Nnamdi Azikiwe
Father of Nigerian Nationalism and First President of Nigeria
Chronology: 1904-11-16 – 1996-05-11
Origins & Early Life
Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe PC (; 16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996), commonly referred to as Zik of Africa, was a Nigerian politician, statesman, and revolutionary leader who served as the first native governor-general of Nigeria from 1960 to 1963 and the first president of Nigeria during the First Nigerian Republic (1963–1966). He is widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, the founding father of Nigeria, as well as one of the major driving forces behind the country's independence in 1960. Born in Zungeru in present-day Niger State to Igbo parents from Onitsha, Anambra State, Azikiwe learned to speak Hausa which was the main indigenous language of the Northern Region. He was later sent to live with his aunt and grandmother in his hometown Onitsha, where he learnt the Igbo language.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Living in Lagos State exposed him to learning the Yoruba language, and by the time he was in college, he had been exposed to different Nigerian cultures and spoke the three major Nigerian languages. Azikiwe was well travelled. He moved to the United States where he was called Ben Azikiwe, and attended Storer College, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Howard University. He contacted...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia