1960 — Nigeria Gains Independence

At the stroke of midnight in Lagos on October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and a brand-new flag climbed into the African sky. Designed by Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, a 23-year-old student, its green, white, and green had beaten out nearly 2,000 entries. Before tens of thousands at the Lagos Race Course, Princess Alexandra handed Nigeria its instruments of independence. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became prime minister, and Nnamdi Azikiwe became governor-general.

After decades of struggle, Africa's most populous nation stood free. That handover was more than ceremony: a flag chosen from thousands of designs announced a people taking charge of their own future. The Giant of Africa had begun its journey.