ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, born in December 1912 in present-day Bauchi State, Nigeria, was a politician who served as the first and only prime minister in Nigeria upon independence.

Balewa’s early life was rooted in the traditions of Northern Nigeria. He began his education in a Qur'anic school before progressing to Tafawa Balewa Elementary School, Bauchi Provincial School, and eventually Barewa College. His time at Barewa College was challenging, with Balewa often walking long distances during school holidays. After completing his studies in 1933, he returned to Bauchi as a teacher and quickly rose to the position of headmaster by 1941. His pursuit of further education led him to the University of London’s Institute of Education in 1944, and upon his return to Nigeria, he was appointed as an Inspector of Schools, which marked the beginning of his political career.

Balewa entered politics in 1946 when he was elected to the Northern House of Assembly. The following year, he joined the Legislative Council, where he became a vocal advocate for Northern Nigeria’s rights and a proponent of a cautious approach to independence. Alongside Ahmadu Bello, Balewa was instrumental in transforming the cultural organization Jam'iyyar Mutanen Arewa into the Northern People's Congress (NPC), a political party that would dominate Nigerian politics for years. He quickly rose to prominence within the party, becoming its vice president and leading it to victory in the 1951 regional elections.

Under the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, Balewa was elected to the Federal House of Representatives in Lagos, where he served as a federal minister. He held several important portfolios, including Minister of Works and Minister of Transport, where he oversaw key infrastructure projects such as the development of Nigeria’s railway and marine systems, the Niger Bridge, and the Kainji Dam.

In 1957, following the NPC’s success in the federal elections, Balewa was appointed Chief Minister and subsequently became Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. In this role, he led the nation through the final stages of its transition to independence in 1960, forming a coalition government that included the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) and the Action Group (AG). His ability to work effectively with leaders from different regions and political backgrounds was crucial in maintaining national unity during this critical period.

Balewa continued to serve as Prime Minister after Nigeria gained independence, securing re-election in 1964. His leadership, however, was tested by the growing regional tensions and political unrest that plagued the country, particularly in the Western Region. Despite these challenges, Balewa played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy, advocating for African unity and taking a strong stance against apartheid. He also made notable contributions on the international stage, including addressing a Joint Session of the United States Congress during a state visit in 1961 and participating in the historic Syncom 2 satellite program, where he made the first live two-way satellite call between heads of government.

Balewa’s commitment to Nigeria’s place in the Commonwealth was unwavering, and his foreign policy was distinctly pro-Western, with a strong opposition to communism and Soviet influence in the country. His efforts to keep Nigeria aligned with Western powers were evident in his actions to curb the spread of communist ideas and literature within the nation.

Tragically, Balewa’s life and career were cut short on January 15, 1966, when he was overthrown and assassinated during a military coup. His death, along with those of other key leaders, triggered violent riots in Northern Nigeria and contributed to the instability that would plague the country in the years to come. Despite the circumstances of his death, Balewa’s legacy as a leader and a statesman remains significant.

Balewa was also a writer, having authored the novella Shaihu Umar in 1933. The work, which deals with themes of the trans-Saharan slave trade, family, and Islamic faith, remains an important piece of Nigerian literature. His contributions to Nigeria’s development were recognized through several honors, including a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 1960 and honorary doctorates from the University of Sheffield and New York University.

Balewa’s personal life reflected his modest nature. At the time of his death, he owned a house in Bauchi and a 50-acre farm, where he often made important decisions. He was married to four women and had nineteen children. His legacy is commemorated through various institutions bearing his name, including the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Bauchi State International Airport. Balewa was laid to rest in Bauchi, where his memory continues to be honored. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abubakar_Tafawa_Balewa