Front: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-1966), Prime Minister of Nigeria 1960-1966

Balewa was trained as a teacher. He received his college education in England. Balewa entered the government in 1952 as Minister of Works, and later served as Minister of Transport. He was elected Chief Minister in 1957. Balewa became Prime Minister, when Nigeria gained independence in 1960, and was reelected in 1964. He was overthrown and killed in a military coup in 1966.

Back: Dancers

Front: Alvan Ikoku (1900-1971), educator and politician

Ikoku, born into a wealthy merchant family, was trained as a teacher. In 1931, he established his own college called the Aggrey Memorial College, named after an eminent Ghanaian educator, Dr. Aggrey.

Ikoku was active in the Nigerian Union of Teachers, and became its National President in 1955. He also participated in politics, serving both in the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly as well as the Legislative Council in Lagos. While in government, he applied his influence to foster the advancement of education. He died in 1971.

Back: Two women with bowls on heads

Front: Four bust reflecting varied citizentry

Back: Fishermen

This note is not in my collection. Scans courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Front: Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987), Nigerian nationalist and political leader

Awolowo, son of a farmer, was trained as a lawyer. He became involved in politics in the 1940s. He was elected Premier of Western Nigeria from 1954-1959. He became the opposition leader in the Federal House of Representatives. He was appointed the Federal Commissioner for Finance and Deputy Chairman of the Federal Executive Council, a position he resigned in 1971. In 1979, he ran unsuccessfully for president. He died on May 9, 1987.

Back: Zuma rock

This note is not in my collection. Scans courtesy of Arigo Avbovbo.

Front: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996), first President of Nigeria (1963-1966)

Back: Oil platform