Nnamdi Azikiwe: Legacy of a Nigerian Nationalist And Igbo Icon

Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of independent Nigeria, is an enduring beacon of inspiration, a symbol of courage, and a prime example of the indomitable African spirit. Born in Zungeru, northern Nigeria, Azikiwe carved a path of distinction through sheer will, intellect, and an unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of the African people. This narrative traces the extraordinary journey of a visionary who propelled himself from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s foremost independence leaders. It intricately explores Azikiwe’s formative years, his transformative education abroad, his passionate pursuit of Nigerian independence, his audacious presidency, and the profound legacy he etched on the sands of time.

Early Life and Education of Nnamdi Azikiwe

Early Life and Birth of Nnamdi Azikiwe

Nnamdi Azikiwe, fondly known as “Zik”, was born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, which was then a British protectorate. He was born into an Igbo family, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. His father, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe, was a clerk in the British Administration, which influenced Azikiwe’s early exposure to the West. His mother, Rachel Chinwe Azikiwe, made great efforts to imbue in him the traditions and customs of their Igbo heritage.

Early Education and Ideologies

Nnamdi Azikiwe’s initial education was at the Church Missionary Society Central School. In his early years, he developed a voracious reading habit that exposed him to different ideas. This education also invited in him a unique ability to absorb diverse cultural influences, shaping him into a cosmopolitan individual. However, the limited opportunities available in colonial Nigeria led Azikiwe to yearn for higher education overseas.

Journey Abroad for Further Studies

In 1925, with the backing of his parents, he journeyed to the United States for further studies. Initially, he faced hardships and worked various manual jobs to fund his education. He pursued his undergraduate studies in various institutions such as Howard University, Washington D.C., and Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, where he aimed to study advanced courses in political science, journalism, and jurisprudence.

Exposure to Nationalism and Pan-Africanism

During his time abroad, the racial discrimination and prejudice Nnamdi Azikiwe experienced played a pivotal role in stimulating his interest in racial equality and liberation struggles. This interest matured as he fell under the influence of prominent figures such as W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey, both of whom played a critical role in shaping his Pan-Africanist and nationalist ideologies.

These encounters grounded him in the principles of self-determination and decolonization, preparing him for his significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence. In 1934, after receiving multiple degrees, Azikiwe took up a position at a historically black college in the United States, where he further enriched his views on anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism.

Return to Africa and Continued Education

Motivated by a profound desire to effect change in Africa, Nnamdi Azikiwe returned to the continent in 1934. First, he moved to the Gold Coast (now Ghana) where he became a newspaper editor. His writings were geared towards awakening a consciousness of the exploitation and oppression of colonial rule among the African populace. In 1947, he furthered his education by securing a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of London, fortifying his intellectual preparation for his imminent political career.

Throughout his life journey, Nnamdi Azikiwe’s formative years and educational undertakings played a pivotal role in molding him into an influential personality instrumental in Nigeria’s fight for independence. He was one of the essential founding fathers of the nation, as well as being a vocal advocate for the principles of Pan-Africanism.

Political Career and Struggle for Independence

A Homeland Return

Upon returning to Nigeria in 1934, having spent a significant period in Ghana as a journalist, Nnamdi Azikiwe found himself deeply impacted by his experiences. These experiences abroad were the catalyst that honed his aspirations to play a part in the liberation of his homeland, which at the time was still yoked under British colonial rule.

Entry into Politics and Formation of the NCNC

Aligning with his vision for a free Nigeria, Azikiwe emerged as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. In 1944, he co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Herbert Macaulay. The NCNC represented a broad nationalist coalition aimed at securing Nigeria’s independence. Azikiwe quickly rose in the ranks, later assuming leadership of the NCNC after Macaulay’s demise in 1946.

Struggle against British Rule

Nnamdi Azikiwe was instrumental in galvanizing support for the Nigerian independence movement. He used his influence within the NCNC and his skills as a journalist to put pressure on British colonial authorities. In the 1940s and 1950s, he championed the cause for Nigerian independence through diplomatic engagements with British policymakers, passionate speeches, and his numerous political writings.

Premiership and Independence of Nigeria

In 1960, his persistent advocacy for independence paid off when Nigeria finally gained independence from British rule. In previous years leading to this point, Azikiwe had already obtained significant political milestones. He served as the premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria from 1954, where he led the region’s government before moving to the federal level.

Role as Nigeria’s First President

Upon Nigeria’s attainment of independence, Azikiwe transitioned to a ceremonial role as Nigeria’s Governor-General from 1960 to 1963. However, when Nigeria became a republic in 1963, Azikiwe was elected as its first President. His presidency stood as a symbol of the successful struggle that brought Nigeria to its independent state. He served as President until 1966 when a military coup brought an end to Nigeria’s First Republic.

Impact on Nigerian Politics

Throughout his political career, Nnamdi Azikiwe emerged as a significant figure in the sway of Nigerian politics. Having played a significant part in the independence movement, Azikiwe left a strong imprint on Nigerian sovereignty. His political philosophies often encapsulated in his various writings and speeches, have helped to shape identity and national consciousness among Nigerians.

Legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe

Nnamdi Azikiwe’s impact on the socio-political landscape of Nigeria has remained distinctively evident over the years. His legacy has fundamentally influenced subsequent generations of political leaders, inspiring their enduring aspiration for justice, equality, and enhanced governance within the nation.

His Career as the First President of Nigeria

Nnamdi Azikiwe: Nigeria’s First Indigenous Head of State

In the wake of Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960, Nnamdi Azikiwe became the country’s first native head of state. He assumed the presidency on October 1, 1963, effectively establishing a new era in Nigerian political history, which lasted until his resignation on January 15, 1966.

Azikiwe’s Policies and Achievements

As President, Azikiwe’s policies emphasized unity and national integration in the face of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional differences. He pursued a program of rapid modernization and industrialization to propel Nigeria’s development. He introduced reforms aimed at improving public infrastructure, education, and health sectors.

Azikiwe’s administration established the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, pioneering the indigenous university education in Nigeria. He undertook significant measures to promote a sense of national identity by advocating for a unified educational system and a common language.

Azikiwe was also instrumental in the creation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, promoting continental unity among African nations and asserting Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa.

Nation-Building and Ethnic Tensions

The major challenge of Azikiwe’s tenure was the escalating tensions between Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups. The cultural, religious, and economic differences among the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and many other ethnic groups posed a significant obstacle to national unity.

Azikiwe, an Igbo, faced accusations of favoritism and marginalization from other ethnic groups. During his presidency, there were outbreaks of inter-ethnic violence, notably in the Northern region against the Igbo population, that foreshadowed the Biafran War.

Despite enormous challenges, Azikiwe was undeterred and continued to push for an inclusive national identity beyond ethnic affiliations. Unfortunately, his presidency ended abruptly following a military coup in 1966 that was primarily motivated by ethnic tensions and perceived corruption within the political class.

International Relations Strategy

In international relations, Nnamdi Azikiwe pursued an active pan-Africanism and non-alignment strategy during the Cold War. He fostered relations with the Soviet Union and newly independent African States while maintaining an alliance with the West. Azikiwe advocated for the end of colonial rule in Africa and held anti-apartheid views. His administration supported freedom fighters against colonial rule and played a leading role in the liberation of other African countries, notably South Africa and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe.)

Legacy

Renowned for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s history, Nnamdi Azikiwe remains a respected figure even after his term as the country’s first president ended with a coup. His unwavering commitment to uniting Nigeria’s diverse ethnic tribes and advocating for Pan-Africanism has garnered significant acknowledgment. Additionally, his vision for a thriving united Nigeria and his influential work in ending colonial rule have left an indelible mark on the country’s and continent’s political landscape.

His Later Life and Legacy

Later Life and Impact of Political Work

Wrapping up his political career in 1986, Nnamdi Azikiwe continued to dedicate a large portion of his life to the upliftment of education in Nigeria. Following his tenure, he set his sights on boosting the country’s educational infrastructure and served as the Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 1972 to 1976.

Nnamdi Azikiwe’s impact, however, was not only confined to politics and education. He also made substantial contributions as an author, publishing numerous works that were influential in shaping the intellectual and cultural discourse of the nation. His writings, which encapsulate his profound wisdom, political experiences, and philosophies, continue to serve as valuable resources for academics, politicians, and Nigerian citizens to this day.

As a testament to his significant service to the country, Azikiwe was conferred the esteemed title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic by President Shehu Shagari in 1980.

His Death and Significance of Legacy

Nnamdi Azikiwe passed away on May 11, 1996, leaving behind a profound legacy as an advocate for Nigerian independence. His leadership during a time of colonial rule and, later, as the nation’s first President and Head of State, laid the foundation for the independent nation Nigeria has become.

Azikiwe’s belief in Nigerian potential and his dedication to securing independence from colonial rule positioned him as one of the key figureheads for Nigeria’s struggle for independence. The primary ideology that Azikiwe presented and fought for was Pan-Africanism. Azikiwe believed in the unity of all African countries and worked towards breaking the chains of colonialism, not only in Nigeria but throughout Africa.

Tributes, Honors, and Awards

In recognition of Azikiwe’s contributions to Nigeria’s independence, a state funeral was held in his honor. His remains were laid to rest at the Onitsha Boromeo Catholic mission graveyard, a place he considered to be his final home.

Since his death, numerous buildings, streets, and institutions have been named in his honor, denoting his influence on the nation. Notably, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria stand as powerful symbols of his enduring legacy.

Posthumously, he was awarded the highest national honor bestowed on Nigerians, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic—a privilege usually reserved for elected presidents and Heads of State.

In conclusion, Nnamdi Azikiwe had an immeasurable impact on Nigeria’s path to independence and continues to impact the marrow of the African continent’s identity. His actions, ideologies, and advancements have helped to shape Nigeria and Africa into what they are today and solidified his place in history.

Azikiwe’s illustrious life and steadfast dedication to the cause of African emancipation resonates far beyond his earthly years. He emerged from the tumultuous agitations of the colonial era as a beacon of hope for Nigeria and remains an exemplary symbol of resilience and determination. His commitment to national unity and progress helped shape the trajectory of Nigeria post-independence. Even in moments of political upheaval, his vision remained undeterred: a harmonious and prosperous nation championed by egalitarian principles. Thus, the indelible footprints of Nnamdi Azikiwe guide Nigeria’s path towards the projection of his long-held vision.

This Article Was Written By Chuka Nduneseokwu, Editor-In-Chief, of Voice Of The Sun

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