On October 3, 1960, her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Kent, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, formally opened the First Parliament of Independent Nigeria at the Independence Hall.
The ceremony, held just two days after the nation attained independence on October 1st, was marked by pomp, colour and deep national pride.
The Princess, while arriving to a rousing welcome from thousands of cheering Lagosians, was received by His Excellency Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Governor-General, and the Prime Minister, Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
In a solemn moment, Dr. Azikiwe read the official Letters Patent from Her Majesty the Queen, authorizing the opening of Parliament and conveying her goodwill to the people of Nigeria.
Prime Minister Balewa, in his address, said the opening of Parliament marks the dawn of a new era of responsibility and service to the Nigerian people.
“We have been entrusted with the destiny of this great nation. Let us work together in unity for the peace and progress of all,” the Prime Minister stated.
