society
When Freedom Bled: Nigeria’s Hard Road from Independence to the Biafran Cataclysm
When Freedom Bled: Nigeria’s Hard Road from Independence to the Biafran Cataclysm.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“WE WON INDEPENDENCE AND THEN ALMOST DESTROYED THE COUNTRY TRYING TO KEEP IT.”
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria emerged from the long shadow of British colonial rule and took its place (in name and ceremony) amongst the WORLD’S INDEPENDENT NATIONS. That date remains a lodestar, the end of formal imperial control and the beginning of a treacherous experiment in self-government for a country STITCHED TOGETHER from hundreds of ethnic groups, languages, religions and colonial legacies. Yet independence did not magically end the structural fractures that British rule had deepened; instead it exposed them. Within seven fraught years those fractures detonated into a conflict that became one of modern Africa’s most brutal tragedies; the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
Independence was, for many Nigerians, a moment of dizzying hope. Leaders who had campaigned for self-rule (Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa among them) promised unity, development and dignity. Azikiwe himself, whose life had been bound to nationalist struggle, famously said on independence: “My stiffest earthly assignment is ended and my major life’s work is done. My country is now free” Those words captured the public optimism (and the weight of expectation) that independence bequeathed.
Although beneath the pageantry were unresolved structural dangers. Colonial rule had created administrative regions, promoted uneven economic development and favoured some groups over others; the partitioning logic of empire left behind artificial boundaries and competition for resources and political power. As historian Toyin Falola notes, the legacy of colonial boundaries and the unequal modern structures they produced made citizenship and belonging contested in the newborn state; a volatile mix when combined with elites jockeying for advantage.
The first years of independence saw fragile experiments in parliamentary democracy. But the window for peaceful resolution of deep grievances closed fast. A series of political crises, contested elections and ethnic paranoia culminated in military coups in 1966, assassinations and anti-Igbo pogroms in the north that forced tens of thousands to flee. The Eastern Region, led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared secession as the Republic of Biafra in May 1967. The federal government, under General Yakubu Gowon, answered with military force and a blockade that would be devastating in its human consequences.
The war that followed was not merely a clash of armies, it was a political catastrophe with a staggering humanitarian price. Biafra, initially militarily agile, soon found itself landlocked, deprived of seaports and fuel and subjected to an effective blockade. Starvation (weaponized by logistics and politics) ravaged civilians. Modern estimates of the civilian death toll range widely; reputable historical accounts place the figures between roughly 500,000 and several million, with many scholars converging on a figure that reflects the horrifying scale of famine and disease. No number adequately conveys the moral and social ruin, families destroyed, entire generations scarred and civic trust pulverized.
This violence was not inevitable. It was the foreseeable consequence of leadership failures, hurried nation-building and the refusal of political elites (civilian and military) to forge stabilizing institutions. Atrocities and miscalculations escalated because neither side was prepared to manage the political compromises necessary for plural coexistence. The oft-invoked post-war slogan “NO VICTOR, NO VANQUISHED,” pronounced by Gowon at the war’s end, was meant to close wounds; in practice, it papered over grievances rather than heal them, leaving many questions of justice and reconciliation unanswered. The absence of accountability and meaningful inclusion after the war seeded later crises of trust.
Literature and memory have been the country’s conscience. Chinua Achebe’s account in There Was a Country and Wole Soyinka’s anguished reflections remind us that intellectuals and artists were not mere bystanders (they were witnesses and participants who tried to make sense of the wrenching ruptures. Achebe’s writing, in particular, documents how the Igbo were singled out both as scapegoats and as targets of structural resentment) resentment that predated independence but metastasized in the post-colonial scramble for power. These cultural testimonies force a nation to look unflinchingly at itself.
To say “LESSONS” is not to indulge in cheap moralizing. The real lessons are concrete and urgent. Firstly; nationhood demands institutions that outlive individual politicians; impartial judiciaries, professional civil services, credible electoral systems and federal arrangements that balance unity with regional autonomy. Secondly; economic equity is not optional. When wealth (whether oil or agricultural bounty) is distributed through patronage rather than transparent mechanisms, grievance becomes fuel for conflict. Thirdly; truth and reconciliatory processes matter. The war’s victims deserved a public reckoning; without it, hurt festers and narratives ossify into rival myths that fracture the public sphere. Britannica’s sober accounting of the war shows how the interplay of ethnic tensions, economic disparity and weak institutions produced the catastrophe; reading that account should be a compulsory civic education for every Nigerian leader.
History also offers a final, stubborn demand, that remembrance be coupled to reform. If independence was meant to unlock dignity and prosperity, then remembering Biafra’s dead must not become an exercise in nostalgia. Rather, it should be the prologue to systemic change, decentralised governance structures that allow regions to govern local affairs; educational curricula that teach honest history instead of selective amnesia and economic policies aligned to inclusive growth rather than narrow elite enrichment.
We must also listen to scholars who insist that the contours of modern Nigerian crises are not accidents. Toyin Falola’s scholarship warns that colonial structures and elite manoeuvres shaped durable inequalities; to address our present we must engage with the structural past honestly. To put it plainly; ignorance of history is not innocence, it is a political choice that guarantees repetition.
At its best, independence promised a covenant between rulers and the ruled; protection, opportunity and reciprocal duty. The Biafran nightmare revealed how quickly that covenant can be broken. As Nigeria approaches each anniversary of October 1, the country should do more than parade veterans and raise flags. It should enact policies that make the union meaningful, expand avenues for redress and uphold the dignity of all its peoples.
There is no simple balm for the past. There is a path forward; robust institutions, shared memory, accountable leadership and an economic architecture that binds rather than divides. If independence taught us anything, it is that freedom without justice is brittle and that the test of nationhood is not when flags are raised, but when every citizen can live without fear and with hope.
Ajadi, Peter Obi, Adeleke, Others Join Makinde at Oyo@50 Thanksgiving Service
The leading gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Sunday joined Governor Seyi Makinde, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, the wife of the Osun State Governor, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, and other eminent dignitaries at a Thanksgiving Service marking the seventh day of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of Oyo State.
The service, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, drew a large congregation of worshippers, political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders across the state and beyond, underscoring the significance of the golden jubilee celebration.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Ajadi congratulated Governor Makinde, former Governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other stakeholders for steering the state to its historic milestone, describing the anniversary as a moment for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to progress.
Oyo State at 50 is not just a celebration of years; it is a celebration of the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of our people,” Ajadi said. “I congratulate His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja and all stakeholders for sustaining the legacy of excellence, unity and progress that the Pacesetter State represents.”
He praised the people of the state for their resilience over the decades. He acknowledged the collective efforts of past and present leaders who have contributed to Oyo State’s political stability, economic growth and rich cultural heritage since its creation in 1976.
Ajadi, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, noted that the golden jubilee provides an opportunity for both leaders and citizens to critically assess the journey so far and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous future.
“As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we must reflect on where we are coming from, where we are today and where we want to be,” he said. “Oyo State has produced great leaders, intellectuals, professionals and cultural icons.
He also commended the state government for designing a commemorative programme that blends intellectual engagement with the celebration of excellence, stressing that such initiatives help preserve history while inspiring younger generations.
Earlier, Governor Makinde, while addressing the congregation, said that although his tenure would end in May 2027, the team with which he has delivered good governance remains intact and prepared to continue the state’s development trajectory in different capacities.
The governor, who read the second Bible lesson from Matthew 5:1–12, attributed his emergence as governor in 2019 after eight years of political contest to divine grace, describing his administration as a “new beginning” for Oyo State.
“I was the eighth civilian governor of Oyo State, and in the Bible, the number eight signifies a new beginning,” Makinde said. “God has been merciful to us, and we will continue to govern in accordance with His will and guidance for the people of Oyo State.”
He assured residents of continuity in governance, emphasising that while he would exit office at the end of his tenure, members of his team would remain committed to serving the state.
“We have a team that is still intact. It is only Seyi Makinde that will go out; the members of the team are there to continue the work for the people of Oyo State,” he stated.
In a goodwill message, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, lauded Makinde’s leadership style and the transformation witnessed in the state under his administration.
Oyo State is a city of knowledge and a city of hope,” Obi said. “I thank Governor Makinde for faithfully serving the people. Nigeria is not a poor country, but a poorly governed one, and what we are seeing in Oyo State is an example of using public resources for public good.”
Dignitaries at the event included the wife of the governor, Her Excellency Engr Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde; wife of the Osun State Governor, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke; former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; and several other government officials, traditional rulers and political leaders.
society
UKA Announces Appointment of Hon AMB Asari St-Hill Bahamas/atlantian as Chief of Staff to Reigning Monarch Emperor Solomon Winning
UKA Announces Appointment of Hon AMB Asari St-Hill Bahamas/atlantian as Chief of Staff to Reigning Monarch Emperor Solomon Winning
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) proudly announces the appointment of *Honorable Ambassador Asari St-Hill, A Bahamas/atlantian* as *Chief of Staff* to the Reigning Monarch, *Emperor Solomon Winning*. The official appointment ceremony was conducted on February 1st, 2026, and marked with the presentation of an Appointment Certificate (UKA 001 -1/2026).
Key Details of the Appointment
– *Hon AMB Asari St-Hill, A Bahamas/Atlantian* has been entrusted with the prestigious role of Chief of Staff, to serve the Reigning Monarch under the UKA GLOBAL ADMINISTRATOR TO UKA ROYAL THRONE of Emperor Solomon Winning, the sovereign of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
– The appointment signifies a strategic enhancement of the monarch’s administrative and operational capabilities, aligning with the empire’s vision of efficient governance and global humanitarian leadership.
– The certificate of appointment bears the *Royal Seal of the Empire* and the endorsement of *EMP Noblis Solomon Winning*, affirming the legitimacy and authority of the designation.
Role of the Chief of Staff…👇
The Chief of Staff will be responsible for:
1. Managing the day-to-day operations of the monarch’s office.
.2. Act as Principal Aid to the Reigning Monarch and coordinates activities of staff.
3. Serves as one of the confidence to the Reigning Monarch.
4. Organised Reigning monarch appointment, meetings and engagement.
5. Review, vet documents, speaches, correspondence intended for The Reghning Monarch.
6. The Chief of Staff shall work and take instructions from the Global Administrator to the Throne in order to strengthen the entire administration of the Reigning Monarch in order to position UKA as the largest Empire in modern history.
Emperor Nobiliis Solomon Winning is the transformative leader of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, driving innovative projects in finance, humanitarian efforts, and global development. His reign focuses on merging traditional monarchical values with modern technological advancements, exemplified by initiatives like the ATC digital currency.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA) is a sovereign entity dedicated to fostering global unity, humanitarian progress, and financial innovation. It operates under a regal framework that blends imperial tradition with futuristic economic strategies, including asset-backed digital currencies and sustainable development programs.
_”The appointment of Hon AMB Asari St-Hill as Chief of Staff strengthens our administrative excellence and underscores our commitment to visionary leadership.”_
— *Emperor Solomon Winning*
The United Kingdom of Atlantis looks forward to achieving new milestones in governance and global impact under the stewardship of Emperor Solomon Winning and his esteemed Chief of Staff, Hon AMB Asari St-Hill.
Gen CG Musa Support Group Celebrates Grand Patron as 2025 Man of the Year
The Gen CG Musa Support Group has extended its warmest congratulations to its Grand Patron, His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR (Rtd), the Honourable Minister of Defence, following his prestigious designation as the 2025 Man of the Year by OurNigeria News Magazine.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Director General of the Support Group, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, the Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the group hailed the recognition as a fitting tribute to a leader of exceptional character and accomplishment.
The statement illuminated the distinction of the award, emphasizing that it transcends the formal titles of “General” and “Minister.” It celebrated the core of the man himself—a leader renowned for his profound humility, incredible kindness, and genuine respect for all individuals. “People see the legacy and the title,” the statement noted, “but some of us are lucky to know the man behind it.”
The Support Group underscored that this accolade is a direct acknowledgment of the Minister’s exemplary personal conduct. It is an award not merely for the office he holds, but for the consistent humility he carries into every room and every interaction, a quality that has defined his leadership both in and out of uniform.
The honour also serves as a powerful validation of General Musa’s distinguished and unblemished track record of service to the nation. His decades of dedicated service within the military, which culminated in his ascension to the pinnacle as the Chief of Defence Staff prior to his retirement, are cited as the foundational pillars of his esteemed reputation.
The Gen CG Musa Support Group expressed profound gratitude to OurNigeria News Magazine for its discerning choice, noting that the award serves as a significant source of encouragement for the Honourable Minister. It reaffirms the nation’s appreciation for leadership that blends strength with compassion, strategic vision with unwavering integrity, and lofty achievement with grounded humanity.
This recognition solidifies General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s status not only as a defender of the nation but as a paragon of virtuous leadership, whose influence and example continue to inspire confidence and respect across Nigeria.
About the Gen CG Musa Support Group:
The Gen CG Musa Support Group is a collective dedicated to promoting the ideals and supporting the leadership of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, celebrating their service and contributions to national peace, security, and unity.
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