DR NNAMDI AZIKWE PROFILE

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was born on November16, 1904 at Zungeru in Northern Nigeria. His father Obed Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe was then serving as a clerk under Lord Laggard since 1902. His father retired on pension from the Civil Servant in 1925 under the Nigeria Regiment, Third Battalion at Calabar and died on March 3, 1958.

Dr. Azikiwe’s mother, Rachael Chinwe Azikiwe, was a great grand-daughter of Obi Ugogwu, king of Onitsha whose son and heir, Obi Akazua signed a commercial treaty with Britain in 1863. She died on January, 1958.

Elder statesman, politician, journalist, he attended CMS central school, Onitha Methodist boys high school ,Lagos and hope Waddell institution,calabar before proceeding abroad.

Since his return from the United States of America in 1925, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe has undertaking several political, economic and educational missions to the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Europe.

Patriot, Scholar, Philanthropist, Humanitarian and Educationist, ZIK, as he is popularly known, is one of the greatest architects of colonial emancipation and a stalwart advocate of Pan-Africanism. It is believed that his name is a universally and dynamism have made him easily one of the most loved men in his country. He is a symbol of Nigeria unity. His devotedness to the cause of a stable, unified and prosperous Nigeria is an eminence a few can attain.

The name ZIK is an inspiration to those who believe that hard - work and uprightness are sure avenues to success. Founder and editor in chief of west African pilot.

He became the first Premier of Eastern Nigeria in October 1954. He held that post until December 1959 when he resigned and contested the general election to the new enlarged House of Representative. He won the election.

The Senate having being established in January 1960, Dr. Azikiwe resigned his seat in the House to become its first President, a post he held until November 15,1960 he was sworn in as the first Africa governor general and commander in chief of the Federal of Nigeria. And the first president of Nigeria in 1963. He was conferred with about 8 honorary doctorate degrees from different university in Nigeria America and Liberia.

No history of modern Africa is complete without HIM. He died 1996.

DR NNAMDI AZIKWE IS OUR CELEBRITY OF THE WEEK