Nigeria Independence Day 2022: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to our blog on Nigeria Independence Day. Today marks an important day in Nigerian history, and we’re excited to celebrate with you! Here on our blog, we’ll be sharing all the latest news and events related to Nigeria’s Independence Day. We hope you enjoy reading our content, and that you take the time to share it with your friends and family.

History of Independence Day in Nigeria

Nigeria has been inhabited since 1100 BC. According to historians, the nation had historically been inhabited by a number of African civilizations, including the Kingdom of Nri, the Benin Empire, the Songhai Empire, and the Oyo Empire.

Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria, was overrun by the British centuries later. The entire country, including the Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria, became a British Protectorate in 1901. For nearly a century, Britain controlled the nation’s natural resources. A movement for independence was started following World War II.

Nigeria ceased to be a British Protectorate on October 1, 1960 and changed its name to the Federation of Nigeria, which was governed for three years by an all-Nigerian Executive Council. Later, it changed its name to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which was presided over by Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Nigeria Independence Day Activities and Celebrations

Every Nigerian celebrates Independence Day (National Day), regardless of faith or regional tradition. Nigerians participate in a variety of events on this auspicious day to remember the day their nation finally attained its long-awaited independence. The current president of Nigeria makes a speech early on October 1st to formally kick off the Independence Day celebrations. Following the conclusion of the address, the national song is sung while the Nigerian flag is hoisted. The military officers then command a parade. The nation’s cake is also cut at Aso Rock (the Presidential Villa).

Nigerians participate in the festivities during the day. The majority of Nigerians dress in the country’s official colors of green and white. While walking down the street, some people prefer to wave these colors. Similar to this, some schools and groups put on their own cultural performances and parades for Independence Day. Children’s games and activities are also held in shopping centers.

In addition, clubs and other entertainment hotspots in Nigeria hold celebrations for Independence Day, with some locations even allowing women entry for free. Parties that are privately and locally hosted are open to everyone. The Independence Day celebrations also include anticipated events like concerts and comedy shows.

How Nigerians Celebrate Independence Day

Africans are aware that Nigerians will look for any justification to party. On Independence Day, restaurants, shops, and markets are open as usual despite the fact that the majority of corporations and government agencies are closed. This allows families to fully enjoy the festivities and support the preparation of large meals for gatherings. Nigerians of different cultures and beliefs, both at home and abroad, celebrate the occasion.

Independence Day Parade

The Nigerian President gives a live speech to announce the start of the Independence Day celebrations on the morning of October 1. The flag is then raised when the national anthem is played after that. The national cake is then cut to honor the celebrations at Aso Rock after an armed forces parade (the name given to the Presidential Villa).

People are waving and wearing the green and white colors of the flag while celebrating in the streets. The Boys Brigade in Abuja is one school that hosts its own parade.

Organized Parties and Shows

Banky Wellington, an Afrobeat musician, coined the expression “Ain’t no party like a Lagos party,” and this national holiday delivers on that promise. The majority of clubs in cities hold Fourth of July-themed activities. Before a certain hour, certain places let women enter for free.

Young people also take advantage of this chance to organize their own gatherings in their communities, inviting their friends, classmates, and other partygoers, further underscoring the fact that in Nigeria, any reason to party is appreciated.

In the past, various TV stations and shopping centers have been known to host events for kids in local neighborhoods where they can participate in games, eat, and win prizes.

The top comedians in the business also present comedy events. The Lord Of The Ribs With Basketmouth event took place annually on September 30 at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. Other African comedians from the diaspora and the rest of the world performed live during the event, including D’Lai (USA), Donnivin Jordan (USA), Salvador (UGANDA), Kevin J (USA), Celeste Ntuli (SA), Angel Campey (SA), Okey Bakassi, I Go, Dye, Buchi, Bovi, and I Go Save.

The Supremacy Concert, which was scheduled for the next day at the same location, featured performances by musicians including Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, and D’Banj, among others.

Family Gatherings and fireworks

Many Nigerians spend the day with family or friends and enjoy a traditional feast of jollof rice with plantain and chicken or other traditional soups like egusi soup, ogbono soup, okra soup, or Banga soup that is either paired with pounded yam, eba, amala, or fufu.

The majority of young people purchase their fireworks from neighborhood vendors and light them themselves to celebrate the day because there are no official fireworks shows.

Fun at the beach

A day at the beach is a guaranteed bet for people who enjoy being near the water! Again, the beach often transforms into a makeshift outdoor party with massive speakers blasting the newest Afrobeats or vintage Fuji melodies, which older generations are proud to refer to as “the better type of music.”

Picnics are brought by family and friends to the beach. However, you can purchase several kinds of barbecued meats and fish from independent vendors.

Nigeria Independence Day Dates

Year	Date	Day
2022	October 1	Saturday
2023	October 1	Sunday
2024	October 1	Tuesday
2025	October 1	Wednesday
2026	October 1	Thursday

Conclusion

No matter if you celebrate independence on October 1 or not, being aware of what can happen in case of an attack is always a good idea. Whether it’s a possible bomb blast or fake currency notes circulating, stay vigilant at all times and read up more about this day before leaving your house. Happy Independence Day.

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