Meet The First Nigerian Ambassador To UK, Abdulmalik Atta Who Delivered Nigeria's Independence Letter
The distinguished diplomat and statesman, Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta is the first Nigerian ambassador to United Kingdom who delivered Nigeria's letter of independence from the Queen of England that granted independence to Nigerian authorities.
Born April 1, 1906 in Okene, he is the eldest son of HRH Ibrahim Onoruoiza Atta, (Atta of Ebiraland 1917-1954).
Ambassador Abdulmalik was lucky to have been born to the family of late HRH Ibrahim Onoruoiza Atta, who valued education and used everything possible to make sure his children acquired the best education.
He was among the pioneer pupils at the first primary school in Okene then known as Makaranta' located very close to his father's palace at Okeneba in Okene, Kogi State in 1922.
He was later transferred to Bida where he completed his primary education between 1927-1928. Abdulmalik proceeded to Kastina where he attended the prestigious Kastina College, and graduated in 1934.
During his school days in Kastina, Abdulmalik Atta met some of the future pioneering indigenous nationalists from the Northern Nigeria and the country as co-studdnts which helped his later career. He proceeded Oxford University where he graduated as one of the best students.
After his education, Abdulmalik Atta returned to Okene where he worked and taught at the then Okene Middle School between 1934-1935 and was later transfered to the Native Authority otherwise known as N.A. then.
Abdulmalik Atta was soon promoted to the post of Wakili Atta/ Chief Scribe of the N.A between 1940-1950 due to his exceptional performances in his assigned duties and was later appointed to the membership of the Ibadan Conference on Macpherson constitution.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta's Diplomat Career
After being appointed to the Regional House of Assembly, the Oxford University graduate was appointed as the first Agent General for Northern Nigeria to the United Kingdom. He later became the first Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1955 until he was moved to Paris in 1967 as the Nigerian Ambassador to France.
Abdulmalik Atta's outstanding diplomat dexterity was clearly shown in the role he played during the period of Nigeria's struggle for Independence.
During that period, Abdulmalik Atta served as important link between the colonial office and the Nigeria Nationalist leaders throughout the pre-independence Conferences held in London.
As the first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Abdulmalik Atta had the rare privilege to to deliver the milestone letter from the esteemed Queen of England that granted Nigeria independence to Nigerian authorities.
Aso in his capacity as the first Nigerian Ambassador to United Kingdom, he had the rare privilege to lowered the British Flag known as the Union Jack and hoisted the historic Nigerian flag at the Nigeria House in London, October 1, 1960.
This brought happiness amongst the Nigeria students in London and quickly organized a celebration with Ambassador Abdulmalik Atta to celebrate the historic long awaiting Nigeria independence.
Award And Recognitions
In recognition of his diplomatic dexterity and excellent performance as Nigerian Ambassador to United Kingdom, he was honoured by the Queen of England with the award of the Commander of the British Empire
(CBE).
Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta was a man of integrity and spirituality and never believe in the acquisition of material health. He was highly religious and became the second Ebira man to perform pilgrimage to Mecca in 1947 after his father, Alhaji Ibrahim Onoruioza Atta performed pilgrimage to Mecca in 1930 as the first Ebira Man to embark on the spiritual journey.
His level of religious understanding made him to establish a strong relationship with Kaolack in Senagal and gave one of his daughters, Hajia Bilkis to Sheik Ibrahim Niass in marriage in 1959.
His level of spirituality and religious understanding earned him the name "Mallam Maliki" and was regarded as a man of the people and the nation.
The Nigerian first Ambassador to United Kingdom who delivered the historic Nigeria's Independence Letter, however, died on August 28, 1969.
Born April 1, 1906 in Okene, he is the eldest son of HRH Ibrahim Onoruoiza Atta, (Atta of Ebiraland 1917-1954).
Ambassador Abdulmalik was lucky to have been born to the family of late HRH Ibrahim Onoruoiza Atta, who valued education and used everything possible to make sure his children acquired the best education.
He was among the pioneer pupils at the first primary school in Okene then known as Makaranta' located very close to his father's palace at Okeneba in Okene, Kogi State in 1922.
He was later transferred to Bida where he completed his primary education between 1927-1928. Abdulmalik proceeded to Kastina where he attended the prestigious Kastina College, and graduated in 1934.
During his school days in Kastina, Abdulmalik Atta met some of the future pioneering indigenous nationalists from the Northern Nigeria and the country as co-studdnts which helped his later career. He proceeded Oxford University where he graduated as one of the best students.
After his education, Abdulmalik Atta returned to Okene where he worked and taught at the then Okene Middle School between 1934-1935 and was later transfered to the Native Authority otherwise known as N.A. then.
Abdulmalik Atta was soon promoted to the post of Wakili Atta/ Chief Scribe of the N.A between 1940-1950 due to his exceptional performances in his assigned duties and was later appointed to the membership of the Ibadan Conference on Macpherson constitution.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta's Diplomat Career
After being appointed to the Regional House of Assembly, the Oxford University graduate was appointed as the first Agent General for Northern Nigeria to the United Kingdom. He later became the first Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 1955 until he was moved to Paris in 1967 as the Nigerian Ambassador to France.
Abdulmalik Atta's outstanding diplomat dexterity was clearly shown in the role he played during the period of Nigeria's struggle for Independence.
During that period, Abdulmalik Atta served as important link between the colonial office and the Nigeria Nationalist leaders throughout the pre-independence Conferences held in London.
As the first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Abdulmalik Atta had the rare privilege to to deliver the milestone letter from the esteemed Queen of England that granted Nigeria independence to Nigerian authorities.
Aso in his capacity as the first Nigerian Ambassador to United Kingdom, he had the rare privilege to lowered the British Flag known as the Union Jack and hoisted the historic Nigerian flag at the Nigeria House in London, October 1, 1960.
This brought happiness amongst the Nigeria students in London and quickly organized a celebration with Ambassador Abdulmalik Atta to celebrate the historic long awaiting Nigeria independence.
Award And Recognitions
In recognition of his diplomatic dexterity and excellent performance as Nigerian Ambassador to United Kingdom, he was honoured by the Queen of England with the award of the Commander of the British Empire
(CBE).
Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta was a man of integrity and spirituality and never believe in the acquisition of material health. He was highly religious and became the second Ebira man to perform pilgrimage to Mecca in 1947 after his father, Alhaji Ibrahim Onoruioza Atta performed pilgrimage to Mecca in 1930 as the first Ebira Man to embark on the spiritual journey.
His level of religious understanding made him to establish a strong relationship with Kaolack in Senagal and gave one of his daughters, Hajia Bilkis to Sheik Ibrahim Niass in marriage in 1959.
His level of spirituality and religious understanding earned him the name "Mallam Maliki" and was regarded as a man of the people and the nation.
The Nigerian first Ambassador to United Kingdom who delivered the historic Nigeria's Independence Letter, however, died on August 28, 1969.
My great uncle,continue to Rest In Peace...
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