Throwback:Prime Minister of an independent Nigeria, during his visit to the U.S

In the spirit of unity and progress, I am honored to share with you an excerpt from the historic speech delivered by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the first Prime Minister of an independent Nigeria, during his visit to the United States. His words, though spoken over six decades ago, still resonate with the aspirations of Africans for a continent united in peace, freedom, and prosperity.

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[Opening Greetings and Acknowledgments]

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed leaders, and friends of the great continent of Africa,

It is with a profound sense of joy and pride that I stand before you today as the representative of the newly independent nation of Nigeria. As the first Prime Minister of this vibrant country, I am deeply humbled by the warmth and hospitality that has been extended to me during my visit to this great nation.

The bonds between our peoples are not new. They are woven through the fabric of history, and today, we stand at the dawn of a new era where we strive to strengthen these ties in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.

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[African Unity and Independence]

The winds of change are blowing across Africa, and we are witnessing a time of great transformation. From the Sahara to the Cape of Good Hope, the voices of freedom are ringing out, and the shackles of colonialism are being cast aside.

We Africans are determined to take our place among the free peoples of the world. We seek to build a continent that is united in purpose, where the diverse threads of our cultures and traditions are woven into a tapestry of strength and solidarity. Our aim is not merely to gain political independence but to build a society that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all.

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[The Role of the United States in African Development]

As we stand at the crossroads of history, we look to the United States as a beacon of democracy and a bastion of freedom. Your support for our cause has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for the friendship you have extended to us.

We believe that our destinies are intertwined, that the prosperity of Africa is inextricably linked with the prosperity of the world. We invite you to join us in our quest for development and progress. Let us work together to harness the vast resources of our continent, to educate our children, and to uplift the lives of our people.

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[Economic Partnership and Assistance]

We recognize the immense challenges that lie ahead, and we do not underestimate the effort required to overcome them. We look to our partners in the West to offer not just aid, but the hand of friendship and the spirit of collaboration. We seek investments that will create jobs, infrastructure that will connect our people, and knowledge that will empower our nations.

Our doors are open to genuine partnerships that respect our sovereignty and dignity. Together, we can create a future where the resources of Africa are used to benefit Africans and contribute to the welfare of the entire human family.

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[Conclusion: A Plea for Understanding and Cooperation]

In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere hope that the friendship between our nations will grow from strength to strength. Let us not view each other through the lens of our past differences, but rather as equals embarking on a shared journey towards a brighter future.

May the bonds forged today lead to a new chapter in the history of our nations, where we stand side by side as champions of freedom, champions of peace, and champions of prosperity for all.

Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the United States of America.

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