Abubakar Balewa ‘A Great African’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30966, 24 January 1966, Page 1

Abubakar Balewa ‘A Great African’

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, Jan. 23. “I am deeply moved at the tragic death of a great man who became a personal friend,” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today, commenting on the death, of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

“He was one of the greatest and wisest Africans of our time. Not only Nigeria and Africa but the whole world will mourn his tragic death. “Sir Abubakar, who had been Prime Minister of the Federation of Nigeria since 1957, guided his country through eight critical and formative years,” said Mr Holyoake.

“He brought to his high office profound wisdom, a total dedication and a most moving and sincere humanity, but his finest quality perhaps was his sense of tolerance and moderation.

“In both domestic and foreign affairs. Sir Abubakar rejected prejudice and extremism. He believed passionately in peace, justice and full racial equality, but he acknowledged the difficulties and understood that the attainment of these goals needed time and patience. “It was typical of Sir Abubakar, as I remember him at several meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers, that he should convene and guide to a successful conclusion the recent Lagos Conference on Rhodesia. “In all that he did, he retained a breadth of view and an elevation of purpose which ensured for Nigeria the gratitude of the people of the Commonwealth and the respect and admiration of the international community,” said Mr Holyoake.