Tafawa Balewa

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (December 1912 – January 15, 1966) was a prominent Nigerian politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1960 to 1966. He remains a pivotal figure in the nation's history, instrumental in guiding the country through its transition from British colonial rule to independence.Early Life and Education Born in December 1912 in Bauchi, Northern Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa was of Gere descent. His father, Yakubu Dan Zala, was a district head in the Bauchi Native Authority. Balewa began his education at a Qu’ranic school in Bauchi before attending the Katsina Higher College (now Barewa College) from 1928 to 1933, where he trained as a teacher. He returned to Bauchi to teach at the Bauchi Middle School. Recognizing his academic potential, he was selected for further studies abroad and attended the University of London’s Institute of Education from 1945 to 1946, specializing in English and history. This experience profoundly shaped his perspective, particularly regarding the need for African self-determination.Career Progression and Political Ascent Balewa’s career began in the teaching profession, where he eventually rose to the position of Headmaster of the Bauchi Middle School. His political career commenced in the 1940s when he was elected to the Northern House of Assembly. He was also one of the first northerners to be elected to the Legislative Council in 1947. A co-founder of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), which dominated the political landscape of Northern Nigeria, Balewa quickly became one of its most articulate and respected spokesmen. Following the constitutional conferences that restructured Nigeria’s government, Balewa was appointed Minister of Works in 1952 and later Minister of Transport. In 1957, he was appointed the first Prime Minister of Nigeria in the pre-independence interim government. When Nigeria gained full independence on October 1, 1960, Balewa officially became the country's first and only Prime Minister.Major Achievements and Notable Works Balewa’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant diplomatic and infrastructural achievements. * **Independence and Constitution:** He successfully led Nigeria to independence in 1960 and oversaw the early years of the nascent democracy, focusing on national unity among the ethnically diverse regions. * **Foreign Policy:** Balewa was a respected figure on the international stage. He played a crucial role in establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), precursor to the African Union, and advocated strongly for non-alignment during the Cold War. His foreign policy efforts gave Nigeria a strong voice in African affairs, earning him the nickname "The Golden Voice of Africa." * **Infrastructure and Economic Development:** His government initiated several major infrastructural projects, including the development of ports, railways, and the establishment of Nigeria's first national airline, Nigerian Airways. * **Literary Work:** Before his political prominence, Balewa was a noted writer. His novel, *Shaihu Umar*, is a significant work in Nigerian literature.Current Status Tafawa Balewa’s term as Prime Minister was tragically cut short. He was abducted and subsequently murdered in the nation's first military coup, often referred to as the "January 15 Coup" of 1966. Balewa’s legacy endures as a founding father of modern Nigeria and a symbol of national cohesion. He is formally recognized as a national hero. Numerous institutions, landmarks, and public spaces across Nigeria are named in his honor, including the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos and the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi. His contributions to the political and diplomatic foundation of Nigeria ensure his perpetual status as a legend in the country’s historical narrative.