an end the Federal Military Government especially, during the civil war, God has be impervious to discipline and correc¬ tion. There are more is extremely grateful. We are grateful to forgiven us by miraculously bringing the civilized ways of the farmers for producing enough food war to an end at the time He did. expressing one's resentments than by and raw materials; to the industrialists With the end of hostilities the nation breaking crockeries, smashing cars, or for manufacturing for the nation a wide is confronted with a great rehabilitation burning furniture and other properties. range of consumer's goods; to all service¬ and reconstruction programme which For the orderly progress of this State all men and civilians who had suffered in will cost us hundreds of millions of acts of hooliganism and candalism must one way or another during the war; to pounds. There are houses, roads, bridges stop. Nigeria is at the threshold of a new our public servants and other public- and schools to be rebuilt; there are era and there is no time to be wasted on spirited men and women who had helped power and communication lines to be such destructive acts. to maintain law and order throughout restored; there are factories to be re¬ My Government has been doing the country; and to all those at home activated; there are war victims to be everything possible to encourage students and abroad who had in one way or the resettled and gainfully employed; and in the firm belief that education is the other given moral or financial support there are repatriates to be looked after. greatest instrument of social change. to the cause of one Nigeria. All my Government is asking for is your For the past four years we have been To us in the Western State the events co-operation, loyalty, and collaboration. spending well over £8 million per annum of the past ten years have a special signi¬ Although we won our political indepen¬ or 40 per cent of our total recurrent ficance. It was our political crisis in the dence ten years ago, it is only now we revenue, on education. Besides, there early 60's that spread like wild fire until can say we are truly independent. How¬ has been substantial capital investment by January 1966 it had engulfed the ever, there should be no complacency on school buildings, laboratories, and whole nation. While this State cannot be about this, for there is still the great equipments. held wholly responsible for the subse¬ battle for economic survival to be In a bid to improve the overall stand¬ quent events which culminated in the fought and won. ard and quality of our primary education agonizing civil war, we must admit the For the successful execution of the my Government has launched a scheme fact that our State was the most trouble¬ various programmes and rapid develop¬ under which all Grade III and untrained some area in Nigeria during the first ment of our country all hands must be teachers throughout the State are being five years of the country's independence. on deck. Nigeria expects everyone to retrained. During the past decade, there This is not a particularly enviable pos¬ carry out the assignment allotted to him was a significant physical expansion as ition and we must do everything pos¬ as best as he could. No talent is con¬ well as curriculum diversification in our sible to change it. For in the new Nigeria sidered too small but it has got to be secondary grammar schools. This ex¬ any mischievous person of group of used in the right way. Every one must pansion in curriculum has resulted in the persons whose activities are calculated be amenable to discipline. We must re¬ establishment of Comprehensive High to plunge the country, or any part there¬ spect one another, and there is need for Schools in this State. Greater emphasis of, into the turmoil and crisis' of the hard and constructive work at all levels. has been placed on the teaching of recent past, will be ruthlessly dealt I am appealing in particular to farm¬ Science so that the number of schools with. ers in the Western State to step up the teaching science subjects has increased It is in order to strike at the root of production of cash crops, food crops, five-fold since the past ten years. frequent disturbance in this State that and basic raw materials which are re¬ Between 1966 and 1970 my Govern¬ my Government has initiated in recent quired to keep our factories running. ment awarded more than 1,000 post¬ years a number of ameliorating mea¬ It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria, primary scholarships for deserving sures. These include the appointment of which is a predominantly agricultural students of Western State origin, 435 the Ayoola Commission of Enquiry country, should be importing food and for Higher School Certificate course, whose recommendations have largely raw material worth several millions of 938 for post-secondary course, and 126 been accepted and implemented. Today pounds every year. I am also appealing for post-graduate courses—a total of in the State, flat rate, water rate, and to our bussinessmen and industrialists to 2,515, or an average of 629 scholarships 91 West continued To cater for the growth and expansion Police, the Fire Brigade, and other organ¬ per annum. In view of the acute shortage of the educational system and to broad¬ isations, committees, working parties of doctors in the State, special arrange¬ en the curriculum of our schools and and others who have contributed in one ments were made to encourage medical introduce subjects which will assist in the way or the other to make possible the students. Over 130 medical scholarships acquisition of new skills, my Govern¬ excellent arrangements that have been were awarded during the period at a cost ment has also decided to establish a made in connection with this year's of between £190 and £250 per annum Polytechnic which will serve as a multi¬ Republic Day Celebrations. per student. In addition to this, an purpose institution, providing for This Message would be incomplete allowance varying from £444 to £468 studies, training and development of without placing on record the profound was paid to each of our State-sponsored techniques in applied science, engineer¬ appreciation of the Government, Obas, medical students abroad. ing, commerce, and other spheres of Chiefs, and people of this State for the On top of all this my Government learning. To this end, the Technical highly commendable role played by made, during the 1967—68 academic College, Ibadan, complemented by such both the Army and the Police in main¬ session, 500 bursary awards at the rate facilities as are left behind at the Ibadan taining law and order in the State since of £100 each in respect of indigent campus of the University of Ife, would our trouble started about eight years students of this State serve as a nucleus for the origin in the Polytechnic. ago. We hereby pledge our full support various Nigerian Universities. And in My Government is convinced that the for all the reformatory measures initiated July this year my Government approved establishment of the Polytechnic would by the Federal Military Government and that all students of this State origin assist greatly in making available to this promise to give less trouble to the Army studying in the various Nigerian Uni¬ State in particular and the Federation and the Police under the new versities be offered bursary awards at the in general the much-needed middle- dispensation. rate of £100 each to give every aspiring level manpower. student a chance to prove his or her Students should therefore be grateful I wish you all a happy and pros¬ mettle. It is estimated that these bursary and make the best use of their talents perous Republic Day and many happy awards will cost Government £200,000 and time, rather than dissipate their returns of the day. over and above the amount voted for energies on trivial matters. May God bless you ell. scholarship awards this financial year. Finally, I must thank the Army, the

BENUE PLATEAU

Citizens of Benue Plateau State, both human and material, to achieve which do not exactly share our pride true greatness and provide the much- and joy over the fact that Nigeria is It is with deep joy and gratitude that needed leadership for the young potentially the greatest black country I make this special broadcast to you emergent nations of Africa. in the world. That possibility holds too today on the tenth anniversary of our Three years after, on October First, many disturbing aspects for these out¬ country's attainment of full nationhood. 1963, we set a future seal on our side interests. For if we are allowed to During the past few days, you have independence by becoming a Republic realise our full potential, we may all been involved in various ways in the within the Commonwealth, and our diminish or disrupt their sphere of ceremonies arranged in connection with country appeared to be well on the way influence; reduce or release a number of this anniversary. Special thought and to its destined position of strength and their unwilling but helpless satellite- careful planning have gone into the stability. countries, or perform our leadership preparations for these ceremonies, and role in a manner not in keeping with Unfortunately and tragically, a com¬ it must be obvious to all of us that the their neo-colonialist desires. bination of internal strains, fostered and first of October this year is a very They were fully aware that a strong, encouraged by forces of external greed stable and united Nigeria would not lend special day. The reason for this is quite and ill-will, brought about the fall of clear: for the first time in five years, herself to easy manipulation by selfish the First Republic on the fateful day of and for the first time since the creation foreign interests; whereas a loose and January 15, 1966. This is neither the of this State, we shall be able to observe uneasy federation would be a fertile time nor the occasion for conducting an our country's independence day, in an ground for foreign intrigue. Therefore autopsy on that tragic event. Suffice it atmosphere, free from internal division, our country appeared to them to be a to say that a number of Nigeria's tension and armed conflict. case for the application of the old illustrious sons also fell with that first We have special reasons therefore to tactics of divide-and-rule. Republic. At this important milestone give thanks to Almighty God for the And to make their task easier, they in our national life, let us today remem¬ return of peace and found certain elements within the count¬ unity to our ber their treasured services with grati¬ country, and for sparing our lives to see ry who were prepared to work towards tude, pay warm tribute to their the successful outcome of our bitter the same goal, in their lust for power honoured memory and leave the rest to struggle over the last few years. and personal gain. Thereupon, those with history. Ten years ago, our country took its an excuse but without the means, The rightful place as a free and independent last five years have been the most joined forces with those with the means country among the community of painful that any nation could be called but without the excuse for destroying nations. As we stood at that important upon to go through. Certain internal Nigeria; and the stage was set for the threshold ten years ago, we had good conditions, aggravated by unfavourable confusion and chaos, the strife and cause to look into the future with faith external influences, reacted a number of conflict that have plagued our country and confidence. We were acclaimed, and serious crises which led to our pro¬ since 1966. rightly too, as a force to be reckoned tracted and bitter civil war. Because of this, our last four an¬ with among the nations of the world. The external influences to which I niversaries have been merely observed We possessed the necessary requirements, refer are those forces and interests rather than celebrated: in 1966, in the 92 Ben "• Plateau continued wake of serious civil disturbances and which will certainly be to your eternal pleased to say that it is fast regaining military coups; in 1967 under the dark credit. that enviable position. clouds of war; in 1968 and 1969 in the It has been a great privilege for me to Our brother I bos and other Nigerians throes of a full-scale civil war with be associated so closely with the for¬ who left our midst are now flocking alarming international implications. It mative years of this promising State back to the State; and the warmth with was truly an ordeal by fire, but we have which, like the others, was born out of which you are receiving them back, as survived. And we were able to survive the crisis that tortured our country and well as the ease vi/ith which they are because, in spite of the comissions of our as a result of one of the measures taking up where they left off, is a friends and the commissions of our required to bring greater social justice constant source of hope and encourage¬ enemies, we Nigerian remained un— to the people of this country. During ment. Not shakeable in our dedication to the the past three years we have all, young only did we take steps to proposition that Nigeria is, and should and old, worked hard in order to give safeguard property abandoned in our remain, one country. meaning and effect to the creation of midst; we have been demonstrating our This is a very triumph for the ordinary this State as a vital and vigorous unit of good intentions by the prompt and men and women of this country who this country. It is true that the desire orderly manner in which we have been were steadfast and resolute through for a State of our own had been agitat¬ returning these properties to their thick and thin; it is a great victory for ing the minds of our people for some lawful owners as they return. All over the gallant men in our armed forces who time, but even so, our ready acceptance the State, in all walks of life, we are risked and in many cases lost lives and of this revolutionary measure, consider¬ discovering anew the pleasure and limbs in the cause of a united Nigeria. ing the circumstances under which it advantages of unity and togetherness. The credit for this remarkable achieve¬ was made, does credit to the maturity This is most gratifying indeed. I urge all ments is due to our young and able and good judgement of the people of of you to continue in this spirit. It can Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, this State. By your readiness to accept do nothing butgood, for it has been con¬ whose admirable captaincy of the Ship the new dispensation, and by your clusively demonstrated for all of us and of State saw us safely through those willingness to co-operate fully with our by all of us that it is better to be to¬ troubled waters; and it is a clear vindica¬ sister States in the country, you have gether. tion of the stand of the forces of order helped in no small way to make possible It is said that a chain is only as and unity throughout the world, who the incredibly smooth transition from strong as its weakest link. Nigeria is saw to it that the great idea that this the old order to the new. such a chain, and we of Benue Plateau great country represents was not We have every reason to be proud of State constitute one of the links. It sacrificed on the alter of wanton greed our membership of this country and of must never be said that the Benue and neon-colonialism. the role we have so far played in her Plateau State link is weakening the Today, after ten years of full nation¬ affairs, but we have no reason at all for Nigerian chain. By maintaining a peace¬ hood, the great promise that Nigeria slackness or complacency. If we look at ful, stable and progressive State, we represented in 1960 is born anew. As a it from another angle, the task ahead is shall be maintaining the strength of

SOUTH EAST My dear people of South-Eastern before, there are abundant signs to en¬ selves continue to remain loyal and State: courage us to face the future with hope maintain a sense of unity of purpose and confidence. To all of us therefore, with the Government. I will continue this tent Anniversary of Nigerian to rely on your active co-operation with Today we are celebrating the tenth Independence is a historic and epock- the Government in its task of building Anniversary of our Nation's Indepen¬ making occasion. up the South-Eastern State into a united dence with joy and displays of jubila¬ We now enter the second decade of stable and prosperous State where no tion. Surely, we have come a long way our nationhood with tremendous man is oppressed. I urge all of you to from the anxious, frustating and inse¬ record of experiences behind us. In always bear in mind our total com¬ cure circumstances of the past four matters of national unity, public mitment to the unity and progress both years during which fateful period we morality, justice and equity our ex¬ of our nation and our State. were contented to celebrate each an¬ periences of the past first decade should I thank you all for the excellent turn niversary as a day of national prayer. and must be our best teacher. We have out this morning. It is indeed a clear Needless to say that our prayers for learnt such vital lessons that should well evidence of your faith in the unity of national unity and integrity have been equip us for a purposeful struggle to¬ your nation and State. It also portrays answered to the fullest extent. We can wards progress and achievement in all your loyalty to the Military Government therefore afford to organise our fields of endeavour. Let us therefore at of our great country. May I assure you celebrations today with thanksgiving this time cultivate the determination to that on our part we shall not fail you. and outward pomp and pageantry. The contribute our full quota towards the task of keeping Nigeria one has been fulfilment of our national objectives. God bless you all and may peace accomplished. Today, more than ever To be able to do this we must our- attend your anniversary celebrations. MIDWEST

My Lords, Chiefs, Ladies and consequently suffered considerable similar Fund launched immediately Gentlemen, damage. after the war was also warmly supported. Today the war is over and for the All these are welcome indications of the Today independent Nigeria, of first time in four years we can celebrate preparedness of the entire people of the this State to wljich the Midwestern State is an integral anniversary of our independence in forge the bonds of endur¬ an and indissoluble part, is ten years old. atmosphere devoid of tension, battle ing unit and prosperity. I wish to extend the As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of slogans and the thundering of guns. praise for this the attainment of independence, it is just Freed from the anxieties and horrors of record to the Nigerian Broadcasting and fitting that we recall something of war, our minds can now dwell con¬ Corporation in the Midwest which has the satisfaction and joy which all structively on the problems of rehabili¬ been very helpful in enlightening the tation and reconstruction. Nigerians genuinely felt as the instru¬ people of the State. We in I ment of authority, with its inherent this State have taken remarkable take this opportunity to fulfil an strides on the road to reconstruction symbol of liberty and freedom, was undertaking which I gave last year when and further advance. I addressed the first set of members of handed over to the accredited represen¬ Many schools have been rebuilt and tatives of the country. We assumed the enlarged; roads and the local government advisory commit¬ mantle of self-rule with the solemn and bridges are being repaired and expand¬ tees in the State. I said then that I would set proud assurance that we would be ed; hospital services are being improved up a special fund of £10,000 for at all levels in all the divisions in the awards of each equal to the task of managing our own prizes of varying amounts new to affai rs. State. The Institute of Technology the nine most successful local govern¬ and the Medical Centre under construc¬ ment councils Nearly three years after indepen¬ annually. dence, the Midwestern State itself, then tion will together provide training for This year's competition, based on the declared designated a Region, was created. The high level manpower in technological, criteria, has been completed, Midwest thus became the fourth Region medical and para-medical fields. These and the appropriate prizes will be in the Federation and its leaders marched are only a few examples of our achieve¬ awarded to the winning councils im¬ forward, happily determined, along ments in vital sectors of our public life. mediately after this address. I congratu¬ The credit for with their counterparts in other parts of these achievements is late the successful councils, and I trust due that both the Federation, to face and overcome largely to the co-operation and they and the others will make the challenges of autonomy. loyalty of the people of this State. In every effort to improve upon their per¬ Unfortunately, however, the path to thisconnection, I mention with gratitude formances in future. the fact that there has the building of a virile nation where, in always been However, I would like, before I close to remind the. words of our national anthem, "no spontaneous and generous response to you all that the basic in¬ man is oppressed", was soon beset with appeals for financial contributions to gredient of lasting success in any field several is the existence of grave difficulties, as we moved from one public causes in the State. For peace and security which are crisis to another, until we became an- example, in 1968 contribution? to the indispensable for the con¬ tinued gulfed in a grevious civil war. This State Special Development Fund launched at preservation of our lives and was a fighting zone during the war and that time amounted to £800,000. A property. The Armed Forces, ably 94 Midwest continued cive to the fostering and maintenance of ties to divide us. Henceforth, we must assisted by the Police, are doing and will the happiest social and personal rela¬ regard ourselves as true brothers and continue to do their utmost for the tions, not only between individuals of all sisters linked by a common bond and security of all of us. But their task will classes, but also among the various united by a common destiny, first as be easier if the ordinary men and women communities within our borders. Nigerians and, secondly, as Midwestern- in the State are willing and able to Never again must we allow un¬ ners. conduct themselves in a manner condu- necessary personal and ethnic animosi- May God guard and guide us all aright. NORTH EAST

Fellow Citizens of the North become irrevocable committed to the like to take this opportunity to bring to Eastern State, cause of one united country. It is my the notice of all, that in future any expressed wish that every North- clandestine activities no matter how As we celebrate the occasion of our Easterner should continue to cultivate trival and not withstanding from what¬ tenth anniversary and on the first decade the sense of patriotism and dedication ever quarters, will be viewed very as an independent nation, I urge you to for the general upliftment of the nation seriously. Your selfless devotion and resolve yourselves to prayers to the in general and the State in particular in dedication to the cause of unity and Almighty God for the continued peace, both economic, political and social progress of this State will undoubtedly prosperity and progress of our beloved spheres. be a lesson for posterity. country after the very trying period For the three years of our existence It is not out of place, on this memo¬ that we have just passed through. as a state within the Federation, I have rable occasion to further emphasise to Within these ten years, we changed on several occasions stressed to you the you the objectives of this Government the monarchal independence constitu¬ need for harmony among the diversified as was explained to you In my last tion to that of republic after three peoples of this state. I have towards this Budget. Within the next four years we years of independence. But within the emphasized that the creation of states have a plan to expand the social, same period very fundamental con¬ should be viewed in the light not only agricultural and industrial aspects of our stitutional conflicts emerged, asking the of satisfying persistant demands from society. Particularly attention is being nation to its very foundations. The a number of areas or groups of people given to education as the overall develop¬ political crisis which started in early all over the Federation but from the ment of any society revolves round this. 1962 and continued up to early 1966, bold approach designed to create a No efforts will be spared, therefore in the census controversy and the difficul¬ situation that will lay down a firm basis getting well trained and trainable man¬ ties over for the 1964 Parliamentary uniting Nigerians. Nigerians have power vitally required in our develop¬ elections are still vivid in our reaction shown from the experience of the last ment programme. Similarly, realizing resulting from these and other political civil war that they can live together the great natural potentialities of this issues of the day came to be felt in and aim at a common objective. State, my Government has bold plans every part of the country before the Nigerians have a team fought to win for the improvement of agricultural and January 1966 change of Government the war against great odds, and we forest services. ultimately culminating in the civil war should be prepared to win the peace You are aware that we are already which ended early this year. We are all no matter what the odds are. leading the Federation in the field of witness to the fact that the change We in this State have enjoyed mutual irrigation development and it is hoped from civilian to Military rule has its own confidence among the diversified that this will, in the very near future toll on our national resources. This peoples of the State and this has helped become a basic of a big industrial pursuit. change could not be expected to pro¬ the Government in its efforts to provide It is gratifying to mention that with vide immediate answers to our many basic social amenities and economic the proposed expansion to Maiduguri, problems as the basis for national unity progress. Towards the achievement of Bauchi, Yola and Mubi General Hos¬ had been denuded to a our great extent as goals, I therefore urge you men and pitals, facilities for the training of para¬ was proved later by events since 1966, women of this State and in fact every medical staff will become available so It is just some few months since we Nigerian to sink and forget all trivial that training of such grades of staff could came out of this revaging and devastating tribal affiliations and parochial practical be undertaken in the State in order to war which has brought suffering to practices. improve the health services. thousands of homes and families and Although it is all re-assuring that the However, our many plans for the destruction of life and property. I am ordinary people in this State want to general progress of the State will have live glad to say that this was being tackled together in peace, harmony and to be seen in the light of our available very well. There is however, the need prosperity in order to enjoy the good resources which are not adequate. And to inculate the spirit of tolerance if we things of life and its evirons. this limited resources make it necessary I are to achieve the task of reconstruc¬ would however like to sound a for us to work out some criteria in order of tion, rehabilitation and national unity word warning here. During the period to ensure systematised execution of which still lie ahead. It should be the of experimentation that is the period development projects and smooth real hope of every Nigerian that our past since the creation of States, we have general development. experience should serve as deterrant to allowed to pass many otherwise clan¬ In the field of Local Administration future occurance and to serve as a destine activities of mischiefs both in also my Government as you are aware has basis for a united verile nation which the public service and outside it which started the implementation of the White will become a shining example among were not in the interest of the Govern¬ Paper on Local Government Reforms. the world community of nations. ment in order to attend to the more Local Authority Councils have been Towards achieving these noble ob¬ pressing aspects of creating a new reconstituted and an office of Inspector administration and the jectives, I am therefore calling upon prosecution of of Provincial Administration has been every man and woman of this state in the war. Now that the period of ex¬ created in the Governor's Office in order particular and of Nigeria in general to perimentation is almost over, I would to improve the standard of field ad- 95 North East continued days when demands on the resources of conciliation, rehabilitation and recon¬ the Government are too much to be met struction. ministration. But these are not all in we new with limited financial and re¬ As usher in the decade with this exercise, a lot more is to be done other the us and due to limited financial and man¬ sources at the disposal of the Govern¬ bright future that lies ahead of in one united, indivisible Nigeria we must power resources the full implementation ment. My Government is very willing to all strive to contribute our of the Local Government Reforms will assist and encourage self-help through quota as direct financial assistance and technical dedicated and patriotic citizens for the have to be phased over a period of at advise in order to ensure maximum general progress and stability of our least three years. Hence the full impact nation of the reforms and its goals of efficient advantage of the peoples efforts for the through tolerance and hard work. Let us and effective Local Government cannot general advancement of our society. again today, further dedicate ourselves towards the achievement of be expected to follow the reconstitution I cannot conclude without paying this of Council alone. special tribute to our Armed Forces for bright future that lies ahead. I pray I have all along explained the various their dedication, sacrifice and loyalty in efforts of the noble role of preserving the my Government in carrying Almighty God to give us the tolerance one sovereignty of this great nation. out thing or the other. Aware of and wisdom in the task ahead. Long The best we can do for our comrades the limited Government resources to live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. respond to all the demands I therefore who lost their lives in this noble role is to ensure that May God Bless you all. take this opportunity to express my every citizen of this appreciation for the achievements the country co-operates with both the State Thank you. people of this State have made in self- and Federal Military Government to¬ wards help. This is very encouraging in these achieving the objectives of re-

RIVERS STATE

The C.O.C.; Your Lordship; Your our body politic. Unfortunately, the too much on them now. However, areas Federal such as the eradication of corruption in Highnesses; Honourable Commi¬ Military Government was pre¬ vented from carrying through the our social and public life, the expurga¬ ssioners; Officers of the Armed- corrective measures which it had em¬ tion of nepotism in the appropriation Forces; Distinguished Guests; barked upon. Rather, our resources and and distribution of the national cake; Ladies and Gentlemen. energies were deverted towards the pro¬ speedy but planned restoration of the secution of a civil war which could have political institutions and practices which Today, the Tenth Anniversary of been avoided had good reason and will be equitable and acceptable to all; Nigeria's Independence, is a very special commonsense prevailed at the time. the provision of modern and adequate day. Our great country has today achiev¬ The creation of States, a natural infrastructure for rapid economic and ed a milestone in her march towards cerellary to the Nigerian crisis, is now social development; and the re-vitalisa- mature nationhood. The occasion is also generally regarded as the most advanced tion of the economy in general, would significant because it is the first post-war and forward-looking political initiative require urgent attention before the anniversary to be celebrated and it is ever taken in the country. It has since change-over to civilian governments. therefore fitting that we are celebrating given promise as the long-sought-for In this great task your leaders would this august occasion with all the pomp, basis for a meaningful and fruitful require the unstinted support, co-opera¬ with pegeantry and solemnity that it co-existence and unity for the various tion and loyalty of all of you. Remember deserves. ünits which comprise our beloved that in the task of nation-building, In one decade of political indepen¬ country. We in the Rivers State will for your leaders represent the masters of a dence, momentous and very significant ever be grateful to Major-General ship while you represent the crew. For events have accurred in the country. We Yakubu Gowon, Head of State and the ship of State to chart its proper and have initiated progressive strides in Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian pre-selected course with safety and con¬ educating our people; in modernising Armed Forces, for the wonderful op¬ fidence, both masters and crew must our economy; in re-structuring our portunity afforded us in running our work as a team and in full co-operation social set-up, and generally, in creating own State and participating generally in with one another. In the same way, if the right atmosphere for progress and the task of building a strong and viable Nigeria is to achieve true greatness as a prosperity. But by far the most import¬ country in the context of one united nation, we must as a people, reorientate ant developments had been in the areas Nigeria. our attitude to duty and our approach touching upon the political stability of We have recently emerged from the to work with a greater sense of urgency the country, without which all other three of a gruelling, painful and energy- and responsibility. In this era of reconstruction and re¬ developments become relatively sapping thirty-month civil war which insignificant. threathened the existence of this country habilitation, we in the Rivers State In this same decade, due to a com¬ as one political entity. Although we are should reflect that the agencies of a grim bination of factors, of which you do not still not entirely sheltered from similar civil war have effectively given way to need to be reminded, our country ex¬ but menacing threats. We are at least the legitimate challenges of establishing perienced a series of revolutions of happy that the guns have been silenced a viable and prosperous State in which social and political nature, culminating and we can now resume our original every citizen will have equal opportuni¬ in the assumption by the Nigerian Armed programmes for correcting the ills, im¬ ties and no man or woman will be Forces, of the administration of the balances and injustices that contributed oppressed. We cannot go through life country. The Federal Military Govern¬ in a large measure towards the agoniz¬ with axes to grind. We were greatly hurt ment immediately set out to rectify the ing trials of the past three years. These and wronged without good reason, but ills and imbalances which had caused so on this Tenth measures were spelt out in some detail Anniversary of our In¬ much instability and dissatisfaction in at the time and I would not like to dwell dependence, I again urge you to forgive 96 Rivers State continued unique role in the destiny of our father¬ actions must always reflect this basic land. In contributing our little quotas to fact. We must therefore strive those who had inflicted these wrongs on to embrace the greater good of our dear country, the you. You now have your State and things that bind us closer together let us always remember that our goal and with hard work, dedication to duty and reject those things that tend to should not be what the nation can do divide us. Let us accept the challenge of singleness of purpose, a bright future for us, but what we can do for the mature nationhood as we stand united awaits you all. In this lunar day and age, nation. as a nation and poised for the sky is no longer the limit for the peace, pro¬ Fellow countrymen and women, in ambitious, the industrious, and the gress and greatness. our jubilation today, on the occasion of Long Live The Rivers State. enterprising, for space itself is now the Long Tenth Anniversary of our beloved Live One being explored for the benefit of man¬ Nigeria. country, let us recall that we are citizens kind. of a united country. Our thoughts and I need not remind you that in the Twelve State Structure of our country today, all of us are previleged to play a

KANO STATE

Hon. Commissioners, Members of say with apologies to the late Sir Winston These vices have for long been the Churchill: "never the Diplomatic Corps, Your High¬ before in the field of banes of our society and it is time we human nesses, Distinguished Guests, conflict, was so much owed by sorted them out and destroyed them for Ladies and Gentlemen. so many to so few". the greater glory of our nation and of the I must congratulate also those African race as a whole. It is human to Praise be to God, the Almighty, the members of the civilian force who have, be ambitious but when ambition be¬ comes blind Omnipotent by whose will and grace we severally or individually, in public or in and beclouds vision, the have been spared to witness and celeb¬ private life, contribute so much to make resultant effect can be calamitous. Let our achievements us learn from the rate this tenth anniversary of our in¬ possible. Without pages of past and recent dependence. their admirable sacrifice, without their history. It was ambition that led the The anniversary in itself is significant full and unshakeable confidence in our seccessionist leadership headed by and unique. Significant and unique, cause, without their maximum co-opera¬ Emeka Ojukwu to formulate a policy tion which could because we have just come out success¬ and without their burning nation¬ only be put into practice fully from a catastrophic period, during alism and patriotism, it would have been by fanning the embers of tribalism, and when on that fateful which our very existence as a nation was impossible to attain the object of the day, he announced the most seriously threatened by the arch- motto of our Head of State, "to keep birth of his dream republic, little did priests of imperlialism and colonialism, Nigeria one is a task that must be done." he know that by that declaration he was acting through their reactionary and over- The major task of crushing the opening the pandora's box. Playing on the ambitious agents. And we have as con¬ rebellion has been done but we are gullibility of his tribe and the men¬ fidently as ever entered into the period faced with the more difficult task of tality of the imperialists , he rose to of the three most important Rs—Rehabi¬ winning the peace. I am quite confident infamy and power with the velocity of litation, Reconstruction and Reconcilia¬ that we shall succeed and that is why we lightening but after a while, as is always the case with ail tion. These are gigantic tasks that will have been blessed with a leader of the things conceived in demand maximum effort from each and calibre of General Yakubu Gowon, the abomination, hisdream empire crumbled and retribution sent him every one of us (Nigerians) and so, while Commander-in-Chief of the Armed crashing with the speed of a rocket down to we celebrate and jubilate, let us be Forces, a man who, handsome and ignomity and exile. And the one time thoughtful. benevolent, radiates such magnetic proud con¬ ceited and Let us think reverently and prayer¬ charm as never fail to attract, a man who arrogant pet-boy of the now fully of those who have been made to is as affable now to all and sundry as he imperiliast is laughing on the wrong side of his face. kiss the dust on the battle fields by had been before attaining to power, a apostles of African disunity and their man whose deportment fame and ab¬ It is not my intention this morning to relate or ambition-obsessed agents and let us solute power have failed to alter, a man enumerate developments in think with sympathy of those who, who has defied all the corrupting appella¬ the State but judging from the practical though alive, have been maimed and tions of human vanity. The order of developments all over the State, you can disabled; they who have poured out the human excellency today is so inverted now see that we have been very much red sweet wine of youth; they who have that great talents are considered as an in a productive hurry and, yet, we have dared to encounter darkness, hugging it excuse for the absence of rare virtues, to gear on to greater speed. We cannot in their arms; they who have dared to but, praise be to God, in General Gowon afford to be complacent. But this much suffer the dismemberment of their we have a leader who will not only say we must realise: that physical or mate¬ anatomies; they who have dared to pay wise things but will do good ones as well. rial developments alone, without corres¬ Under the supreme sacrifice in order to preserve such a leader, success is not in ponding moral virtues, cannot make us doubt the unity and glory of Nigeria as a if only the followership be sin¬ great in the sight of Allah. We must in¬ nation, they deserve our most practical cere, loyal and selflessly devoted to the culcate and develop to the fullest moral and deep gratitude. Without their un¬ nation's cause. and spiritual values. We must guard alloyed loyalty, without their unflinch¬ Let us therefore resolve afresh to be against being swept away from the ing courage, without their burning sincere, loyal and devoted followers. Let moornings of morality and spiritual patriotism and without their supreme us eschew greed, avarice, intrigue, tribal¬ excellence. We must not, under any sacrifice there could hardly have been ism and corruption. Let us resolve to circumstances, allow ourselves to be any anniversary to celebrate today. Jettison overboard the tendency to a deviated from the paths of honour, About these worthy sons of Nigeria, I mass wealth which we do not earn. honesty and truthfulness: we must strive 97 Kano Stare continued I believe you have heard the broad¬ to pay the debt which they owe to the cast to the nation by the Head of State, Nation by giving them all the required to achieve the cardinal and supernatural the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed opportunities to develop their potanciali- virtues of justice, temperance, prodence, Forces. It is the policy of the Military ties as far as they are able to go. The fortitude, faith, hope and charity. Government to ensure that Nigeria nation demands this debt to be paid Let us all rededicate ourselves for achieves the objective of a democratic and it is therefore left to you, the selfless service to our God and to human¬ society, that it is, in which no man will youths of Nigeria, to live up to ex- ity. Let us taboo greed, injustice, tribal- ' be oppressed in order to ensure that pections. ism and corruption for they are strong unity, love, prosperity and lasting peace I pay my tribute to all the leaders of under-currents that can dash our ship of reign throughout the Federal Republic Nigeria, past and present, for their great state on the rocks of destruction. Let us of our beloved united Nigeria, and also contribution, to the Nation. May God be watchful and vigilant. Let us give no every bless everyone of us so that we may be elbow room for those who suffer from reign in State, towns, villages and homes so that guided through His wisdom. I pray for social corrosion and moral every Nigerian will be degeneration; peaceful celebration of this historic tenth those who camouflage tribalism under proud to stand before the nations of the world as a true anniversary of our independence which the cloak of patriotism and those who Nigerian. Here, I will draw the attention of the youths of the is being enjoyed throughout the country. are wolves but move about in the skins nation to bear in mind that our effort is of lambs. Let us put all hands on the building the future for them and there¬ May the blessings of God be with us deck and work hard for progress and in ail. fore they should be prepared to submit doing so, left honour and our country's Amen. themselves to educational discipline and cause be our guiding principles.

NORTH WEST Sokoto, October 1: needs. While we may learn from the base of education. I am pleased to note experience of other States, we have to that there is general awakeness on this Today we are celebrating the work out our own solution and possibly very important subject throughout the State. I must warn however that there is Tenth Anniversary of our Independence our own salvation. The old Native and the first since the end of the un¬ Authority system which we inherited immense task ahead which requires the fortunate civil war. As we rejoice the end had no relevance to our present con¬ pooling of ail the talent of everyone of of secession, we must remember those ditions. To meet the challenge brought you. I hope that this will be forthcoming who either lost their lives or were about by modern changes, my Govern¬ for only then can we succeed in achiev¬ incapacitated as a result of the war. We ment realised that it was necessary to ing our educational programme. must also show our gratitude and associate local people in the administra¬ I wish to thank the people of this appreciation to the gallant Nigerian tion of their affairs and to expand the State for their contributions in one way Armed Forces without whose sacrifice scope of rural development, thus build¬ or the other during the crisis and I appeal Nigeria would not have remained united ing up strong Local Government bodies to you all to do all you can to assist the as it is today. The fight to keep Nigeria capable of looking, as far as possible, Federal Military Government in its task United has been won and it is gratifying after their own needs. This realisation of nation building. One way to do this to note that the Federal Governments prompted my Government system in the is to forget the bitter experience of the efforts to win the peace and to maintain State. The report of the Reforms Com¬ past and receive the returning people it has been made possible through the mittee had since been accepted and the who fled this part of the country during goodwill from the true Nigerians. Despite implementation of its recommendations the crisis with open arms and friendli¬ the tragedy of the war, Nigeria has made is underway. ness so that the task of winning peace tremendous progress in all fields of I have no doubt that the administra¬ could be made easy. I am glad to note development. tive and Local Government reforms will that a measure of success towards this In this State, we have made progress suit the conditions and the requirements policy is being achieved. Recently, of the Nigeria has to in many fields particularly in raising the people. I have full faith to the new agreed reconcile with the standard of education and increasing the reform, for it has all the elements of four African countries that suoDorted agricultural productivity. I will however democracy which should give stability rebellion. This spirit of forgive and not hesitate to say that the progress so to the State and provide solutions of forget is one of Nigeria's qualities which raised our far made is only a start considering our both short and long term nature, de¬ prestige abroad. gigantic plans of development. Progress signed to simplify procedures and reduce To civil servants and Local Govern¬ is a long and tortous process full of unnecessary delays. It is therefore for ment officials I would like to express my trials and errors. We should not therefore you to give the reforms a fair trial and gratitude for your selfless service and allow our vision to be clouded by protect its integrity. It should not be devotion to duty. The objective of my memories of our past glories. We must taken in a vainglorious spirit. If you fail Government is to make this State as concentrate our efforts on the present to develop the new system, you will be strong and progressive as possible and to and work harder for the future. There exposing the State to a bleak and promote among die people, a national is no doubt that we have numerous chaotic future. As I said earlier, the outlook removing all traces of mistrust problems before us but these problems objective should be to provide a better and suspicion between the ethnic group¬ are not unsurmountable. system of local Government rather than ings and to adopt measures for the moral to destroy the existing institutions. Since the creation of this State, one and material happiness of the people, The of my Government's major tasks has improvement so far made on the paving the way for a social State. This been to establish democratic local system of education is closest in my objective could be achieved only through Government institutions and stable in¬ mind, for I know that no economic a strong and stable Government backed struments of Government, fashioned planning or social progress could make by a selfless civil service. Here I would like to warn according to our own thinking and headway without a sound and realistic against dishonest practices 98 North West continued in the Government's effort for develop¬ ment. I would like to urge everyone in a and any form of subvertion which are ment. position of trust to take measure to ï have often root out corruption in all branches capable of retarding the progress of the emphasized the need for of Government and local Administration State. I am determined to bring about exercising greater control in financial and to endeavour to raise the standard complete understanding and unity situation which in years to come will offer us to of among the various tribes in the State. ability and capability im¬ efficiency in the public service. We plement our development programmes must move as fast as possible into the You can do a lot to help in achieving age without of this determination if every one of you necessarily depending on subven¬ progressive development in order to tion from the Federal Government. attain a higher standard of living. My recognises that unity, security and pro¬ I am to see Government is determined to see that gress of the State are matters of common pleased that my Government is already on the there is regardless of place of origin. You must way to achieving complete equality of opportuni¬ this goal. ties available to all citizens and non- carry the people with you through This State is blessed with abundant citizens of this State. The your intellectual ideas which to be development rich and fertile we have so far achieved has taken us to a effective, you must put into good farming land. I appeal to everyone in this State, be he a farmer, a stage progress practice. Unless the people are con¬ where further will depend civil servant, or a businessman to on our to a out¬ vinced of the validity of your ideas and ability evolve national utilize this gift of nature in the best a a honesty, the whole purpose of the civil look, national vision and national service will be defeated. Under no cir¬ possible way, .using as much as possible unity. Only enlightened approach based new method of farming so that more on cumstances should you mortgage your practical realism will help us to usher food and cash crop could be produced in concience nor compromise truth with healthy social and economic advance¬ in large scale. With increased ment. falsehood; for to maintain a position of agricultural prosperity is bound to I wish trust with the common men, you must productivity, you all happiness and prosper¬ exist. be sincere and outright in your dealings. ity. I would like to emphasise that to Finally, I would like to pay tribute to May God bless the Federal Republic of achieve the maximum measure of all the Emirs and Chiefs and other local Nigeria. success in making our State second to leaders for their loyalty to my Govern- May God bless the North Western State of none, everyone must participate fully Nigeria.

NORTH CENTRAL

and cherish the memories of those Fellow countrymen, distinguished sperous Nigeria were working hard to eminent Guests: destroy the harmony among the Nigerian leaders who had run people and to wreck the Republic. the affairs of the country with distinc¬ Tribal and religious sentiments were tion during the most trying period of It was exactly ten years ago that on exploited and the fear of domination of our history. They have not lost their this very ground we celebrated Nigeria's one sectional group by another loomed lives in vain and this faithful nation will independence along with our brothers large in the minds of the people. Con¬ remember them forever. and sisters in other parts of the country. sequently, and despite attempts at On that memorable day, the British I n furtherance of keeping the country compromises, the country was confron¬ paternal government was replaced by one, new States were created to provide ted with one political crisis after another the Government of the people. The viable administrative units in the until it finally ended with the unfortu¬ Nigerian national anthem, flag, insignia Federation and to take modern develop¬ nate secession and the tragic civil war. and coat-of-arms replaced those of the ment to every part of the country. It was during the civil war that evil The creation of twelve imperial government. Houses of Assem¬ States out of forces nearly overwhelmed the young the former four bly and of Parliament were built, more regions has enhanced schools, colleges, academies and univer¬ Republic. Development was halted and peace and stability throughout the the country was on the verge of dis¬ Federation under the banner of the sities were established and important positions in the Army, Police and the integration. It was in the last hour that military rule. Poeple have been brought not closer to die Civil Services were largely Nigerianised. Nigerians realised only their weak¬ Governments, the task of nesses but also their strength to fight out administration has been made much Roads and bridges were widened, the the disruptive forces in the country. easier than hitherto and ports were dredged, the railway lines equal opportuni¬ They quickly resolved to remedy their ties for advancement have been were extended and a major hydro- provided faults and made a determined effort to to all the various communities in the electricity scheme was undertaken. The keep the country together. Endless Nigerian Airways, Nigerian Shipping country. sacrifices had to be made by all people Line and Nigerian Central Bank were set But eternal vigilance is called for to in the supreme task of making Nigeria up. A number of industries were keep disruptive forces in check not only one. It is remarkable that in spite of the developed with capital from both the within our State but also throughout underwork of our detractors, we governments and the private sector to the Federation. surmounted the crisis and Nigeria came produce Nigerian textiles, cement, sugar out with flying colours from the gravest Political no mean¬ matches, furniture, petroleum products, independence has ing without sustained econom ic progress. saop, cigarettes and so on. The use of challenge to our great nation. And there It is remarkable that the Tent An¬ made-in-Nigeria goods was encouraged. is no better occasion than today to niversary of our Independence is also In short, development in those spheres celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of our ushering in an era of development of our which were arrested in the pre-indepen- Independence! On this auspicious day it State after the pause in planning during dence era were given full scope for would also be appropriate to remember the recent crisis. The State Development development. the brave sons of Nigeria who sacrificed Plan, 1970-1974 has been finalised and While these developments were taking their precious lives to keep the country adequate provisions have been made to place the enemies of a strong and pro- together. We must also commemorate 99 North Central continued that such willing co-operation will be with remarkable fortitude. But this raise the much-needed standard of forthcoming from the people in this should not lead us to complacency. We have living of our people. noble task. Already my Government to go a long way to carry out our task that still needs to be If we assess the economic progress of has established channels of consultation fulfilled. The with the mass of the forces that the recent past, we are faced with the people by the unify the country should be establishment of Administrative Areas fostered and channelled sad certainty that a large leeway is yet into creative and to be made in this State to catch-up Area Councils. My Government will endeavour for the many-sided develop¬ with more developed parts of the Fe¬ continue to consult the generality of the ment of the New Nigeria. On this

deration . An extremely wide range of people in all matters that affect their auspicious occasion let us therefore potential development projects exists in well-being and happiness. rededicate ourselves for the service of There seems to be evident need to our our State and these projects need to be great nation. identified. The proposed investment of raise a high-level manpower in order to Finally, I wish to appeal to the the order of £40 millions for the all- implement the development plans. This people of my State to work hard and involves the contribute their round development of the State can¬ appropriate use of skilled quota for the develop¬ ment and not be considered high. There is a personnel recruited both within and well-being of the State in without the pressing need to open up backward rural country and also from particular and the rest of the Federation International in areas, to break down barriers of isolation Agencies. We may have to general. Fellow citizens, this is a and stagnation, to develop social services invite foreign capital for setting-up of unique occasion not only to rejoice but industries for which to make a and social sense, to mobilize economic potentialities exist solemn pledge to remain in our State. In this task we united and resources and above all, to bring about expect devoted citizens of this a feeling of oneness in the minds of our friendly foreign countries to evince in¬ great nation. people. A general development of this terest in our development problems and assist us in magnitude cannot fulfil its objectives tackling them. May God Almighty continue to guide without the willing co-operation and The nation should be rightly proud us in this noble endeavour. participation of all the people who will of thisgreat achievement of surviving the Thank you very much. ordeals that confronted the derive benefit from it. I have no doubt country

EAST CENTRAL

Fellow Countrymen and women. meaningful by ensuring that Africans are is not yet over, or won. But the last the managers-in-fact, not merely the years of our War have demonstrated to Today we mark the passing of an era, managers-in-name, of their own affairs, the chagrin of foreign manipulators, the a decade of significant events and tur¬ Many of the incidents in this struggle, independent character and unpredict¬ bulent history; the story of a people in which partly consisted in confrontations able strength of the Nigerian nation, search of nationhood and cohesive with the reactionary forces of neocoloni¬ able as she pleases to disagree without identity. Sixty-five years ago, this alism, went unobserved by ordinary self ruin with powerful friends! country was merely the amorphous mass persons. But in the Congo and in Nigeria Anniversaries are essentially times for that earned itself the then apt descrip¬ there occured tragedies which under¬ reflection and, sometimes, for making tion of "the area of the Niger"—Nigeria, lined the grimness of Africa's struggle resolutions. In this tenth anniversary of lacking in definitiveness and even much for true self-determination as well as our country's independence, it is natural less than a geographical expression. But revealed some of the tactics of the forces that the tragic events of the last three today we have, with more than two reined against us, with whom we had to years should be the subject of our years of sorrow and frightful war, won do incessant battle. In both countries appraisal. The global significance of that and consecrated our territorial identity theforcesof neo-colonialism struck with struggle and its relevance in the con¬ with the blood of our manhood. characteristic savagery in an attempt to tinuing struggle of Africans for a place Independence for our country, as for destroy our national pride and confuse in the world—all these are necessary as¬ any other African country, meant much our search for national cohesiveness. pects of the assessment. But that is only more than die surrender of political In Nigeria, the application during the a part of the picture, for neo-colonialist power by the colonial rulers to indigenes. ,colonial era of the well-known principle intrigue operates only where it finds The domination of our continent by of divide and rule had prepared the suitable local material. It is Nigerians Western Europeans was founded on the ground for the attack that was to follow. that ultimately must be blamed for the ideological premise of racial inequality The agents of imperialism played our tragedy which nearly destroyed our and the denial of his essential humanity peoples against one another by attaching country. But merely to apportion guilt to the African, indeed the black man. discriminating labels to them. Some would be profit-less: the important Therefore, the reacquisition by Africans they adjudged "sophisticated", some thing is for us to learn from our past of the right to manage their affairs was a were branded as "industrious and enter¬ failures. It is through learning and put¬ revolutionary act, which not only re¬ prising", some were dismissed as ting into practice the lessons of the war asserted the humanity of the black man "feudal". In their eyes we were Hausas, that we can consolidate whatever gains but also forced a re-examination of re¬ Fulanis, Yorubas, Ibos, Tivs—anything have come out of it. lationships in the human family. Today, but Nigerians. And following our masters Federal victory in the civil war sig¬ fellow Countrymen and Women, we example, many of us accepted as valid, nifies, in essence, the reaffirmation of the celebrate, not merely the anniversary of without questioning, the relevancy of common end equal humanity of all our country's independence; we mark these interpretations. Thus were sown Nigerians, be they literate or unlettered, the re-emergence of the African on the the seeds of suspicion, exclusiveness and be they Hausa or Ibo, be they Christian stage of human history. arrogance the fruits of which we reaped or Moslem. And this reaffirmation has Throughout the past decade decoloni- in the various crisis which plagued this been concretized in the new 12-State sed Africa has been engaged in a despe¬ country since 1960. structure which now forms the basis of rate struggle to make independence The battle for true self-determination the administration of our great country. 100 £ast Central continued would be a citizen whose daily actions from the early resistance movements It is my conviction that the development are governed by his involvement in our conducted on the coasts and in the of this moral commitment constitutes national goals and values. As a leader, hinterlands with unsophisticated and the only logical basis of future action by such a citizen would always seek to primitive weapons against the Maxim Nigerians. Only by keeping alive the promote national goals and, if he belongs guns and to the astute utilisation of the moral forces now at work in our society to the followership, he should refuse to pen as a weapons of combat, the creation can we ensure the endurance of the be led if he convinces himself that his of mass movements, the agitation for complete stability towards which we leaders are not promoting the national national independence. Thus in our strive, a measure of wh ich we now enjoy. interest. No nation needs to be ruled by national panthon we count as our heroes In the past, we have put too much trust a leadership far worse or better than it not only the contemporary figures in in formal administrative structures, un¬ deserves! The calibre of our top men is our recent nationalist struggle but also mindful of the fact that stability is an always an accurate measurement of the the people, the communities and the emotional fact. quality of the followership and the leaders who fought in the early resistance If I desired a more dramatic formula¬ extent of its readiness to shoulder the movements, historic figures like Jaja of tion, I would say that the most crusial burdens of discipleship or accept Opobo, Overemi of Benin, Sultan Bello achievement of the Federal Military mediocrity because of indifference or of Sokoto, Rabi of Bornu, men who Government in the last three years has disillusionment. with every other defence in their been to initiate a process of N igerianizing Fellow countrymen and women, the armoury fought for the dignity and Nigerians. The Incongruency of this price we pay for our indifference is autonomy of their communities. In this phraseology is merely verbal and appar¬ leadership by our inferiors. Socially long struggle for freedom and people of ent. For most of you do understand committed to our society, accepting the this State as good Nigerians should take what I mean when I speak of Nigerian- responsibilities of our citizenship in any pride in recollecting the heroic roles izing Nigerians, and your understanding role, history will never pass us by. played by our sons, roles that were second to none in the national effort of stems from the fact that there exists a As we rejoice in the celebrations of real need for any people for Nigerians to be Nigerian- this anniversary, let me repeat again that self-emancipation. Let us ized! therefore praise our in the last civil war, there has been no founding fathers, great sons, victor, no vanquished. For those who great heroes, like Ogbuefi Firstly, the Nigerianization which I Nnanyelugo Nnamdi Azikiwe, theOzizi envisage will produce citizens of fought ion the other side who may be Nigeria Ani of , known to the world as who are educated to the full awareness inclined to view with scepticism the Zik, Mazi Mbonu current Ojike, the boycott their membership of the wider com¬ validity of their citizenship and king and the then angry youngman to worry over what tune now munity known as Nigeria. Such persons they need Osita to Agwuna, Mokwugwo Okoye and would look at their ethnic or sign for social acceptance, I would regional others of the youthful front whose attributes as mere accidents, affirm that there is neither need to be significant radical activism led to the fateful con¬ only because it is a fact of combative or truculent nor any necessary description, frontation in 1949, almost 21 to be submissive or years ago, having little bearing on their duties as subservient. Resume at the coal mines in this Coal City. We Nigerian citizens and their attitudes to your roles and responsibilities as good could think of many other names both national issues. It should be citizens of Nigeria and you will not need possible for from th is State and from elsewhere in the such Nigerians to reside anywhere in the to strike or adopt any postures. Federation—distinguished sons, the Federation unmolested and protected, Fellow countrymen and women, let venerable founding fathers of our great not by their clan or tribal unions, but by us all in celebrating this anniversary Republic, some of whom are still with the Nigerian Constitution. praise and cherish the heritage of our us, others have either passed away or Secondly, Nigerianization will common ancestors, us back equip let look have been cut down in the national Nigerian citizens with a lively awareness with prideful nostalgia on the historic service. Let us salute our heroes and, in of their civic responsibilities. Such breed role of our forefathers. It would be easy, doing so, rededicate ourselves once of men will exhibit greater fondness for over glancing back the past decades of more to the goals of their struggle, the the use of the pronoun "we" than for turbulence, to ignore the contributions preservation of the freedom and dignity the pronoun "I". of our yet Nigerianized Nigerians founding fathers, it remains of man in our land. would not hesitate to put their talents, true that but for the struggles, dedication I will not end this address without even their lives, to the service of the and effort of our founding fathers to country. In this connection, we must Nigeria may yet today have remained a paying tribute the bravery and dedica¬ tion of our soldiers, the our remember the very simple fact that the colony. Thus in spite of the many discipline of Police struggle for the preservation of the disappointments of the passing decade, Force, the enthusiasm of our youth and school children who integrity of this country was successful inspite of the many tragedies of national today have in common endeavour and because hundreds of our youths in true upheavals and civil war, in celebrating impres¬ sive performance in this Parade demon¬ spirit of citizenship surrendered their the tenth anniversary of our indepen¬ strated anew the links and lives. True citizenship consists in com¬ dence we also cononize the achievement goals that bind us mitment and participation—in giving of those who brought us freedom be¬ together. To all of you I say, continue to bear the torch of without counting the cost. The inactive, cause, in spite of everything, our ex¬ patriot¬ uncommitted, citizen is a self-contradict¬ perience confirms that it is better for ism. ing concept. This is a necessary reminder social man to govern himself however in an age which runs the danger of badly than that he be governed however Long live the Federal Republic of thinking that citizenship starts and ends well by others. Nigeria. with carrying the passport of one's The struggle for freedom by our country. Finally, a Nigerianized Nigerian fathers has been a continuous battle:

101

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