For decades now, Nigeria has played a paternal role in African politics, providing economic support and peacekeeping assistance when and where needed. For this reason it is often called "the giant of Africa". It was not until October 1, 1960 that Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain. Having been a colony of Great Britain on January 1, 1901. Nigeria's independence is best described as achieved because there is more to how Nigeria became an independent country than we know. Little has always been said, mostly what we know is that the agreement was peaceful and amicable between the two countries. But freedom always requires the payment of a price before it can be granted. Curious to know more about how Nigeria's independence came to be? well, let's move forward through the untold story of Nigeria's independence. Every Nigerian was convivial and in good spirits on the first day of the tenth month of the year 1960 after learning that the United Kingdom set aside this day to grant Nigeria its independence as a sovereign state. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe dream of its founding fathers, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the late Lord Ahmadu Bello and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among others, has finally come true. Eager Nigerians had stormed the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos as they celebrated joyously and the fireworks display could be seen, various dance groups entertained the spectators as this day would be a memorable day that will forever remain in hearts of Nigerians. This dream of its founding fathers had found the faith to come to life after World War II. Between 1939 and 1945 Nigeria was forced to support Britain in the war which was presented as a war between the enslavement of Adolf Hitler and freedom for humanity. The British economy, which had not yet reached full strength following the damage caused by the First World War, was obviously unprepared for a Second World War. Despite criticism of British colonial rule, influential Nigerian leaders such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Hebert Macaulay now appealed to all Nigerians to support Britain and its allies as they could still see reasons why Nigeria should not do otherwise. Nigerian citizens have never disappointed their leaders as they have rendered selfless service to British citizens. It became more visible that there was a brotherly sacrifice that existed among Nigerians. Young Nigerians were mobilized and recruited into carrying out military and paramilitary projects to counter Hitler's onslaught as he now pushes to take control of the Mediterranean in an attempt to seize supplies that could reach Britain and weaken its allies. These Nigerians, though unprepared, fought for Britain as they would fight for their home. They participated in construction projects such as the construction of a barracks to serve as a base where the military operation to be carried out will be planned and also a place located for arsenal. They also built the railroad to serve as a means of transportation. These young Nigerians were forced to overwork as every hand was required to work to meet their demands on time. Hitler's army was not destroyed but weakened as the Nigerians were joined by one hundred thousand soldiers from other African countries in combat against Hitler and his army. Meanwhile millions of Jews were killed and a large part of the Polish population was massacred