The Generosity of Nigeria – A history lesson for South Africa
The 1960's
Contents
As soon as Nigeria gained its own independence in 1960, its Southern Africa policy was directed towards the eradication of colonialism and racial discrimination, especially the apartheid system. The Sharpeville massacre of March 1960 had just taken place seven months before. It gave Nigeria and the freedom-loving nations of the world the ammunition to focus attention on South Africa. This ultimately lead to the adoption, on 14 December 1960, of the landmark United Nations resolution on ”The Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.”
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a Nigerian politician and the first prime minister of an independent Nigeria. He was one of the first African leaders to drive a “Pan African” agenda. He expended considerable effort to free the continent in general and South Africa, in particular, by (among other things):
- being instrumental in the formation of the Organization of African Unity and its Liberation fund;
- leading a vocal protest against the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960;
- entering into an alliance with Commonwealth ministers who wanted South Africa to leave the Commonwealth in 1961 to force change; and
- being the first leader to provide direct financial aid to the ANC.
Under Balewa, Nigeria set up the National Committee Against Apartheid (NACAP) in 1960 – the only nation to do so, worldwide. The committee’s role was to shine a light on the evils of the apartheid regime to all Nigerians. In primary schools, universities to public spaces (through media, posters, and billboards) Nigerians became aware of the plight of South Africans.
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