Nnamdi Azikiwe

Nnamdi Azikiwe was the first President of Nigeria, serving from 1963 to 1966 after the nation became a republic. Born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, Azikiwe was an influential nationalist leader, journalist, and political activist who played a central role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence. He founded several newspapers, notably the West African Pilot, which significantly shaped public opinion and promoted African nationalism and independence movements.

Azikiwe’s political career began with his election to the Nigerian Legislative Council in 1947. He later served as Premier of Eastern Nigeria from 1954 to 1959, during which he spearheaded economic development initiatives, including industrial projects and educational programs. Upon Nigeria’s independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, Azikiwe became the country’s first indigenous Governor-General. When Nigeria transitioned into a republic on October 1, 1963, he assumed office as the nation’s first President, serving as head of state until 1966.

During Nigeria’s turbulent years following independence, Azikiwe initially supported the secessionist state of Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), advocating internationally for its recognition. However, recognising the futility of continued conflict, he shifted his support back to Nigerian unity. After the war, Azikiwe remained influential in public life as Chancellor of the University of Lagos (1972–1976) and later joined politics again through the Nigerian People’s Party, unsuccessfully contesting presidential elections in 1979 and 1983. His legacy endures as a foundational figure in Nigerian nationalism and democratic development. He is also honoured on the ₦500 note.

Sources/Related Articles

1. https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/azikiwe-benjamin-nnamdi-zik-1904-1996/
2. https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/1962-nnamdi-azikiwe-future-pan-africanism/
3. https://zikslectureseries.unizik.edu.ng/dr-nnamdi-azikiwe-an-apostle-of-democracy/
4. https://www.cbn.gov.ng/Currency/Biodata/Azikiwe.html
5. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nnamdi-Azikiwe
6. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/nnamdi-azikiwe
7. https://www.afa-afa.org/panafricanist-leaders/dr-nnamdi-azikiwe
8. https://zikslectureseries.unizik.edu.ng/profile-of-nnamdi-azikiwe/
9. https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/azikiwe-nnamdi