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Three Regions Are Forced To Unite
In 1916 Lord Lugard , the Governor of Nigeria brought the three main regions together.
North - Muslim - dominated by the Hausa tribe and ruled by traditional rulers or Emirs
South East - dominated by the Igbo tribe
South West - dominated by the Yoruba tribe
Up until 1916 each region had its own language and traditions. -
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Nigerian Support in World War 2
During WW2 , Nigerian soldiers fought in Ethiopia, and had also served with the British in Palestine, Morocco , Sicily and Burma. With their new perspectives returning servicemen were a significant factor in campaigns for independence . The war years in Nigeria also say a marked increase in the membership of Trade Unions -
Nigerian General Strike
Tin miners were worked very hard, conditions became so bad that there was a general strike in Nigeria in protest at the treatment of the natives at the hands of the British Colonialists -
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Moving Towards Independence - Three Separate Constitutions
The three main nationalist political parties competed for positions of power in an Independent Nigeria, which all knew would soon come to existence.There were no less than three separate constitutions enacted. Each one moved Nigeria to independence along the path of a federal state , with strong regional assemblies and a central federal government -
Oil Found in the River Niger
The discovery of substantial quantities of oil at Olobiri in the delta region of the River Niger in 1956, didn't generate much revenue at first but clearly the potential wealth was enormous. The effect of the discovery was to sharpen regional rivalries in Independent Nigeria -
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Lancaster House Conferences
Conferences held at Lancaster house to discuss Nigerian Independence -
Federal System and Yoruba and Igbo become Self Governing
Nigerian nationalist parties increasingly split along regional lines, so Britain decided to impose federal system of government. South West Yoruba region and South East Ibo regions became self-governing. -
Port Harcourt- Oil Terminal + Refinery
Great oil terminal and refinery built at Port Harcourt -
Hausa Region Becomes Self Govering
The North, Muslim region dominated by the Hausa tribe became self governing 1959 -
Elections to the House of Representatives
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Nigeria Becomes Independent
By an Act of Parliament in London, Nigeria became independent . The first Prime Minister of Independent Nigeria was Abubakar Tatawa Balewa , a leading political figure from the northern region.