Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, often referred to as “Zik,” was a prominent Nigerian nationalist, politician, and the first President of Nigeria. His life and career played a significant role in Nigeria’s struggle for independence and its early years as an independent nation. Here’s a brief overview of his history:
Early Life and Education:

• Nnamdi Azikiwe was born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, in what is now northern Nigeria. At the time of his birth, Nigeria was a British colony.
• He received his early education in Nigeria and later traveled to the United States for further studies. Azikiwe attended various American universities, including Howard University and Lincoln University, where he studied political science and journalism.

Journalism Career:

• Azikiwe developed an interest in journalism during his time in the United States. He worked as a reporter and editor for several African-American newspapers, including the “Baltimore Afro-American” and the “Philadelphia Tribune.”

Return to Nigeria:

• In 1934, Azikiwe returned to Nigeria and became actively involved in nationalist politics and journalism. He founded and edited several newspapers, including the “West African Pilot,” which played a crucial role in spreading nationalist ideas.

Political Activism and Leadership:

• Azikiwe was one of the prominent leaders of Nigeria’s nationalist movement in the 1940s and 1950s. He was a member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) political party, which advocated for self-government and independence from British colonial rule.
• He was a charismatic speaker and mobilized support for the nationalist cause. His efforts, along with those of other leaders, led to Nigeria’s eventual independence from British rule in 1960.

Independence and Post-Independence Leadership:

• Following Nigeria’s independence, Azikiwe served as Nigeria’s first Governor-General from 1960 to 1963 and later as the first President from 1963 to 1966.
• He was a strong advocate for national unity in a diverse and ethnically divided country. He promoted policies aimed at fostering a sense of Nigerian identity and reducing regional and ethnic tensions.
• Azikiwe was also instrumental in the establishment of the first Nigerian national university, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Later Life:

• After leaving the presidency in 1966, Azikiwe continued to be active in Nigerian politics and held various political positions over the years.
• He passed away on May 11, 1996, in Enugu, Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy as a founding father of modern Nigeria and a key figure in the country’s journey to independence and nation-building.

Nnamdi Azikiwe’s contributions to Nigeria’s history and his role in shaping the nation’s political landscape are widely acknowledged and celebrated. He remains an important figure in Nigeria’s history and in the broader African struggle for self-determination and independence.