Meet Nigerian First Ambassador To UK, Abdulmalik Atta Who Delivered Nigeria Independence Letter

Many Nigerians have written their names in gold and posterity will definitely remember their sacrifice in the struggle for the country's Independence that eventually came to a reality 60 years ago on October 1,1960.

One of such nationalists is a man who is often referred to as distinguised diplomat and statesman, Alhaji Abdulmalik Atta.

Ambassador Abdulmalik Atta is the first ever Nigerian ambassadors to United Kingdom and being the first ambassador to UK, he had the rare privilege to deliver the freedom letter, Nigeria's letter of Independence from Queen of England which eventually granted Nigeria's Independence 60 years ago.

The statesman was not just an ambassador, he was a great nationalist who joined the likes of Sir Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and others. 

Abdulmalik Atta was born April 1, 1906 in Okene in the present Kogi State to the royal family of the first Atta of Ebiraland, HRH Ibrahim Onoruoiza Atta who ruled Ebirland between 1917 to 1954.

His father was known and respected for his efforts for his children to get Western Education. Just like his other siblings, he started his academic journey as one of the pioneer pupils in the first primary school in Okene popularly known as 'Makaranta' In 1922.

He was later moved to Bida where he subsequently completed his primary education in 1928. 

In his quest to further his education, ambassador Abdulmalik moved to Katsina and attended the then Kastina College, and graduated in 1934.

His nationalist struggle started during his days in Katsina College where he met some of the great nationalists in the country and joined the struggle for Nigeria independence. 

Ambassador Abdulmalik Atta later proceeded to prestigious Oxford University for his university education where he demonstrated his potential and graudtaed as one of the best students.

The respected ambassador was first appointed as the Regional House of Assembly and then appointed as the first Agent General for Northern Nigeria to UK.

He reached the peak of his career in 1955 When he was appointed as the first Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. 

As the first ambassador to UK, he played a major role in the struggle for Nigeria's independent by serving as a link between the colonial office and the Nationalist leaders in Nigeria which led to the pre-independence Conferences that took place in London.

Being the first Nigerian ambassador to UK, Abdulmalik Atta delivered the historic letter from the Queen of England to Nigeria on October 1, 1960 which declared Nigeria an Independent State. 

Abdulmalik Atta in his capacity as Nigerian Ambassador to UK, he also had the rare privilege to lowered the British Flag otherwise known as Union Jack and historically hoisted the green white green of Nigerian flag at the Nigeria House in London on October 1, 1960.

This milestone was greeted with celebration by the Nigerian students in London who organized a celebration party with ambassador Abdulmalik. 

He was subsequently transfered to Paris in 1967 as the Nigerian Ambassador to France. Unfortunately the statesman died on June 12,1972 at the Royal Free Hospital, London. He was buried in Lokoja Kogi State.