WATCH: Tafawa Balewa in the USA

 
Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first and only Prime Minister, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the leading nationalist figures of the Nigerian anti-colonial movement. The wonderful Nigerian Nostalgia Project recently shared this video of Tafawa Balewa's visit to the United States a year after Nigeria's independence:
Invited by US president John F. Kennedy and accompanied by Nigerian advisers, Tafawa Balewa toured Washington DC's major sights, spoke with US government officials about Nigeria's development, and addressed the US House of Representatives. He also visited other cities in the USA, including Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), Chicago (Illinois), Knoxville (Tennessee), and New York City. Sadly, within five years of this video, both leaders would be dead following tragic assassinations. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to look back on the history of Nigeria in the global spotlight, especially in the light of current affairs. Want to learn more about Nigeria's history, people and culture? Be sure to check out our Discover Nigeria section to read articles and watch more videos on Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and other great Nigerians.