16/01/2025
HISTORY MUST BE REVIEWED
Nnamdi Azikiwe, fondly referred to as "Zik of Africa," was a pioneering Nigerian politician, statesman, and revolutionary leader who made history as the country's first president during the First Nigerian Republic (1963-1966) ¹.
Born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, Azikiwe's early life was marked by his exposure to different cultures. His father, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe, was a clerk in the British Administration of Nigeria, and his mother, Rachel Chinwe Ogbenyeanu Azikiwe, was from a royal family in Onitsha.
Azikiwe's educational journey took him to the United States, where he attended Storer College, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Howard University. He was heavily influenced by the ideals of African-American press, Garveyism, and pan-Africanism.
Before entering politics, Azikiwe worked as a journalist and editor, founding several newspapers, including the West African Pilot, which became a powerful tool for promoting nationalism in Nigeria. He was a strong advocate for African independence and unity, and his writings and speeches inspired many Nigerians to fight for their rights.
Azikiwe's entry into politics was marked by his co-founding of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Herbert Macaulay in 1944. He became the council's secretary-general in 1946 and later served as the premier of East Nigeria from 1954 to 1959.
As Nigeria's first president, Azikiwe played a crucial role in shaping the country's early years. He is remembered as a champion of Nigerian nationalism and a strong advocate for African unity and independence.
