This thread is intended to be a quick reference thread on Nigeria's political history since Independence (1st October 1960)

* The subject heading of the thread changes with every news story posted. In order to be directed to the location of  that news story, please go to the last page of the thread, where you should find date of the story and which page of the thread that the news story resides on.


[size=18pt]Nigerian Elections 1960[/size]


[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDKXgVDCDdo?version=3&feature=player_detailpage[/flash]


[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw-ns6R8llM?version=3&feature=player_detailpage[/flash]


[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GtJ6GcrmuU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage[/flash]


[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFPO2bB1Jso?version=3&feature=player_detailpage[/flash]




4th Oct 1960 - ITN News (video clip)
[size=18pt]NIGERIAN PARLIAMENT OPENED  (video clip)[/size]

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1960/10/04/FS041060004/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date






[size=18pt]6th October 1960 -  The New York Times
NIGERIA CONSIDERS EDUCATION PLAN : 20-Year Programme to Train Doctors and Engineers Urged for [/size]

LAGOS, Nigeria, Oct. 5 -- A sweeping twenty-year plan to train thousands of doctors, engineers and other specialists is under consideration by the Government of newly independent-Nigeria. With a vast majority of its almost 40,000,000 inhabitants still illiterate, the nation has been urged to undertake an "investment in education."













16th Nov 1960 - from youtube
[size=18pt]Nnamdi Azikiwe assumes office of Governor General of Nigeria, calls for nation building[/size]

[flash=800,800]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b75L8z1xxdI?version=3[/flash]

12th oct 1960  - ITN News (video clip)
[size=18pt]New Nigeria (video clip)[/size]

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//BHC_ITN/1960/10/12/X12106001/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date


Nigerian Prime Minister

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBiOfJzaFp4&list=PLRzmuN0KKXK9k3JcrzUfXjTPBxXKWYqZl&index=42

AWOLOWO TRIAL -for treason
13 Nov 1962

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1962/11/13/FS131162001/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date

CHIEF ENAHORO ON TRIAL FOR TREASON (18 May 1963)

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1963/05/18/FS180563002/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date



June 1963


http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1963/06/25/FS250663003/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date








[size=18pt]8th September 1963  - ITN News
CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO,  DEPUTY-LEADER OF NIGERIA'S PARLIAMENTARY OPPOSITION IMPRISONED FOR TREASON [/size]

CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO, 40-YEAR-OLD DEPUTY-LEADER OF NIGERIA'S PARLIAMENTARY OPPOSITION, WAS SENTENCED IN LAGOS YESTERDAY (SATURDAY) TO 15 YEARS' IMPRISONMENT FOR PLOTTING TO OVERTHROW THE GOVERNMENT BY FORCE.HIS LAWYERS STATED THEY'LL APPEAL AGAINST THE VERDICT.

CHIEF ENAHORO APPEARED UNMOVED WHEN THE JUDGE FOUND HIM GUILTY.FIFTEEN FEET AWAY HIS WIFE HELEN WIPED A TEAR FROM HER EYE.OUTSIDE IN THE COURTYARD HER SMALL DAUGHTER PLAYED WITH RELATIVES.THEIR TWO SONS, AGED 7 AND 8, ARE IN ENGLAND ATTENDING SCHOOL.

CHIEF ENAHORO'S TRIAL BEGAN IN LAGOS ON JUNE 24 AND ENDED ON AUGUST 1.AFTER TWO-AND-A-HALF HOUR JUDGMENT YESTERDAY HANDED DOWN BY MRS.SIGISMUND LAMBO HE WAS FOUND GUILTY ON THREE COUNTS: TREASONABLE FELONY, CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FELONY AND CONTRAVENING THE FIREARMS ACT.

AMONG THE PROSECUTION'S EVIDENCE WAS THE CLAIM THAT THE CHIEF HAD BEEN ASSIGNED TO SELECT 200 ACTIONS GROUP YOUTHS FOR MILITARY TRAINING OUTSIDE NIGERIA FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF OVERTHROWING THE GOVERNMENT.

STRICT SECURITY MEASURES WERE IN FORCE FOR YESTERDAY'S COURT JUDGEMENT.OUTSIDE THE COURT MORE THAN 200 STEEL-HELMETED RIOT POLICE, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC RIFLES AND TEAR GAS PISTOLS, CORDONED OFF THE STREETS AND DROVE BACK THE CURIOUS,

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SENTENCE THE CONVICTED CHIEF WAS WHISKED BACK TO KIRIKIRI JAIL UNDER A STRONG MOTORISED ESCORT.

(CHIEF ENAHORO WAS DEPORTED FROM BRITAIN LAST MAY TO FACE TRIAL AFTER A FIVE-MONTH LEGAL BATTLE IN BRITISH COURTS AND PARLIAMENT TO PREVENT HIS EXTRADITION.HE WAS ARRESTED IN LONDON WHILE ON A VISIT TO HIS TWO SONS.THE LABOUR AND LIBERAL PARTIES OPPOSED THE DEPORTATION ORDER WHILE THE RULING PARTY, THE CONSERVATIVES, WERE DIVIDED ON THE ISSUE.EARLY REACTION IN BRITAIN TO THE SENTENCE HAS BEEN CRITICAL.MOST HAVE CONSIDERED IT "EXCESSIVE".






 
[size=18pt]12 September 1963 - ITN News
CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO JAILED FOR TEN YEARS[/size]

NIGERIA'S ACTION GROUP LEADER AND FORMER PREMIER OF THE WESTERN REGION, CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO, HAS BEEN JAILED FOR TEN YEARS.A LAGOS COURT YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) FOUND HIM GUILTY OF PLOTTING TO OVERTHROW THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

SEVENTEEN OTHERS GOT PRISON SENTENCES RANGING FROM TWO TO SEVEN YEARS.THREE OTHERS WERE ACQUITTED.ALL HAD PLEADED NOT GUILTY.

CHIEF AWOLOWO'S DEPUTY, CHIEF ENAHORO, WHO WAS DEPORTED FROM BRITAIN TO FACE TRIAL, WAS SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS ON SATURDAY WHEN CONVICTED OF SIMILAR TREASON CHARGES.

CHIEF AWOLOWO, SPEAKING FROM THE DOCK BEFORE SENTENCE WAS PASSED, COMMENTED: "IT IS AN IRONY OF HISTORY THAT AS ONE OF THE ARCHITECTS OF NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE I HAVE SPENT ALMOST HALF OF NIGERIA'S THREE-YEAR INDEPENDENCE IN CONFINEMENT."
THE CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST HIM WERE TREASONABLE FELONY, CONSPIRACY AND FIREARMS' POSSESSION.

LAST NIGHT POLICE USED TEAR GAS AND TRUNCHEONS TO BREAK UP GROUPS OF THE CHIEF'S SUPPORTERS.NEAR THE MAIN PRISON TEAR GAS WAS ALSO USED TO DISPERSE CROWDS.SOME ARRESTS WERE MADE.THE TRIAL WAS CLIMAXED BY THE MOUNTING OF ONE OF THE BIGGEST SECURITY OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA'S HISTORY.



Below Lagos 1963

1st October 1963
[size=18pt]Nnamdi Azikiwe is sworn in as first President after Nigeria becomes a republic[/size]

[flash=850,850]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPgbteWcBCY?version=3[/flash]


NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS   1st Oct 1963

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1963/10/01/FS011063007/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date

[size=18pt]04 August 1964 -ITN News
Abubakar Balewa Stadium built to olympic-standards, opens in Kaduna [/size]

A NEW SPORTS STADIUM, BUILT TO OLYMPIC STANDARDS, WAS OPENED DURING THE WEEKEND BY THE PRIME MINISTER, ALHAJI SIR AHMADU BELLO, AT KADUNA, IN NORTHERN NIGERIA.

THE STADIUM, WHICH BEARS THE NAME OF THE PRIME MINISTER, HAS ROOM FOR MORE THAN 30,000 SPECTATORS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO CAN BE SEATED ON THE ULTRA-MODERN GRANDSTAND. BUILDING OPERATIONS BEGAN JUST UNDER TWO YEARS AGO, AND COST GBP800,000.

TO MARK THE OPENING DAY ON SUNDAY, A NORTHERN NIGERIAN FOOTBALL TEAM PLAYED A VISITING TEAM FROM QUEEN'S PARK, GLASGOW, IN SCOTLAND. THE VISITING TEAM WON, 3-0.

PRESENTATION OF THE CUP TO THE WINNERS, AND SOUVENIRS TO ALL THE PLAYERS, WAS MADE BY SIR KASHIM IBRAHIM, GOVERNOR OF NORTHERN NIGERIA.

THE STADIUM IS FULLY EQUIPPED BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS WITH A REGULATION ATHLETICS TRACK, AND PRESS AND TELEVISION GALLERIES. LATER IT IS PLANNED TO ADD A SWIMMING POOL AND GYMNASIUMS..











[size=18pt]1st January 1965 - ITN NEWS
PRESIDENT AZIKIWE CRITICISES CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS AND IMPLIES RESULTS MAY BE INVALID[/size]

LATEST RETURNS IN NIGERIA'S CONTROVERSIAL AND SOMETIMES VIOLENT ELECTION TODAY (FRIDAY) GAVE THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL ALLIANCE A MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES -- 173 SEATS OUT OF 312. BUT THERE IS STILL POLITICAL DEADLOCK BETWEEN THE NNA AND THE OTHER MAIN PARTY, THE SOUTHERN UNITED PROGRESSIVE GRAND ALLIANCE.

A PLANNED BROADCAST TO THE NATION BY DR. AZIKIWE WAS SUDDENLY CALLED OFF TONIGHT, LESS THAN AN HOUR BEFORE IT WAS DUE TO GO ON THE AIR. IN THE SPEECH, ALREADY RELEASED TO THE PRESS, THE PRESIDENT WAS CALLING FOR NEW ELECTIONS, SAYING HE WOULD RATHER RESIGN THAN CREATE A GOVERNMENT BASED ON THE RESULTS OF WEDNESDAY'S POLLS.

ONE PASSAGE IN THE TEXT READ: "I SHOULD BE FALLING IN MY DUTY AS PRESIDENT OF THIS GREAT NATION IF I WERE TO ACT LITERALLY ON THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION. MY HONEST OPINION IS THAT IT WOULD REOPEN OLD WOUNDS, EXACERBATE FEELINGS, PROLONG BITTERNESS, AND HASTEN THE EXIT OF UNITY AND DEMOCRACY FROM OUR BELOVED NATION."
AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT SAID THE SPEECH WAS CANCELLED BECAUSE ATTEMPTS ARE BEING MADE TO BRING ABOUT A COMPROMISE BETWEEN THE VIEWS OF PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER.




[size=18pt]23 January 1965 - ITN News
O.A.U. SCIENTIFIC COMMISSION'S SECOND SESSION.[/size]

LAGOS -- AND THE OPENING ON THURSDAY OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE O.A.U. SCIENTIFIC, TECHNICAL AND RESEARCH COMMISSION IN THE NATIONAL HALL. THE MEETING ENDS ON MONDAY.

ORIGINALLY THE NIGERIAN PREMIER, SIR ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA WAS SCHEDULED TO OPEN THE MEETING, BUT AT THE LAST MINUTE COULD NOT MAKE IT DUE TO PRESSURE OF URGENT STATE BUSINESS. HIS ADDRESS WAS READ BY MR WAZIRI IBRAHIM.

THE MEETING HAS BEEN DISCUSSING THE PROGRESS OF INTEGRATION OF THE TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR AFRICA (C.T.A.) INTO THE O.A.U. BEFORE IT IS A REPORT BY THE O.A.U.'S SECRETARY GENERAL, ON THE PROBLEMS OF INTEGRATION, PREPARED ON INSTRUCTION FROM O.A.U. HEADS OF STATE WHEN THEY MET IN CAIRO LAST JULY. THE DELEGATIONS ARE ALSO DISCUSSING PROGRESS MADE TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COUNCILS IN THE VARIOUS MEMBER COUNTRIES.










[size=18pt]11 June 1965 - ITN News
EMERGENCY AFRICAN UNITY CONFERENCE IN LAGOS: ACCUSATIONS OF SUBVERSION LEVELLED AGAINST GHANA[/size]

IN THE NIGERIAN CAPITAL, LAGOS, YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AN EMERGENCY CONFERENCE OF AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS GOT UNDER WAY TO DISCUSS ALLEGATIONS MADE AGAINST GHANA. GHANA WAS ACCUSED OF CONDUCTING TRAINING CAMPS AIMED AT UNDERMINING THE GOVERNMENTS OF OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES. THE ACCUSATIONS WERE MADE BY DELEGATES FROM THE IVORY COAST, NIGER AND UPPER VOLTA.

THE IVORY COAST, NIGER AND UPPER VOLTA PRODUCES DOCUMENTS AT THE CONFERENCE PURPORTING TO PROVE THAT THERE WERE MILITARY TRAINING CAMPS IN THE ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA WHERE MEN WERE TRAINED FOR REBELLION.

THESE ALLEGATIONS LED TO THE CONVENING OF THE LAGOS CONFERENCE, WITH A VIEW TO DECIDING WHETHER THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (O.A.U.) CONFERENCE, DUE TO OPEN IN ACCRA IN SEPTEMBER, SHOULD BE HELD THERE OR AT ANOTHER CENTRE.

SOME AFRICAN MINISTERS HAVE CRITICISED OTHER POLITICAL TRENDS IN GHANA, PARTICULARLY THE ROLE OF THE KWAME NKRUMAH IDEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE AT WENNEBA, NEAR ACCRA.

ANSWERING THE ACCUSATIONS, THE GHANA FOREIGN MINISTER, MR. KOJO BOTSIO SAID THAT IF AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO CHANGE THE VENUE OF THE SEPTEMBER C.A.U. CONFERENCE, THE ORGANISATION WOULD BREAK UP.

HE DISMISSED ALLEGATIONS OF THE EXISTENCE OF "SUBVERSIVE TRAINING CAMPS" AS "FABRICATION," AND SAID THAT SOME OF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED AGAINST GHANA WERE 'OBVIOUS FORGERIES'.

THE CONFERENCE LATE APPOINTED A FIVE-NATION COMMITTEE (NIGERIA, TUNISIA, GAMBIA, ETHIOPIA AND MALI) TO EXAMINE THE ALLEGATIONS AND GHANA'S REPLY.









[size=18pt]26 August 1965 - ITN NEWS
WOMEN MARCH ON PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE; PROTEST AGAINST RECENT IMPORT TARIFF INCREASES.[/size]

SEVERAL HUNDRED DEMONSTRATORS, MAINLY WOMEN, MARCHED ON THE RESIDENCE OF THE NIGERIAN PRIME MINISTER, SIR ABUBAKER TAFAWA BALEWA, YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) TO PROTEST AGAINST RECENT TARIFF [[size[img][/img]=8pt][/size][/size]size=8pt]INCREASES IN THE COUNTRY.

THE INCREASES, AFFECTING GOODS SUCH AS CARS, CAMERAS, TYRES AND SOME TEXTILES, WERE ANNOUNCED ON AUGUST 18.

THE DEMONSTRATION WAS HELD TO SUPPORT LOCAL TRADERS WHO HAVE ALSO PROTESTED AGAINST THE NEW IMPORT TARIFFS.

DEMONSTRATORS CARRIED PLACARDS CRITICISING THE IMPORT DUTIES AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT MINISTERS, AND SOME MINISTERIAL SALARIES.

THE DEMONSTRATORS HAD A THIRTY-MINUTE MEETING WITH SIR ABUBAKAR.

DURING THE DEMONSTRATION RIOT POLICE KEPT WATCH, BUT THE ONLY INCIDENT-THE BREAKING OF WINDOWS OF A SHOE FACTORY OWNED BY A FOREIGN COMPANY. SOME SHOPKEEPERS HAD TAKEN THE PRECAUTION OF BARRICADING THEIR PREMISES BEFORE THE DEMONSTRATION.

(THE TARIFF INCREASES RANGED FROM FIVE PER CENT ON SOME TEXTILES TO 150% ON LARGE MOTOR CARS).









[size=18pt]14TH OCTOBER 1965 - ITN NEWS
LAGOS POST-ELECTIONS RIOTS  [/size]

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1965/10/14/FS141065009/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date

[size=18pt]15th October 1965 - ITN News
NIGERIAN STUDENTS IN LONDON DEMONSTRATE OVER WESTERN NIGERIAN ELECTIONS[/size]

NIGERIAN STUDENTS DEMONSTRATED IN LONDON TODAY (FRIDAY) IN PROTEST AGAINST THE ELECTIONS HELD IN WEST NIGERIA EARLIER THIS WEEK. THE DEMONSTRATORS ALLEGED THAT THE UNITED PROGRESSIVE GRAND ALLIANCE (UPGA) HAD WON 68 SEATS IN THE HOUSE OF 94, BUT THE GOVERNOR OF THE REGION, SIR ODELEYE FADAHUNSI, HAD CALLED ON THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NNDP) TO FORM A GOVERNMENT.

THE DEMONSTRATORS ISSUED A LEAFLET WHICH ALLEGED THAT "UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNDEMOCRATIC DEVICES WERE EMPLOYED TO DEPRIVE THE VOTERS OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS" AND TO SEE THAT NNDP MEMBERS WERE RETURNED TO POWER.

ACCORDING TO FIGURES GIVEN BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION IN NIGERIA TODAY, THE NNDP HAS WON 63 SEATS AND THE UPGA HAS WON 11. 20 SEATS HAVE NOT YET BEEN DECLARED FILLED.

(AND MORE RIOTING BROKE OUT IN WESTERN NIGERIA TODAY (FRIDAY), FOLLOWING THE DISPUTED REGIONAL ELECTION. IN ONE INCIDENT POLICE ARRESTED SOME 200 WOMEN DEMONSTRATORS, AND IN ANOTHER RIOT POLICE MOVED IN TO BREAK UP A CROWD TRYING TO MOB AN ELECTORAL OFFICER. TEAR-GAS HAS BEEN USED IN THE STREETS AND SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE REPORTED KILLED AND INJURED IN THE WEEK'S RIOTS.)
















[size=18pt]11th November 1965  - ITN News
WOLE SOYINKA CHARGED IN IBADAN COURT OF THREATENING RADIO STAFF AT GUNPOINT  [/size]

AT IBADAN IN WESTERN NIGERIA, THE NIGERIAN PLAYWRIGHT AND UNIVERSITY LECTURER, WOLE SOYINKA WAS ACCUSED IN COURT YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) OF BEING THE GUNMAN WHO LAST MONTH SUBSTITUTED AN ANTI-GOVERNMENT BROADCAST FOR ONE BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF WESTERN NIGERIA, CHIEF SAMUEL AKINTOLA.

SOYINKA IS CHARGE WITH STEALING TWO TAPES, THE PROPERTY OF THE NIGERIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION, AND THREATENING VIOLENCE. THE PROSECUTION ALLEGED THAT SOYINKA GOT INTO THE OFFICE OF RADIO NIGERIA, HELD UP THE STAFF ON DUTY AT GUNPOINT, AND REMOVED THE TWO TAPES CONTAINING THE PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH. IT WAS ABOUT TO BE RELAYED, BUT HE SUBSTITUTED ANOTHER.

EARLIER THE HEARING WAS ADJOURNED BRIEFLY TO ENABLE THE DEFENCE TO GET FULLER EVIDENCE. THIS FOLLOWED A COMPLAINT BY LEADING DEFENCE COUNSEL, MR MICHAEL A ODESANYA, THAT THE PROSECUTION HAD REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH THE COURT'S RULING LAST WEEK THAT THE DEFENCE SHOULD BE SUPPLIED WITH PROOF OF EVIDENCE BEFORE THE HEARING BEGAN.

(SOYINKA WAS IN LONDON FOR THE RECENT COMMONWEALTH ARTS FESTIVAL AT WHICH HIS PLAY, "THE ROAD," WAS PRESENTED.)
[img]http://2.bp..com/-4S7eM47t8AY/UCkNILAhD8I/AAAAAAAAPNE/ZPajS2geIE8/s1600/400387_403216526406795_2083369232_n.jpg[/img]










[size=18pt]15 December 1965 - ITN News
NIGERIAN P.M. Abubakar Tafewa Balewa returns home after UK state visit     (video clip)[/size]

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1965/12/15/FS151265016/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date

[size=22pt]18th January 1966 - ITN News (video clip)
General Ironsi takes over power  in a military coup and holds press conference  [/size]

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1966/01/18/FS180166003/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date


http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//BHC_ITN/1966/01/19/X19016603/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date


http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1966/01/23/FS230166001/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date







[size=18pt]24th January 1966 - Associated Press
Nigeria's Military Ruler General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi poses for photo with his four military governors[/size]
[img]https://www.nairaland.com/avatars/462420[/img]

Major-General J.T.U.Aguiyi-Ironsi, centre, leader of Nigeria's new federal military government and Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, poses with four of his military governors, in Lagos, Nigeria, Jan. 24, 1966. From left to right; Major Hassan Usman Katsina, Lieutenant Colonel F.A. Fajudi, Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi,Lietenant Colonel C. Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Lieutenant Colonel D.A. Ejoor. (AP Photo)






[size=18pt]1st June 1966 - ITN News
GENERAL AGUIYI- IRONSI SENDS POLICE REINFORCEMENTS TO KANO TO QUENCH RIOTS IN WHICH 80 PEOPLE DIED[/size]

NORTHERN NIGERIA IS REPORTED TO BE QUIET, BUT TENSE, WITH POLICE UNITS PATROLLING KANO FOLLOWING RIOTS LAST WEEKEND (28/29 MAY) IN WHICH MORE THAN EIGHTY PEOPLE WERE KILLED, AND SEVERAL HUNDRED INJURED.

THE RIOTING IN KANO, ONE OF AFRICA'S LARGEST MOSLEM CITIES BORDERING ON THE SAHARA DESERT, BEGAN WHEN NORTHERNERS DEMONSTRATED AGAINST PLANS BY THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT OF MAJOR GENERAL JOHNSON AGUIYI-IRONSI, TO WELD THE COUNTRY'S FOUR FEDERAL REGIONS INTO ONE STATE.

THE NORTHERN NIGERIANS FEAR THAT THE MORE SOPHISTICATED AND EDUCATIONALLY MORE ADVANCED IBOS, FROM EASTERN NIGERIA, WILL RIVAL THEM FOR JOBS IF THE PROVINCES ARE UNIFIED.

POLICE REINFORCEMENTS FROM LAGOS AND OTHER SOUTHERN CITIES WERE RUSHED TO THE AREA. DURING THE RIOTS BUILDINGS AND VEHICLES WERE BURNT, AND SEVERAL EUROPEANS IN CARS WERE STONED.

[size=18pt]Interview with Azikwe 1966[/size]
[flash=800,600]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrNGHehpGhU?version=3"[/flash]








[size=18pt]26TH JUNE 1966 - ITN NEWS
MILITARY RULER MAJOR-GENERAL AGUIYI-IRONSI VISITS TROOPS IN LAGOS AND REVEALS PLAN TO COMBAT CORRUPTION AND TRIBALISM[/size]

THE HEAD OF NIGERIA'S MILITARY REGIME, MAJOR-GENERAL J.T. AGUIYI-IRONSI, SAYS MILITARY COURTS ARE TO BE SET UP IN THE COUNTRY'S FOUR PROVINCIAL CAPITALS TO DEAL WITH NEPOTISM AND OTHER EXAMPLES OF CORRUPTION. HE WAS SPEAKING DURING AN INSPECTION TOUR ON FRIDAY OF THREE LAGOS UNITS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

GENERAL IRONSI TOLD THE SOLDIERS THAT THE AIM OF THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT WAS UNITY IN NIGERIA. HE REITERATED HIS REGIME'S POLICY OF RECONSTRUCTING A NEW NATION, ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AND FREE FROM HATRED AND CORRUPTION.

AS PART OF IMPROVING UNITY, THE REGIME PLANNED TO ESTABLISH BOARDING PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHERE CHILDREN FROM DIFFERENT AREAS WOULD IMBIBE THE IDEA OF BELONGING TO ONE COUNTRY. GENERAL IRONSI SAID HE BELIEVED IN NIGERIAN PARTICIPATING FULLY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA.

GENERAL IRONSI SAID: "A TRUE NIGERIAN OF TODAY OS INCORRUPTIBLE, KNOWS NO TRIBALISM, PROUD OF THINGS NIGERIAN, AND MAKES USE OF THINGS MADE IN NIGERIA. OUR PLANS ARE FREE FROM SENTIMENT AND EMOTION".












[size=18pt]17 July 1966 - ITN News
MILITARY RULER GENERAL IRONSI SIGNS AGREEMENT TO LINK NIGERIA WITH EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY[/size]

THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED YESTERDAY (SATURDAY) FORMALLY ESTABLISHING NIGERIA AS AN ASSOCIATE OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.

NIGERIA BECOMES THE 19TH AND BIGGEST AFRICAN COUNTRY AND THE FIRST ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMONWEALTH COUNTRY TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.

NEGOTIATIONS BEGAN THREE YEARS AGO SOON AFTER THE SIGNING OF A SIMILAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EEC AND THE 18 AFRICAN AND MALAGASY COUNTRIES. THE AGREEMENT MEANS NIGERIA'S EXPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY WILL BE DUTY-FREE, WITH QUOTAS FIXED FOR THE MAIN ONES -- GROUND-NUT OIL, PALM-OIL AND PLYWOOD. IN RETURN NIGERIA WILL GRANT TARIFF PREFERENCES ON 26 MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS OF THE COMMON MARKET.

AT THE SIGNING CEREMONY BRIGADIER B.A. OGUNDIPE, NIGERIA'S CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES, SAID THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE SIX EEC COUNTRIES IN ESTABLISHING THE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN A LESSON AND AN EXAMPLE WHICH DEMONSTRATED THE IRRELEVANCE OF POLITICAL BOUNDARIES. HE SAID THE CONVENTION NOW BEING SIGNED SIMILARLY PROVIDED FOR THE PROMOTION OF INTER--AFRICAN  CO-OPERATION.

DOCTOR JOSEPH LUNS, THE DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTER AND PRESIDENT OF THE EEC MINISTERIAL COUNCIL SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY. HE SAID THE TALKS LEADING TO THE AGREEMENT HAD "BRISTLED WITH DIFFICULTIES." THE FACT THAT THEY WERE OVERCOME WAS PROOF THAT FORMULAE COULD BE FOUND FOR RECONCILING THE INTERESTS OF AFRICAN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES WITH THOSE OF COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE MAINTAINED ASSOCIATION RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY.










[size=18pt]31st July 1966 - ITN News (video clip)
British hand in Gowon's coup?: VC10 episode[/size]

Airways VC 10 lands at LAP after its pilot, Capt Alan Kerr, agreed with rebels to fly their wives and children from Lagos to Kano.

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1966/07/31/FS310766004/?s=nigeria&st=2&pn=43&sortBy=date











[size=18pt]3rd August 1966  -  ITN News (video clip)
Lt. Col. Gowon overthows General Ironsi and assumes power releases Awolowo and Enahoro[/size]
http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1966/08/03/FS030866011/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date





5th August 1966  - ITN News
[size=18pt]Gowon's 1st news conference(video clip)[/size]
http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1966/08/05/FS050866006/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date





[size=18pt]US diplomatic telegram from its High Commission:[/size]

385. Memorandum From Edward Hamilton of the National Security Council Staff to the President's Special Assistant (Rostow)/1/ Washington, May 25, 1967.

/1/Source: Johnson Library, National Security File, Country File, Nigeria, Vol. I, Memos & Miscellaneous, 6/64-8/67. Secret.
WWR:

SUBJECT
Nigeria
I suspect that events are about to take a nasty turn in Nigeria. I won't bore you with a blow-by-blow, but, on the whole, I think we have played our own hand well. (We simply don't hold many high cards.)
Nevertheless, the fact is that the dissolution of Nigeria is imminent--barring miracles. The primary operational questions we now face are:

--Can we salvage the most useful tokens of unity--a common currency, a single representative at the UN, etc? (A common army is clearly out of the question.)

--Can we avoid civil war?

--Can we provide reasonable assurance of the safety of the 7,000 Americans in Nigeria, and/or evacuate them efficiently if necessary?

Let me preface my answers with a brief analysis of the present situation.

Where we are

There are four major political actors on the Nigerian scene: (1) Colonel Gowon, chief of the central government; (2) Colonel Ojukwu, military governor of
the East; (3) Chief Awolowo, leader of the Yoruba tribe which controls the West; and (4) General Katsina, military governor of the North. As you know,
the main lines of conflict are between the North and the East. The North is large, populous, and backward; the East is smaller, relatively rich (oil, etc.),
relatively well-educated, and dominated by the Ibo tribe which has a long-standing feud with the northern Hausas. The North wants a strong northern-controlled central government; the East favors the loosest possible confederation of autonomous regions.

After a long, dreary slide, the parties are now at the following positions:

1. Ojukwu has laid all the groundwork for secession, right down to the name of the new country ("Biafra". He probably could not stop the train now if he wanted to. Our intelligence indicates that he may be planning either to declare independence within the next few days or to propose tomorrow that the regions form a "confederation" which would leave each with "an international personality." The federal government would be reduced to a secretariat to nurture economic relations between almost totally separate states.
Ojukwu has fomented so much independence fever that he probably couldn't accept a tighter federal arrangement at this point without threatening his political future.

2. Awolowo has paved the way for secession of the West if the East secedes. He would probably still prefer a federation--the West will have a difficult economic time of it alone. But he thinks the West would be better off on its own than in an unequal partnership with the North. He has persuaded the western Military Governor to demand that Gowon remove all northern troops now stationed in the West. Gowon has agreed to do so by the end of May. It remains to be seen whether he has enough control to carry it off. If he doesn't, there may soon be fighting in the West.

3. The North is run by a loose collection of Moslem emirs, under the rather precarious control of Katsina. (It is never quite clear who controls whom.) We have solid intelligence that the northern segments of the army are preparing to fight the East if Ojukwu secedes.
Katsina's role in this is uncertain. He may not be able to keep the army quiet in the face of secession even if he wants to, and there will certainly be strong forces at work to dissuade him from wanting to. Aside from tribal hatred, the most powerful northern fear is that dissolution of the federation would cost them their route to the sea. (They are already at work on arrangements for trade routes through Dahomey.)

4. Gowon remains the most reconstructed leader of northern origin, but he is rapidly fading as a major
influence. The history of his problems is not entirely to his discredit. But, as things now stand, Ojukwu
refuses to have anything to do with him; the northerners are extremely unhappy with his "softness"
toward the East; he is distrusted in the West; and he has largely shot his bolt in bargaining terms. He may have sealed his own fate last week with an abortive proposal that British troops guarantee the security of a meeting of the regional Military Governors; Ojukwu dismissed the suggestion out of hand and made it clear that the British are finished as mediators as far as the East is concerned. Gowon made a last-ditch effort to save the day over the weekend by rescinding the economic sanctions against the East, but it now seems that Ojukwu will not reciprocate, and that the only effect of Gowon's announcement was to multiply his problems in the North.

In summary, the probabilities now argue for:
(1) an Ojukwu ultimatum calling for a very loose confederation on pain of immediate secession;

(2) a wishy-washy answer from Gowon which will not satisfy anybody;


(3) a public statement by Awolowo favoring Ojukwu's proposal, but promising that the West will secede if Gowon drags his feet;

(4) serious pressure in the North, probably reflected in the army, for military action against the East--perhaps resulting in violence.

Options

My own considered judgment is that no foreign power can assert anything like decisive influence on the Nigerian situation without commitment of major resources--troops and money. On balance, I don't think it is worth such a commitment on our part.
Three outside influences are relevant to the Nigerian problem: other African states, particularly Ghana; the British; and the U.S. (All Nigerian factions are opposed to taking this matter up in the U.N. Unless and until there is widespread violence, most Afro-Asians will probably agree.)
The Ghanaians have been heavily involved in mediation. General Ankrah has been to see all of the Nigerian leaders several times, and Ghana was the site of the last meeting of Military Governors. Ankrah is not persona non grata with them now; he simply has run out of things to sell—and Ojukwu has built up secession pressure to the point where there is no more time to develop new solutions.

Unfortunately, mediation by other African leaders has become a cause celebre, with Ojukwu pushing for a conciliation panel of Nasser, Haile Selassie, etc., and Gowon opposing any non-Nigerian influence. Both sides have made clear that they want nothing to do with the OAU, although Diallo Telli has visited Nigeria several times of late.
The British, always viewed with some suspicion, seem now to have ruined themselves entirely by their tacit support of Gowon's proposed meeting guaranteed by British arms. Both sides have also rejected the idea of a Commonwealth peace mission.
Our own situation is by far the best of the three. We have been very strong for unity, but have generally
managed to keep from being tarred by either side with favoritism for the other--although we are suspected by both. We also have $15 million per year in technical assistance to use as leverage. The truth is, however, that unless we are prepared to risk another Katanga, we don't have the bilateral tools to affect the outcome. We can marginally influence the method of change--particularly, I hope, limit violence--but the unity question is beyond us. Our real choice is whether to go all out now with some sort of grandstand diplomatic play, or to keep our powder dry so as to have the best possible start with the successor states.

Our best diplomatic play would probably be a Presidential emissary to all the regional capitals--with or without fanfare--carrying a personal Presidential request for a new try at preserving unity. For my own part, I would vote against this, and I am confident Secretary Rusk and Joe Palmer would agree. My principal objection is that it wouldn't work. We are simply beyond the stage at which anybody with a solely diplomatic mandate could get any of the sides to about-face. We might gain a month; there might even be a new meeting of the Military Governors.
But the cost would be much greater U.S. involvement; correspondingly greater subsequent pressure for U.S. intervention when the talks broke down and/or degenerated into violence; and, almost certainly, some feeling in the East that the United States had chosen sides against her.
Thus, painful as it is, my advice is that we sweat it out and prepare to deal with whatever configuration of autonomous states emerges. In the meantime, of course, we should continue to press for whatever tokens of unity are possible. I think there is considerable hope that we can preserve a common currency and common public utilities. But we should take no action which would indelibly identify us with any of the factions.

Violence and Evacuation
We have an elaborate joint evacuation plan with the British. I think it is adequate. We have also worked out detailed contingency plans for all the specific problems which would arise from any of the likely degenerative processes. Of course, any action to evacuate will increase instability and probably
enlarge the chances of violence. Thus, the critical question will be when to begin. This should be a
Presidential decision.
You should know that the evacuation plan does call for the use of one rifle company to guard the C-130s while they land, load, and take off. The British will make a similar commitment. This is the minimum military involvement (about 200 U.S. soldiers) we will be able to get away with if evacuation is necessary.
I know this is a bleak picture. I paint it in this detail to demonstrate that the fact that we are not pushing for some Presidential action now reflects neither disinterest nor optimism. It flows from the fundamental fact that we are marginal to the deepest problems in Nigeria, and that it would take an
enormous--and unwarranted--investment to become an important influence.
You may want to give the President a precis of this situation if opportunity should arise.

(You might also remind him that African politics have a way of charging headlong to the very edge of the cliff and then unaccountably drawing back. With luck, we may be treated to another such experience.)

[size=18pt]Ojukwu gets ready to declare an independant state - Biafra 1967 (French news) [/size] http://www.ina.fr/video/CAF86014701/guerre-de-secession-au-nigeria.fr.html


[size=18pt]Civil War Begins   July 1967[/size]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2794344513648462366#

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1967/07/22/FS220767001/?s=nigeria+&st=0&pn=34&sortBy=date


[size=18pt]African Heads of State meet in Kinsasha , Zaire, to try and end Nigerian civil war 1967[/size]
http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=72124





[size=18pt]31 January 1968 - ITN NEWS
BIAFRA: COLONEL OJUKWU SPEAKS ABOUT AIMS OF SECESSIONIST REGION.[/size]

COLONEL OJUKWU, THE LEADER OF THE SECESSIONIST EASTERN REGION OF NIGERIA NOW CALLING ITSELF THE REPUBLIC OF BIAFRA, CALLED A MEETING OF THE BIAFRAN CONSULTATIVE ASSEMBLY AND COUNCIL OF CHIEFS IN OWERRI ON SATURDAY TO ANNOUNCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW BIAFRAN CURRENCY. THE NEXT DAY, SUNDAY, COLONEL OJUKWU TOLD NEWSMEN AT UMUAHIA THAT HE BELIEVED THE ONLY ANSWER TO THE CONFLICT WITH FEDERAL FORCES LAY IN NEGOTIATIONS, BUT THAT BIAFRAN WERE PREPARED TO CONTINUE THE WAR IF THE FEDERAL SIDE INSISTED ON SETTLING THE ISSUE BY FORCE.

AT OVERRI, ABOUT 130 MILES (209 KMS) SOUTH OF ENUGU, COLONEL OJUKWU WAS CHEERED BY BIAFRAN LEADERS WHEN HE TOLD THEM OF THE NEW BIAFRAN CURRENCY. THIS FOLLOWS THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT'S INTRODUCTION OF NEW CURRENCY NOTES IN AN EFFORT TO RENDER WORTHLESS BIAFRAN HOLDINGS OF THE OLD FEDERAL CURRENCY. COLONEL OJUKWU DESCRIBED THE NIGERIAN ACTIONS AS ONE WHICH HAD FINALLY PUSHED THE EASTERN REGION OUT OF THE NIGERIAN FEDERATION.

ADDRESSING NEWSMEN FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD THE NEXT DAY IN UMUAHIA, COLONEL OJUKWU SAID,
(VISITING NEWSMEN WERE TOLD BY A BIAFRAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN IN PORT HARBOUR THAT BIAFRA HAD ENOUGH FOREIGN RESERVES TO KEEP GOING "FOR A LONG TIME". HE SAID THE MAIN BIAFRAN IMPORTS SINCE THE CONFLICT WITH FEDERAL FORCES BEGAN LAST SUMMER HAD BEEN WAR MATERIALS.)









2nd Feb 1968

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1968/02/02/FS020268081/?s=nigeria&st=0&pn=35&sortBy=date

[flash=800,600]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSqhqP3U-t4?version=3[/flash]
[flash=900,700]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqCP3DXwFzU?version=3[/flash]

[size=18pt]14th January 1970 - ITN News
General Gowon is interviewed hours after learning of Biafra's surrender (video)[/size]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GO33Vw8NXIE&feature=youtu.be


[size=18pt]16th January 1970 - (video clip)
Igbo leader formally declares the end of the Republic of Biafra [/size]


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om2hO5KZV5c



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqPZP-NYV0U



7th Nov 1970
http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//ITN/1969/11/07/FS071169092/?s=nigeria&st=0&pn=33&sortBy=date

Owerri:
BIAFRA: Relief workers in Biafra are working under constant difficulties: one doctor, Anne Seymour, had to call military police to clear the starving away from her clinic: intvw Dr Seymour and Sister Beatrice, a nun: report(Hart): _

9th October 1970
[b]COLONEL ADEKUNLE - BLACK SCORPION OF NIGERIA - SAYS COLONEL OJUKWU WOULD BE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO NIGERIA[/b]Story
One of the officers most responsible for the Federal Nigerian Army's victory over the secessionist Biafra, or Eastern Nigeria, Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, said in London today (Friday) that the leader of the secessionist forces, Colonel Ojukwu would be allowed to return to Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview, Colonel Adekunle denied suggestions that the Nigerian government had brought pressure on the Ivory Coast to expel Colonel Ojukwu (The Ivory Coast has asked Ojukwu to leave, on the grounds that Ojukwu breached an undertaking of his asylum in the Ivory Coast by giving an interview).

Colonel Adekunle led a number of the most successful attacks against the secessionist forces, and was responsible for the capture of Port Harcourt. He gained the nickname 'Black Scorpion' because of his military exploits. He was interviewed during a visit to the British capital.

17 June 1971
[size=14pt]NIGERIA: VETERAN POLITICIAN CHIEF ABAFEMI AWOLOWO RESIGNS FOR HEALTH REASONS.[/size]Story
Nigeria's military administration received a jolt with the formal announcement of Chief Abafemi Awolowo's resignation as Federal Finance Commissioner and Vice-President. He has been a force in Nigeria's politics since its colonial days.

The news of his resignation was released on Wednesday night (16 June). This film is a reissue of VISNEWS production number 10174/66, filmed in Lagos in October 1966 when Chief Awolowo made His first public appearance since his release from prison earlier in that year.

Chief Awolowo was appointed a member of the ruling Federal Executive Council in 1966 after a three-year prison spell in a move that gave a fillip to Nigeria's military regime, then threatened by an Ibo revolt. And when the crisis erupted, Chief Awolowo was a stabilising force and was largely responsible for steering the country out of an imminent financial disaster.

The 62-year-old veteran politician will be relinquishing his job on July 1 for health reasons to return to legal practice. His resignation, formally accepted by Major-General Gowon, has been received in Lagos with many acknowledgements from leading Government officials. Major-General Gowon has praised his "outstanding performance during one of the most critical and turbulent periods" of Nigeria's history.

5th July 1972 -ITN News
[size=18pt]TWO OF NIGERIA'S NEW DECIMAL COINS GO INTO CIRCULATION.[/size]


At the Nigerian Central Bank in Lagos on Monday (3 July), Finance Commissioner Alhaji Shehu Shagari presided at a ceremony introducing two new decimal coins -- the five and then Kobo units. The two coins went into circulation six months ahead of the scheduled break with the present monetary system.

The five-Kobo has two cocoa pods and the 10-Kobo two palm trees on the obverse sides and Nigeria's coat of arms on the reverse. They are the first Nigerian coins which do not carry the head of a British monarch. Hundreds of people jammed banks on Monday in a rush to obtain the new coins.

Nigeria will change to a decimal currency system and metric weights and measures next January 1.

GENERAL GOWON TELLS VISITING SOVIET EDUCATION MINISTER HE IS WORKING TOWARDS FREE UNIVERSAL EDUCATION.
The Nigerian Leader, General Yakubu Gowon told the visiting Soviet Minister of Higher and Specialised Secondary Education, Mr. Vyacheslav Elutin on Monday (May 14) that the Nigerian Federal Government was working towards the attainment of free universal education.

The Soviet Minister was visiting General Gowon at Dodan Barracks. General Gowon said his intention was to ensure uniform and high standards of education throughout the country.

He said efforts were being made to move the country away from the inherited colonial system of education to a broader but more scientifically based system.

The Soviet Minister suggested that a Nigerian delegation visit the U.S.S.R. to see what Soviet education had achieved. Earlier in the Mr. Elutin told Nigeria's Federal Commissioner for Education, Chief A.Y. Eke, that the Soviet Union would consider increasing the number of scholarship awards to Nigerian students from 60 to 125 annually.

March 1972  - ITN news
[size=18pt]GOWON OPENS MULTI-MILLION NAIRA CAR ASSEMBLY PLANT.[/size]Story
Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, formally opened on 8.5-million-naira (GBP5.4 million-sterling) Peugeot car assembly plant in Kaduna, about 400 miles north of Lagos on Friday (14 March).

The plant was built by the Federal military Government, Peugeot Automobiles of France and Nigerian businessmen. It has a production capacity of 20,000 cars a year.

General Gowon drove the first locally-assemble Peugeot 404 saloon car out of the factory after the opening ceremony.

Earlier, the Head of State said the purpose of building the factory in Kaduna was part of his Government's policy to disperse industries in the country.

This, he added would spread the benefit of acquiring skills and technological expertise to workers in their natural surroundings. He want on to say that the policy was designed to prevent young people from gravitating to urban centres.


[size=18pt]6th June 1973 - ITN News
National Youth Service Introduced[/size]
More than 2,600 Nigerian students who graduated from the country's universities this year, on Monday (2 July), began one year of compulsory service, under the national youth service programme.

To launch the scheme in Lagos, the State Governor, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, addressed a meeting of the founding members of the Lagos Youth Service Corps.

Brigadier Johnson told the corps members that the introduction of the scheme "has stopped young graduates from parading the streets looking for jobs, "; and he warned that "the success or failure of this programme depends entirely on you".

He believed that the scheme would succeed, because the U.S. Peace Corps scheme had succeeded, and "I see no reason" said the Brigadier, "why our youths as Nigerians cannot do the same right here on our soil to help in rural areas."
The scheme was introduced by Nigeria's military ruler, General Gowon, earlier this year after students had gone on strike and rioted against the government. A statement at the time the scheme was introduced said that the aim "is to inculcate discipline in Nigerian youths by instilling in them a tradition of industry at work, and, of patriotic and loyal service to the nation in any situation they may find themselves".

During the call-up period the graduates are assigned to jobs in rural areas other than their states of origin. They are being paid living allowances of approximately 120 Naira (GBP 72 Sterling) per month.

SYNOPSIS: At the City Hall in Lagos on Monday the National Youth Service Programme for Lagos was launched. Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, Lagos State Governor, addressed a meeting of graduates.

The graduates are the founding members of the National Youth Corps. All Nigerian students are now required to undertake one year's rural service.

Brigadier Johnson told the meeting that the introduction of the scheme "has stopped young graduates from parading the streets looking for jobs" and he felt confident that the scheme would be a great success since American students in the Peace Corps had proved that useful work could be done in rural areas by skilled young people.

The scheme was introduced earlier this year by Nigeria's military ruler General Gowon, after students had gone on strike and rioted against the government. The scheme is intended to inculcate Nigerian students with the virtues of discipline, industry and patriotism.









[size=18pt]30th May 1975 -ITN News
NIGERIA: TREATY ESTABLISHING ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) SIGNED AFTER THREE-YEAR NEGOTIATIONS.[/size]

After more than three years of negotiations, 15 nations signed a treaty at an historic summit meeting in Lagos on Wednesday (28 May) formally establishing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The 65-clause economic charter will need final ratification by at least seven of the signatory countries before it legally comes into force, but this is expected to be finalised within a few weeks.

The member nations are: Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, The Upper Volta, Guinea, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Dahomey and Guinea-Bissau.

The birth of ECOWAS comes three years after the first joint initiative of President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo and Nigeria's Head-of-State, General Yakubu Gowon.

The treaty is expected to standardise tariffs and trade procedures among the member states.

An immediate benefit will be that all citizens of the West African sub-region will be able to move freely through the member countries without visas and will also be free to work and live without residence permits.



Picture below of Gowon at OAU summit Uganda July 1975

29th July 1975
[size=18pt]Gowon overthrown in bloodless coup, Muritala Mohammed assumes power[/size].

General Yakubu Gowon was ousted as Nigeria's Head of Government on Tuesday (28 July) while attending the Organisation of African Unity summit meeting in Kampala. News of the power take-over came from the Commander of General Gowon's elite Guards Brigade, Colonel Joseph Garba.

Lagos Airport was ringed by troops and a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been declared, but Colonel Garba claims the coup has been bloodless.
In a radio broadcast, Colonel Garba spoke of the action being taken "after what has happened during the past few months" but did not elaborate.

General Gowon received the news during a session of the OAU conference and immediately left for his hotel. He has been quoted as saying that although he suspected something could happen in Nigeria during his absence he could not believe it had actually happened.

The former leader then left Kampala for an unknown destination.

General Gowon came to power in 1966 and his regime was due to step down in 1976 to make way for civilian rule. But last October he announced that the time was not right for such a handover.His own rise to the top came with a bloody army mutiny and he held top office during two and a half years of bitter civil war. General Gowon finally brought peace to his shattered country of 55 million people in January 1970. He was only 35 at the time and one of Africa's youngest leaders.
He established a reputation as a top administrator in war and peace and led his country to victory over the declared state of Biafra.
General Gowon was a British-trained soldier and served with the United Nations peace-keeping force in the strife-torn Congo (now the Zaire Republic).
He neither drinks nor smokes and has already refused to live in Nigeria's sprawling State Palace. Instead, he chose to live in a two-story house in Dodan military barracks, in Lagos. He lived there with his wife, Victoria, whom he married in 1969, and his one-year-old son.

Tuesday, coup followed months of labour and student unrest in Africa's most populous nation. Students were inflamed by General Gowon's October speech,  going back on his promise of civilian rule and campus anger led to the closing of several universities last February.

Labour unions seeking higher wages brought a spate of strikes and industrial unrest to the country.

The Gowon administration was also troubled by demands for the creation of new states within the 12-state Federation.

Colonel Garba, the man who proclaimed General Gowon's departure from office, was known to be close to his former leader. The Colonel is said to be a good professional soldier with a strong personality.




[size=18pt]Maiden Speech of Brigadier Murtala Ramat Muhammed, July 29, 1975[/size]

Fellow Nigerians, events of the past few years have indicated that despite our great human and material resources, the Government has not been able to fulfill the legitimate expectations of our people. Nigeria has been left to drift. This situation, if not arrested, would inevitably have resulted in chaos and even bloodshed.In the endeavour to build a strong, united and virile nation, Nigerians have shed much blood. The thought of further bloodshed, for whatever reasons must, I am sure, be revolting to our people. The Armed Forces, having examined the situation, came to the conclusion that certain changes were inevitable.After the civil war, the affairs of state, hitherto a collective responsibility, became characterized by lack of consultation, indecision, indiscipline and even neglect. Indeed, the public at large became disillusioned and disappointed by these developments. This trend was clearly incompatible with the philosophy and image of a corrective regime. Unknown to the general public, the feeling of disillusionment was also evident among members of the armed forces whose administration was neglected but who, out of sheer loyalty to the Nation, and in the hope that there would be a change, continued to suffer in silence.Things got to a stage where the head of administration became virtually inaccessible even to official advisers; and when advice was tendered, it was often ignored. Responsible opinion, including advice by eminent Nigerians, traditional rulers, intellectuals, et cetera, was similarly discarded. The leadership, either by design or default, had become too insensitive to the true feelings and yearnings of the people. The nation was thus plunged inexorably into chaos. It was obvious that matters could not, and should not, be allowed in this manner, and in order to give the nation a new lease of life, and sense of direction, the following decisions were taken:1. The removal of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of the Federal Military Government and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces.2. The retirement of General Yakubu Gowon from the Armed Forces in his present rank of General with full benefits, in recognition of his past services to the nation.3. General Gowon will be free to return to the country as soon as conditions permit; he will be free to pursue any legitimate undertakings of his choice in any part of the country. His personal safety and freedom and those of his family will be guaranteed.4. The following members of the Armed Forces are retired with immediate effect:Vice Admiral JEA Wey – Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ, Major-General Hassan Katsina – Deputy Chief of Staff, Supreme HQ, Major-General David Ejoor – Chief of Staff (Army), Rear Admiral Nelson Soroh – Chief of Naval Staff, Brigadier EE Ikwue – Chief of Air Staff, and all other officers of the rank of major general (or equivalent) and above.Alhaji Kam Salem – Inspector General of Police, Chief TA Fagbola – Deputy Inspector General of Police5. Also with immediate effect, all the present Military Governors, and the Administrator of East Central State, have been relieved of their appointments and retired.6. As you are already aware, new appointments have been made as follows:Brigadier TY Danjuma – Chief of Army Staff, Colonel John Yisa Doko – Chief of Air Staff, Commodore Michael Adelanwa – Chief of Naval Staff, Mr. MD Yusuf – Inspector General of Police

New Military Governors have also been appointed for the States as follows:
1. Lt. Col. Muhammed Buhari, North East
2. Colonel George Innih, Midwest
3. Lt. Col. Sani Bello, Kano
4. Captain Adekunle Lawal (Navy), Lagos

5. Lt. Col. Paul Omu, South East

6. Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, Kwara

7. Captain Akin Aduwo, (Navy), West

8. Col. Anthony Ochefu, East Central

9. Lt. Col. Usman Jibrin, North central

10. Col. Abdullahi Mohammed, Benue-Plateau

11. Lt. Col. Umaru Mohammed, North West

12. Lt. Col. Zamani Lekwot, Rivers

The Structure of Government has been reorganized. There will now be three organs of government at the federal level namely,

(i) The Supreme Military Council (ii) The National Council of States (iii) The Federal Executive Council

There will of course continue to be Executive Councils at the State level. The reconstituted Supreme Military Council will comprise the following:

The Head of State and C-in-C of the Armed Forces

Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo – Chief of Staff, SHQ

Brigadier TY Danjuma – Chief of Army Staff

Commodore Michael Adelanwa – Chief of Naval Staff

Col. John Yisa Doko – Chief of Air Staff

Mr. MD Yusuf – IG of Police

GOCs -

1st Division, Brigadier Julius Akinrinade

2nd Division, Brigadier Martin Adamu

3rd Division, Brigadier Emmanuel Abisoye

L.G.O., Brigadier John Obada

Colonel Joseph Garba

Lt. Col Shehu YarAdua

Brigadier James Oluleye

Brigadier Iliya Bisalla

Colonel Ibrahim Babangida

Lt. Col Muktar Muhammed

Colonel Dan Suleiman

Captain Olufemi Olumide (NN)

Captain H Husaini Abdullahi (NN)

Mr. Adamu Suleman, Commissioner of Police

Lt. Col. Alfred Aduloju

Lt. Commander Godwin Kanu (NN)

All the civil commissioners in the Federal Executive Council are relieved of their appointments with immediate effect. The composition of the new Executive Council will be announced shortly.

Political Programme

We will review the political programme and make an announcement in due course. In the meantime, a panel will be set up to advise on the question of new states. A panel will also be set up to advise on the question of the federal capital.

With due regard to the 1973 population census, it is now clear that whatever results are announced will not command general acceptance throughout the country. It has, therefore, been decided to cancel the 1973 population census. Accordingly, for planning purposes, the 1963 census figures shall continue to be used.

A panel will be set up to advise on the future of the Interim Common Services Agency (ICSA) and the Eastern States Interim Assets and Liability Agency (ESIALA).

The Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture is postponed in view of the obvious difficulties in providing all the necessary facilities. Consultations will be held with other participating countries with a view to fixing a new date.

Finally, we reaffirm this country’s friendship with all countries. Foreign nationals living in Nigeria will be protected. Foreign investments will also be protected. The government will honour all obligations entered into by the previous Governments of the Federation. We will also give continued support to the Organization of African Unity, the United Nations Organization, and the Commonwealth.

Fellow Countrymen, the task ahead of us calls for sacrifice and self discipline at all levels of our society. This government will not tolerate indiscipline. The Government will not condone abuse of office.

I appeal to you all to cooperate with the Government in our endeavour to give this nation a new lease of life. This change of Government has been accomplished without shedding any blood; and we intend to keep it so.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

30 July 1975
[size=18pt]GENERAL YAKUBU GOWON SHOWS NO REACTION TO NEWS THAT HE HAS BEEN DEPOSED AS NIGERIA'S HEAD OF STATE WHILE ATTENDING THE OAU SUMMIT.[/size]

General Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria received news that he had been deposed while at the organisation of African Unity summit on Tuesday (29 July), without any sign of concern.

When an aide handed him a note telling of the coup, General Gowon showed no surprise. He gave no indication of admitting defeat. All he said to journalists who questioned him at the summit in Kampala was: "I've seen the Reuter report. I've no comment to make."
He than left the hall for a short consultation with his delegation.

Later he talked with Ugandan President and OAU Chairman, Idi Amin, who had adjourned the summit. General Gowon was smiling as he said to journalists: "Nothing to worry about."
He returned temporarily to the Nigerian seat in the conference and the only elaboration on his comments he would make was: "It's just the foreign news. We'll wait and see what happens."
He then left the summit and spent the rest of the day locked in his hotel suite. He was consulting his delegation and telephoning abroad to brief himself as fully as possible on developments.
It is believed he was trying to gauge what support the coup was receiving in Nigeria and how many senior military officers would remain loyal. In his luxury Nile Hotel he also had talks with President Mobutu sese Seko of Zaire and President Amin.

General Gowon was replaced in Nigeria by Brigadier Muritala Rufai Mohammed, one of the architects of the coup which brought General Gowon to power in 1966.
Colonel Namvan Garba, known to be a friend of General Gowon announced the coup on Lagos radio. He said it had been bloodless.
It came after months of labour and student unrest in Africa's most populous nation.

News of the coup appeared to shock delegates at the OAU. The summit was adjourned for the day and seems to have been disrupted severely. Several heads of state have decided to leave, although the summit is not due to finish until Friday (1 August).

[size=18pt]6th August 1975 - ITN News
MURTALA MOHAMMED MAKES FIRST NEWS STATEMENT.[/size]

Nigeria's new leader, Brigadier Murtala Mohammed has made his maiden speech to the nation and the media -- accusing the previous government of indecision, indiscipline and neglect.

Brigadier Mohammed said Nigeria had been left to drift by previous Head of State, General Gowon, and warned that if the situation was not remedied, the result would be chaos and bloodshed.

Referring to the civil war, Brigadier Mohammed said Nigerians had shed much blood, in the endeavour to build a strong, and united country.

And he said he was certain the idea of further bloodshed, was revolting to all Nigerians. After examining the situation, the Armed Forces reached the conclusion that changes were inevitable.

General Gowon was deposed in a bloodless coup on 29 July while he was attending the Organisation of African Unity (DAU) conference in Kampala, Uganda.

According to reports form Lagos, a major reason behind the coup was dissatisfaction in the Armed Forces and the community at large with General Gowon's failure to carry out his pledge to hold elections.

Another reason given was alleged widespread corruption in the previous government and growing stagnation. One visible example of the situation was the backlog of ships that have clogged Lagos harbour for weeks.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7ZW_l12Jn0

good job, man. very useful thread.

[size=18pt]20th October 1975  - ITN News
HEAD OF STATE Muritala Mohammed opens committee meeting for new draft constitution.[/size]

Nigeria's new military leaders have taken a major stride towards returning the country to civilian rule by formally opening the work of a fifty man committee to draft a new constitution.

The country's Head of State Brigadier Murtala Muhammed named the panel of former politicians, lawyers, intellectuals, businessmen and journalists who will drew up the constitution after his recent speech promising the country a return to democratic rule in October 1979. He also made the speech at the opening on Saturday (18 October).

Top Nigerian lawyer Chief Rotimi Williams who has played a part in writing most of Nigeria's earlier constitutions, is chairman of the committee but Chief Obafemi Awolowo an eminent Nigerian politician and lawyer failed to turn up at the meeting. He had earlier refused to serve on the committee saying his appointment was made without prior reference to him.

The drafting of the new constitution is the first stage of the government's planned four year political programme.

Brigadier Muhammed has pledged himself to reducing the corruption which he felt existed under former Head of State General Gowon's regime. Many Nigerians were hoping for an earlier date than October 1979 for the return of civilian rule but the commitment to a definite date and the work programme set out for the transition period appear to have reduced the degree of disappointment.



[size=18pt]30 November 1975  - ITN News
NIGERIA: NEW FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FERTILISER PLANT OPENS FOR PRODUCTION[/size]

One of the largest industrial projects ever undertaken in Nigeria has been completed. It is a large fertiliser plant built at a cost of 15 million Nigerian dollars (more than ten million pounds sterling) and capable of producing more the 100,000 tons of fertiliser a year.

The plant is in the central Nigerian town of Kaduna and is the first of its type in tropical Africa. The complex includes a captive sulphuric acid plant capable of producing 41,000 tons of highly concentrated acid every year.

The Nigerian government supplied all the capital needed for the project but the plant was built by the Japanese firm, Hitachi Ship-building and Engineering Company.

The Japanese will provide management for the plant for several years before the Nigerians take over.

The plant is expected to operate at more than fifty per cent, or 50,000 tons of single superphosphate fertiliser in its first year of production, rising gradually to 100,000 tons at full capacity within three years.

The fertiliser will assist greatly Nigeria's aim to become independent of the fluctuating prices of imported fertiliser.

SYNOPSIS: In the central Nigerian town of Kaduna, the largest fertiliser plant in tropical Africa has just been completed. The plant cost more than ten million pounds and is expected to be able to produce one hundred thousand tons of fertiliser a year.

the plant was financed by the Nigerian government and built by the Japanese firm, Hitachi Shipbuilding and Engineering company. the object of the plant is to provide single superphosphate fertiliser to the Nigerian farmers who so far have been completely dependent on imports for the life giving supplies of superphosphate.

The large complex incorporates a sulphuric acid plant which is capable of producing more than forty thousand tons every year. Sulphuric acid is one of the main raw materials in the production of fertiliser. The Japanese firm will manage the plant for the first several years after which Nigerians will take over. The plant is expected to operate at more than fifty per cent capacity at first reaching full capacity within three years.












thanks , I am finding it very educational, which is motivating me to continue.

lagcity:

good job, man. very useful thread.

13th February 1976   ITN News:
[size=18pt]Muritala Mohammed assassinated in abortive coup, Obasanjo assumes power[/size]

Conflicting reports on Radio Nigeria on Friday (23 February) firstly claimed that the Government of Brigadier Murtala Muhammed had been overthrown in a coup by young army officers then later broadcasts reported that the coup had been crushed.

A Lieutenant-Colonel in the Nigerian Army made the original broadcast. It followed shooting in some sections of Lagos.The officer said Nigeria's borders had been closed and that a dusk-to-dawn curfew had been imposed.

However, later on Friday afternoon a Government spokesman said the coup had been crushed and the Government was in full power.





27th Feb 1976 - ITN News
[size=18pt]Students demand extradiction of Gowon who was accused of sponsoring the abortive coup[/size]
Rioting students, demonstrating over the death of former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, ransacked the British High Commission in Lagos on Tuesday (17 February).

The students, calling for a full investigation into the attempted coup in which General Muhammed was killed, were eventually driven from the building by Police using tear gas. But first the hundreds of students smashed windows and ransacked the Reuter news agency office in the building.
The students carried banners and called for the extradition of General Gowon to Nigeria to face changes that the helped plan the coup.
Britain claimed compensation for damage to the building, but later withdrew the claim.
The Nigerian government issued a statement saying that the coup, on 13 February, was aimed at restoring General Gowon to power.
Most of the armed forces remained loyal to the government and quickly crushed the rebellion.

General Gowon was ousted by General Muhammed in July, 1975, while he was in Uganda for an Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Conference.
General Muhammed, who was 37, was buried at his home town of Kano, in Northern Nigeria 36 hours after his assassination in Lagos.

At the end of seven days of mourning on Friday (20 February) memorial services for the late General were held in Christian churches and mosques throughout the country.





13th March 1976
[size=18pt]Lagos: Obasanjo executes 32 Men he claims were involved in the abortive coup[/size]
Thousands of people watched the public executions in Lagos, Nigeria of 32 men condemned for their involvement in last month's abortive coup in which General Murtala Muhammed, the Head of State, was assassinated.

The executions took place on Thursday (11 March) in two locations. One group, which included the former Commissioner for Defence, Major-General I.D. Bisalla, faced a firing squad at Bar Beach, Victoria Island, while another was executed at Kirikiri Prison.

A Largos radio correspondent reported that at Kirikiri Prison the thousands who had gathered to watch the execution were impatient and that "security men had the uncomfortable task of keeping the crowd under control."
Another radio correspondent said of the shooting at Bar Beach: "They were all in mufti. Most of them looked sober, while some managed to smile at reporters. Their confessions were taken before a firing squad of 15 opened fire. The firing lasted about 10 minutes."
The leader of the coup, Lieutenant-Colonel Bukar Dimka, was not among those executed on Thursday, although he was presented to journalists on the same day. A recording of his interrogation was played and he made a statement saying that he had not confessed under duress. Wanted for the murder of General Muhammed, Colonel Dimka eluded capture until 5 March.




14th March 1976
NIGERIA: CHIEF OF STAFF, BRIGADIER SHEU YAR'ADUA, REVEALS HOW ABORTIVE COUP WAS PLANNED.





[size=20pt]
15th March 1976 (approx) - Associated Press
New military ruler Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo meets with U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young as Obasanjo adopts pro-U.S. policies [/size]

[size=18pt]17TH MAY 1976 -  ITN NEWS
MILITARY RULER OBASANJO ANNOUNCES EXECUTION OF COLONEL DIMKA WHO WAS ACCUSED OF LEADING ABORTIVE FEBRUARY COUP THE 31ST PERSON EXECUTED [/size]
The head of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria, Lieutenant General Olusegan Obasanjo, announced in a television and radio broadcast on Saturday (15 May) the execution of the Colonel who led an abortive coup against the Nigerian Government on 13 February this year.

The Nigerian leader said that the rebel officer, Lieutenant Colonel B.S. Dimka, was executed by a firing squad earlier on Saturday. Also executed by the same firing squad was Mr. J.D. Gomwalk, a former senior official. On 11 march, thirty other people were executed for their roles in the abortive coup.

In his broadcast, Lieutenant General Obasanjo told Nigerians that Britain had refused to extradited General Yakubu Gowan, the 40 year-old former head-of-state who was deposed in July, 1975, and who is now a university student in England.

The Nigerian Government has said that the abortive coup had been aimed at restoring General Gowon, and it wants him to return to Nigeria to answer charges that he was involved. The General has denied any connection with the unsuccessful coup.

General Murtala Mohammed, who was head-of-state at the time of the abortive coup, died in the rebellion.







[size=18pt]8th September 1976 - ITN News
HEAD OF STATE, LT. - GENERAL OLUSEGUN OBASANJO, LAUNCHES UNIVERSAL FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION PROGRAMME.[/size]Nigeria entered a new era on Monday (6 September) with the launching of its universal primary education programme.

SYNOPSIS: It was launched by Head-of-State, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo in the capital, Lagos. Under the programme two and a half million Nigerian children from the age of six will be able to go to school free of charge. And as some of the new students arrived to enrol on Monday Lieutenant Obasanjo was there to sign them into the register. At present primary school education is optional, but after 1980 it will become compulsory.

At the official launching of the programme Lieutenant General Obasanjo outlined the aims of the plan.

It also demonstrates the determination of the Federal Military Government to provide equal educational opportunities for all children of school age, irrespective of the circumstances of their birth. Every Nigerian child should regard basic education as his natural heritage, right and not a privilege. It is the civic obligation of the children to attend classes regularly and punctually, to study diligently, to be obedient and law abiding, to become good and patriotic citizens who will serve their fatherland faithfully and loyally in whatever positions they find themselves in the years that lie ahead."











[size=18pt]Fela Kuti uses music to criticise Obasanjo's Regime[/size]
[flash=800,800]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRAF8Xv3tGw?version=3[/flash]




[size=18pt]14th February 1977 - Wikipedia
Obasanjo raids and burns down Fela Kuti's compound, Fela's elderly mother thrown out of window and fatally wounded[/size]
[flash=800,800]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5QfLc5xZRg?version=3[/flash]






[size=18pt]12 October 1977 – ITN News
OBASANJO VISITS UNITED STATES [/size]

General Olusegun Obasanjo, the President of Nigeria, met President Carter at the start of an official visit to the United States. It was the first visit ever by a Nigerian Head of State to the White House.

SYNOPSIS: General Obasanjo was in Washington for two days of talks with President Carter and Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. And he made it plain that he wanted to have a lot to say about Rhodesia and South Africa while he was there. But that was later. His arrival at the White House on Tuesday was a time for pomp and ceremony.

In later speeches, General Obasanjo has been highly critical of what he called 'oppressive racist policies' in South Africa. And he has offered Nigerian troops for any UN peace keeping force in Rhodesia. But arrival speeches at the White House were formal, brief and friendly.









[size=18pt]
21st November1977 -ITN News
NIGERIA: "SICKENING REALITIES" OF NEO-COLONIALISM ATTACKED BY NIGERIAN MINISTER DURING ECOWAS MEETING.[/size]
Nigeria's Economic Minister, Mr. O. Adewoye, has attacked what he terms the "dangers and sickening realities" of neo-colonialism in Africa. Mr. Adewoye, opening a meeting of the Economic Community of the West African States (ECOWAS) in Lagos last week (November 14-17), said ECOWAS had to act as a fortress against manipulation of African economies by other nations and multi-national companies.

SYNOPSIS: The organisation was formed two years ago and has 16 member states. The meeting last week was to prepare a summit conference of the heads of state, to be held in Lagos next January. A further meeting will take place early in December in Togo to prepare the budgets of the Executive Secretariat and of projects in hand. ECOWAS aims to raise the standard of living in its member countries, to maintain stability and to promote African development.

Mr. Adewoye told delegates that, while each country had outward trappings of sovereignty, real independence in controlling their own economic destinies still eluded them. Neo-colonialism sometimes had a beautiful surface, of city skyscrapers, fully-stocked mercantile houses and luxurious cars.

But this was growth without development, for few of the foreign-oriented economic activities came from the talents of the local people. Mr. Adewoye cautioned delegates not to be swayed by the advice of neo-colonialist specialists to concentrate on agriculture. He said advanced, rapid industrialisation was the only means of breaking what he called the "shackles of poverty and neo-colonialism" in West Africa.







[size=18pt]8th January 1978 -ITN News
NIGERIA: VEHICLES BURNT AND BUSES DAMAGED IN VIOLENT DEMONSTRATION AGAINST BUS FARE RISES[/size].

In Nigeria, there have been violent demonstrations in the capital of Lagos against rising bus fares. Many workers staged a protest day on Thursday (5 January) when they set up road blocks and forced a number of buses off the roads.

SYNOPSIS: Cars were set on fire in Lagos streets as part of the protest which also saw a number of buses being wrecked by angry demonstrators.

Their wrath was directed at the Lagos State Transport Corporation, the body responsible for the running of the buses. The corporation recently announced tat it was increasing fares by 50 per cent.

Hundreds of workers stayed away from their jobs for the day. Many buses were halted forcing people to make their journeys on foot.

Armed soldiers were on duty at a number of bus stops to make sure that the few private lorries being used as buses operated smoothly.

There lorries were a welcome sight for the frustrated passengers, who all tried to board them at once.

Nigeria is suffering from a high rate of inflation. And workers say they cannot afford to pay increased fares because of low wages. They have also claimed that the government transport system is poor.











[size=18pt]1st April 1978 - ITN News
OBASANJO GREETS U.S. PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER AT START OF HIS STATE VISIT TO NIGERIA.[/size]

United States President Jimmy Carter arrived in Lagos, Nigeria on Friday (31 March) for talks with Lieutenant-General Olusegun Obasanjo, the Head of State. The President flew to Lagos from Rio de Janeiro after meeting Brazilian President Ernesto Geisel. According to Reuters news agency, the main topics the President will discuss in Lagos include American concern over Soviet and Cuban involvement in the Horn of Africa, as well as black majority rule in Rhodesia and Namibia. Other issues under review are oil prices -- Nigeria is the second largest exporter of oil to the United States -- and ways of strengthening U.S.-Nigerian relations.

SYNOPSIS: Because of the late hour of the President's arrival, the official welcoming ceremony was scheduled for the next day, but when Mr Carter arrived at Murtala Airport he was greeted by General Obasanjo. It is the first time an American President has visited Nigeria. The next day Mr Carter was scheduled to deliver a major speech on American policy in Africa.

The President's daughter, Amy, stole the limelight at the brief airport ceremony. Although it was late, thousands of Nigerians had turned up to line the route from the airport into the city. According to officials travelling with the President's party, Mr. Carter included Nigeria in his tour because the country was playing a key role in Africa, in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, -- OPEC -- and in the United Nations.

General Obasanjo visited Washington in October and it was during that visit that Mr Carer was invited to come to Nigeria. The two leaders are known to share the same views on how a settlement in Rhodesia should be brought about, and support for the Anglo-American plan is expected to feature in their discussions.

[size=18pt]NIGERIA: MURTALA MUHAMMED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT LAGOS OPENS - 17th March 1979.[/size]Story
Nigeria has a new international airport capable of handling all types of aircraft and two and a half million passengers a year. The new Murtala Muhammed airport in the capital Lagos is part of a three hundred million naira (about two hundred and forty million pounds sterling), airport development project.

SYNOPSIS: The airport is named in honour of former Nigerian Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed who was murdered in February, 1976.

The current Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo travelled to the airport last Thursday (15 March) to formally open the new runway and building complex. General Obasanjo praised the airport as a indication of Nigeria's self reliance in areas of high technology.

The international airport has a three thousand, a nine hundred metre long runway and has carrier space for twenty-five international airlines. It's equipped with four sophisticated landing systems and has its own ten thousand kilowatt power generating plant.

In opening the airport General Obasanjo claimed that international airline organisations imposed excessive charges on travellers from Europe to Africa, far higher than the charges on travellers enroute to Europe or American countries.



[size=18pt]5th April 1979
GHANANIANS RESIDENT IN NIGERIA REGISTERED[/size]

[size=18pt]Approx July 1979[/size][size=18pt]
Fela Kuti 's song ( ITT - "International Thief Thief " launches a scathing attack on the then Telecommunications centre run by Abiola who was a close associate to Obasanjo[/size]

[flash=400,400]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWUABi-aiYM?version=3[/flash]








[size=18pt]Elections to Return Nigeria to Civilian rule begins  -  11th July 1979[/size]
Nigeria is in the grip of election fever, with no less than five elections under way. Nigeria has been under military rule since 1966, and the five elections are designed to return the West African state to civilian rule.

Saturday's election was for a 95-member Senate, with each state in the federation responsible for electing five Senators. Five political parties are contesting the election. Two of them -- the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and the United Party of Nigeria (UPN) -- are fielding candidates in all constituencies.

There are about 48-million Nigerians on the voters' roll. A majority of them are expected to run out for each of the five elections, held at weekly intervals. They'll be responsible for electing a House of Representatives, stat legislative assemblies and state governors. A presidential election was also scheduled for Wednesday (11 July). Nigeria's Head of State, General Olusegun Obsanjo, has told his people that everything possible had been done to ensure that the elections were "free and fair".

very interesting ,

[size=18pt]  6th Sept 1979 -  ITN news
CANDIDATES IN NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PETITION TO HAVE ELECTION RESULTS DECLARING  ALHAJI SHAGARI PRESIDENT, ANNULLED.[/size]
In Nigeria the hearing of the petition filed against Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the incumbent civilian President, began on Tuesday (4 September). Chief Obafemi Awolowo is challenging the declaration by the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) that Shehu will become the country's President on the first of October.
SYNOPSIS: Lagos and all of Nigerian has spent the last few months preparing for the formation of the first civilian government since 1966. But the result of the Presidential election has been disputed by several of the candidates, though the new government is due to be installed on the first of October. Three candidates for the Presidency contend that Alhaji Shehu was not duly elected. Police at the Federal Court of Appeal were out in force as the instigator of the petition and leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo arrived for the hearing. He was joined by the leader of the Great Nigeria People's Party, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim. In his petition Chief Awolowo contends that Alhaji Shehu Shagari scored less than the number of votes required by electoral decree to win office. Chief Awolowo also asked the tribunal to order the Secretary of FEDECO Alhaji Kurfi and the Federal Returning Officer Frederick Menkiti to arrange an electoral college election to determine who should be President. This he says, is in accordance with provision in the 1978 Electoral Decree. But Alhaji Shehu insists he was duly elected. And he says that if an Electoral College had been called it should have been arranged within seven days of the August sixteen results. Chief Awolowo took the stand on the first day of the hearing which was expected to last three days. He gave evidence on the election results but it was disputed under cross-examination.








[size=18pt]30th Sept 1979  ITN News
Preparations under way for inauguration of President-elect Alhaji Shehu Shagari[/size]
On Monday (1 October), Nigeria returns to civilian rule after fourteen years of military government. The climax of the official handover will be the inauguration of 54-year-old President Alhaji Shehu Shagari. final preparations for the handover are well under way in Lagos, the country's capital. SYNOPSIS: This is the spot on which fourteen years of Nigerian military rule will come to an end on Monday (1 October). Along this carpet will walk the country's newly-elected president, Alhaj Shehu Shagari, at this inauguration ceremony in Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. The ceremony marks the final stage in the handover of power from the military, headed by Nigeria's present head of State General Olusegun Obasanjo, to the civilian government elected in August. This is to be headed by Mr. Shagari and his National Party of Nigeria, who were declared winners of election after a disputed result. A new stadium has been built for the ceremony, and final touches are being added both outside and inside. Elsewhere in Lagos, workmen are building accommodation for the country's newly-elected representatives. The Nigerian Parliament will have 449 members most of whom will live in this apartment block overlooking the city's inland lagoon. Their task is to establish the first civilian government in fourteen years, ever since the assassination of former Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa during the 1966 military coup.

Please does anybody know of any other websites that have historic archived news video clips?

Also any ideas how to embed the video clips? on to this thread?

[size=18pt]ITN News - 13th December 1979
LAGOS: LEADER OF THE UNITY PARTY OF NIGERIA ADDRESSES NATIONAL CONVENTION.[/size]
A defeated candidate for the Nigerian presidency, Chief Obafem Awolowo, has claimed this year's elections were rigged. In Lagos, at the National Convention of his Unity Party (UPN) Chief Awolowo criticised the election conduct of the rival National Party (NPN) the Federal Election Commission and the judiciary. Chief Awolowo lost the presidential contest to the National Party 's Mr Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

SYNOPSIS: Two thousand delegates from all nineteen federation states attended the UPN convention. The Unity Party was one of five political groups which entered the election contest, a contest Chief Awolowo claimed was unfair.



[size=18pt]17 February 1980 -  ITN News
NIGERIA: COUNTRY'S NEWEST OIL REFINERY NEARS COMPLETION[/size]
Nigeria's latest -- and by definition most modern -- oil refinery should be producing by mid-1980. The refinery, at Kaduna in Central Nigeria, is nearing completion.

SYNOPSIS: The Kaduna refinery is a reflection of Nigeria's new and booming economy, built almost entirely on petro-dollars.

It represents a Nigerian governments investment of more than 325-million pounds (750 million U.S. dollars).

The refinery, started early in 1978, is being constructed by Japanese contractors using Nigerian workers. By April, the complex should be completed.

Kaduna's projected capacity of 100-thousand barrels a day is planned to make Nigeria entirely self-sufficient in refined petroleum products, and will double the present output from existing plants. It's Nigeria's first refinery to have a sulphur recovery unit, an asphalt plant, a kerosene producing unit, a wax manufacturing facility, and a water treatment section.

Most of the Kaduna's products will be used domestically; the rest exported, must of it to the United State which already takes almost half Nigeria' crude oil output, making the country the second biggest U.S. supplier after Saudi Arabia.

Nigeria has been well placed to fill part of the gap caused by the cutback of Iran's oil exports. While higher oil prices send a shiver through most countries. Nigeria is benefitting at a rate of over 20-million pounds (45 million U.S. dollars) a day.



[flash=800,800]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usnznJZ0XvA?version=3[/flash]

[size=18pt]17 April 1980 -ITN News
Students demonstrate against corruption/looting scandal[/size]
Students at the University of Lagos took to the streets on Tuesday (15 April) and marched to the National Assembly to protest over what has come to be known as Nigeria's Oilgate Scandal'. More than four and three quarter billion dollars is allegedly missing from the coffers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

SYNOPSIS: In September 1979 a Nigerian national newspapers reported that the money was missing from the account books recording NNPC sales of crude oil and petroleum products. The Senate leader of the Peoples Redemption Party, Sabo Barkin Zuwo, raised the matter in the Senate. Two weeks ago the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Edwin Ezeoke said an investigation into the alleged loss would go ahead despite denial of the loss by NNPC Chairman, Oke Halm. Mr. Halm had also denied allegations that the money had been traced to a London bank account.

The students are demanding to know who are the operators of the alleged bank account. Although a House Committee has already started a probe into the missing money the students also want a Judicial Inquiry into the scandal so anyone found guilty of misconduct can be brought to justice. The House of Representatives Committee investigating the scandal has announced it has a prima facie case that the money is missing from the NNPC and have sought police protection for its members.

Nigeria, which ranks eights among the world's top crude oil producers is experiencing an economic boom. Forty five percent of Nigeria's 2.2 million barrels daily production goes to the United States, making it the second biggest US supplier after Saudi Arabia. Proven reserves in Nigerian fields are estimated at about 18 billion barrels - but large areas have yet to be explored.
















[size=18pt]25th February 1980 - ITN News
PRESIDENT SHAGARI VISITS AJAOKUTA STEEL PROJECT -- PART OF A NEW INDUSTRY THAT WILL HELP THE COUNTRY PRODUCE IT'S OWN STEEL BEFORE 1983.[/size]

The Nigerian steel Development Minister Paul Unongo announced recently that Nigeria will start producing its own steel before 1983. President Alhaji Shehu Shagari visited one of the most important sites of the growing Nigerian steel industry a few days before the announcement. The Ajaokuta Steel Plant is one of the many projects aimed at speeding up the industrialisation of Nigeria. The President said the success of projects like it would result in what he called an increased tempo in the country's economic growth.

SYNOPSIS: Ajaokuta was chosen as the site of the Plant in 1974. But the planning of an iron and steel industry in Nigeria dates back to the late fifties. Various foreign firms have acted as consultants to the federal government's Steel Development Ministry. And President Shagari himself has been a champion of the growing industry.

It is federal government policy that the development of the steel industry will be the foundation of Nigeria's growing technology and industrialisation. The demand for steel in Nigeria has been increasing over the years and so far, the country has relied entirely on it's import.

It will be children like this one who will most benefit from the current construction at Ajaokuta. Not only will the industry provide jobs, but the President himself pointed out the auxiliary industries will grow up offering even more employment for young Nigerians.






[size=18pt]10th June 1980  - ITN news
MASS STATE FUNERAL AND BURIAL OF AIR-CRASH VICTIMS.[/size]
In Nigeria, eighteen people who died in an air-crash have been buried after a state funeral that included open air Moslem and Christian services. Nigerian President Alhaji Shehu Shagari read a Valediction for the victims at the service in Lagos on Saturday (7 June). They died in a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Escravos River Bar in Nigeria's Bendel State twelve days before (26 May). SYNOPSIS: The coffins were flown to Lagos airport from Benin City, the capital of Bendel State, on the day of the mass funeral. All the victims except a crew of three, were members of a Nigerian government delegation flying for bilateral talks to the islands of Sao Tome and Principe. The dead included a senior official of the External Affairs Ministry, Dr. Abubakar Usman, four others from the ministry, plus armed forces personnel and four journalists. Later, at Tafawa Balewa Square, the President spoke. The state burial was at the Atan cemetery in Lagos.

[size=18pt]23rd July 1980 -ITN News
US Vice president Arrives on 4-day state visit[/size]
United States Vice-President Walter Mondale arrived in Lagos on Sunday (20 July) for a four-day officials visit to Nigeria -- a visit he was expected to use to express concern to Nigeria over rising oil prices. SYNOPSIS: Waiting to meet Mr. Mondale was Mr. Alex Ekwueme, the Vice-President of Nigeria, and his wife. Nigeria is the second most important exporter of oil to the U.S. after Saudi Arabia, providing sixteen percent of the total imports of oil into the United States. Mr. Mondale is on a four-nation West African tour. Apart from Nigeria he has been having talks in Senegal, Niger and Cane Verde. Nigeria is his third visit of the tour. The United States has a 7 1/2 billion dollar trade deficit with Nigeria this year and American officials say it could rise to eleven billion dollars in 1981.

[size=18pt]9th September 1980  - ITN News
PRESIDENT SHAGARI VISITS OGUNPA FLOOD DISASTER AREA IN IBADAN WHERE TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY PEOPLE DIED DURING A TWELVE HOUR RAINSTORM.[/size]

Nigerian President Shehu Shagari visited the scene of flash-flooding at Ibadan, about one hundred moles (160 kilometres) north of the capital Lagos, on Sunday (7 September) where two hundred and forty were killed during a rainstorm the previous week.

SYNOPSIS: It was the heaviest downpour the topical city of Ibadan had suffered in four years. In twelve hours, ten point seven nine inches fell on the Ogunpa region swelling in Ogunpa River until it burst its banks.

The floodwaters raced across the land crushing houses and catching many people unprepared. Among those drowned were children and pregnant women. Many thousands more have been left homeless.