By Collins Opurozor
On May 11, 1996, the Right Honourable Dr. Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, affectionately called “Zik of Africa”, passed away, marking the end of a luminous chapter in Nigeria’s political and intellectual history. Twenty-nine years later, his ideas and ideals risk fading from national consciousness, a troubling outcome in a country with a poor culture of celebrating stellar citizens. Yet, in this era of increasing ethnic division and diminishing national identity, there has perhaps never been a more urgent time to revisit and reclaim the values which Zik embodied.
Born in 1904 in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, Azikiwe emerged as one of Africa’s most iconic nationalists. He believed fervently in the unity of Nigeria and worked tirelessly to break the walls of ethnic suspicion and tribal politics. Unlike many leaders who retreated into the narrow politics of region and ethnicity, Zik’s message was pan-Nigerian. His establishment of the West African Pilot in 1937 was not merely a journalistic endeavor; it was a platform to galvanize Nigerians across ethnic lines toward national consciousness. Through that newspaper and others, he gave voice to a burgeoning Nigerian identity, championing anti-colonial thought and national unity.
Zik’s nationalism was not sentimental. It was strategic and deeply rooted in practical inclusiveness. He led efforts to form the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a party that, at its peak, had leaders and members from all regions of Nigeria. He campaigned victoriously in Yoruba-dominated areas, built alliances in the North, and contested elections across regional lines, demonstrating a political vision far ahead of his time. At a time when Nigeria faces chronic ethnic tensions, Zik’s politics of inclusivity remain a valuable lesson: that nation-building demands leaders who transcend parochialism, prebendal politics and tribal loyalties.
Another core value Zik espoused was the primacy of education and intellectualism in leadership. A product of Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania, he was one of the most educated Africans of his era. But beyond credentials, Zik held a genuine belief in the transformative power of knowledge. He did not hoard learning; instead, he used it to uplift others, founding newspapers, advocating for schools, and pushing for educational policies. Today, Zik’s legacy serves as a potent reminder that sound leadership must be rooted in ideas, vision, and learning.
Moreover, Azikiwe was a consummate democrat. Despite being Nigeria’s first President after independence in 1960, he respected the limitations of constitutional power. When the military struck in 1966, Zik did not incite violence or seek to destabilize the country. Instead, he became a statesman, counseling peace, encouraging dialogue, and retreating from politics when silence served the nation better than noise. In an era where political ambition often trumps statesmanship, and leaders refuse to concede defeat or respect term limits, Zik’s dignified conduct remains a model of ethical restraint.
Perhaps Zik’s most underappreciated quality was his faith in Nigeria; not as a mere geographical expression but as a nation with potential for greatness. He envisioned a country where unity in diversity would be a strength, not a liability. His speeches often projected hope and a fierce belief in Nigeria’s destiny. Today, when pessimism and cynicism about Nigeria’s future are widespread, rekindling the Zikist optimism may be the psychological fuel needed to reboot national confidence.
As Nigeria confronts multiple existential challenges, from insecurity and economic hardship to social fragmentation and a sapping of public confidence in leadership, the life and legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe offer a roadmap. His blend of nationalism, intellectualism, statesmanship, and inclusivity is not just history; it is a template for Nigeria’s rescue and rebirth. We must not let his memory become a footnote. Instead, we should teach it, celebrate it, and most importantly, live it.
To remember Zik is to remember what Nigeria could be: a nation united not by convenience, but by conviction. On this day, 29 years after his passing, we do not just mourn the man; we summon his spirit, his vision, and his values, for they remain among the brightest lights guiding us as we move as a nation. Would Zik recognize today’s Nigeria? Perhaps not. But if we can rekindle even a fraction of his ideals, tomorrow’s Nigeria might yet recognize the dreams he died believing in.
