In this Naij.com retro series, we look at a short but famous interview granted by Tafawa Balewa and his perception about the country a few days after independence.
Nigeria had just gained independence on January, 1 1960 and Balewa was the prime minister while Nnamdi Azikiwe was the president.

While Azikiwe served in the executive capacity, Balewa served as the image maker of the country in the ceremonial role in other countries.
Before the formation of the foreign affairs office, Balewa also doubled as foreign affairs advocate.
Asked by the BBC how he felt about leaving Nigeria a few days after independence, Balewa replied that he was confident in the administration that he had left behind. He said although things were not perfect, he believed the newly independent country was fine.

Balewa who was knighted in 1960 by Queen Elizabeth as a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire was considered one of the finest politicians in Nigeria’s history.
He was killed during Nigeria’s first military coup in January 15, 1966 and his body was reportedly discovered six days after at a roadside in Lagos.
https://www.naij.com/837289-retro-series-tafawa-balewa-said-nigeria-days-independence-video.html?source=index_main
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