#NigeriaAt55: How Lagos Contributed To Independence And The Achievements Of Its Governors

The month of October is significant in the history of Nigeria. This year, the country is celebrating her 55th Independence anniversary.  Fifty-five years ago, precisely on October 1  1960, the Union Jack, the British symbol of authority and power  over Nigeria as a former colony  was lowered in place of the white  and green flag

Team Naij.com Lagos sends best wishes to all Lagosians and is happy to take you back memory lane to see how Lagos played a role in Nigeria’s Independence and the achievements of its past governors.

Know your governors

Question: Who among the listed governors in your own view played the biggest role in the history of Lagos?

It all began in Lagos

The event of 1960 took place in Lagos, at the Tafawa Balewa Square.  Lagos is synonymous with the political history of the country. As a former British colony and the nation’s capital before it was moved to Abuja, the state will continue to have a special place in hearts of Nigerians.  Lagos will always occupy a special place in Nigeria’s history.

READ ALSO: #NigeriaAt55: Why The Nigeria’s Capital Was Moved From Lagos To Abuja

Britain’s Princess Alexandra of Kent reads Queen Elizabeth II’s message during her speech in the Royal Pavilion, at the Racecouse now know as Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on October 1, 1960 ( Seated is Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa)

Lagos was a former British colony

Long before the Independence of 1960, Lagos had been annexed in 1961 and had become a British colony. In the pre independence era, the state was the scene of the fight against British rule. The independence struggle was fought and won in Lagos. The protagonists in the struggle for Independence all lived in the city. The monuments of the Independence era still stand as witness to history today.  

Lagos of the pre-1960s era played a huge role in the struggle against British colonial rule

How Lagos was created

Seven years after Nigeria gained independence, precisely on May 27, 1967 Lagos was created. The creation was enabled by virtue of State (Creation and Transitional Provisions) Decree No. 14 of 1967, which restructured Nigeria’s Federation into 12 states.

Prior to this, Lagos Municipality had been administered by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Lagos Affairs as the regional authority; while the Lagos City Council (LCC) governed the City of Lagos. The state was created as a state by the then military government of former president Yakubu Gowon.

READ ALSO: #NigeriaAt55: Old Photos That Will Show Times Have Changed In Nigeria

Former head-of-state General Yakubu Gowon created Lagos

Lagos as the capital of Nigeria

After its creation, Lagos still remained the de facto capital of Nigeria and witnessed rapid development. Since then, Lagos has been growing more rapidly and is now the fastest growing mega cities in the world.   Lagos has had fourteen governors, five of which were civilians, including its current governor, Akinwunmi  Ambode. The fourteen governors have also contributed in different ways to the development of Lagos.

Given the role of Lagos in Nigeria’s independence struggle, some Nigerians have also clamoured that it be given a special status as a former capital. Is it justified? Should Lagos be accorded a special status?

What do you think?

 

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