On September 30, 1960, the British government sent congratulatory messages to Nigeria as it prepared for its independence. These messages were from British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, Secretary of State for the Colonies Iain Macleod, and Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations Duncan Sandys. They expressed well wishes to Nigeria's Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and emphasized hopes for continued cordial relations between the two nations. Britain was eager to see Nigeria join the Commonwealth of Nations. Although Nigeria achieved independence on October 1, 1960, it wasn't until 1963 that it became a republic, severing more direct ties with Britain.
This event remains significant in Nigeria’s history, as it highlights the country's peaceful transition from a British colony to an independent nation. Despite this, some critics argue that Nigeria's dependence on former colonial powers and other develop
ed nations has persisted, raising questions about the true extent of its independence.
This day also saw other notable events in history, such as the release of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 in 1997 and the publication of Johann Gutenberg's Bible in 1452.