Prime Minister Balewa Leads Nigerian Delegation To US For UN Event
On October 4, 1960, a 14-man Nigerian delegation headed by the Prime Minister of the Federation, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, left Lagos for the United Nations event in the US. This trip came just days after Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. Balewa's mission was to formally present Nigeria as the newest sovereign state to join the global body.
Later at the United Nations General Assembly, the delegation had to introduce Nigeria's foreign policy direction, which emphasised neutrality and non-alignment during the Cold War era. Nigeria sought to maintain good relations with both the Western and the Eastern blocs, while also championing the liberation of other African nations from colonial rule.
ABU Founded
Also on this day in 1962, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) was founded. Located in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, the university was named after the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Sir Ahmadu Bello and Premier of Northern Nigeria at the time, who played a key role in its establishment.
ABU was created with the mission to advance learning and provide higher education for the development of Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Africa and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. across various fields.
Other key events on this day
1. World's first artificial satellite launched - 1957
2. The Pope called for end to the Vietnam War - 1966
3. The Mozambican Civil War ended - 1992
4. WikiLeaks launched after it was created by internet activist Julian Assange - 2006
5. US announced $10 million bounty on wanted global terrorist, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi - 2011.
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