(a) Describe the origin of the Commonwealth. (b) Identify four benefits derived by being a member of the Commonwealth

(a) Origin of the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth (formerly the British Commonwealth of Nations) is a voluntary association of independent states that were formerly under British colonial rule, together with Britain itself. Its origin lies in the gradual grant of self-government to Britain's colonies and dominions. The idea was first given formal expression at the Imperial Conferences of the early twentieth century, and the Balfour Declaration of 1926 recognised the dominions (such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand) as autonomous and equal in status to Britain. The Statute of Westminster in 1931 gave legal force to this equality. As more colonies, including Nigeria in 1960, gained independence, they chose to remain associated with Britain, transforming the body into the modern Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of equal and independent sovereign states owing common allegiance to the British Crown as its symbolic head.

(b) Four benefits of membership of the Commonwealth

1. Economic and technical assistance: Members receive aid, grants, loans and technical cooperation through schemes such as the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation.
2. Educational benefits: Members enjoy scholarships, exchange programmes and mutual recognition of qualifications, for example the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme.
3. Promotion of trade and economic cooperation: Membership opens preferential trade and investment opportunities among member states.
4. International cooperation and solidarity: Members gain a forum for consultation on world affairs, mutual diplomatic support, and promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance, plus sporting and cultural links such as the Commonwealth Games.