Who Is The Founder Of Nigeria?

Nigeria is a country with a rich history and culture, but who is the founder of Nigeria? This question has been asked countless times by both Nigerians and people from other countries. The history of Nigeria can be traced back to the 19th century when it was composed of several different ethnic groups and kingdoms. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history of Nigeria and uncover the answer to the question of who is the founder of Nigeria.

The Pre-colonial Era

Before the arrival of the British, Nigeria was composed of multiple ethnic groups and kingdoms with their own distinct cultures and traditions. These groups included the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Tiv, and many others. Each of these groups had their own system of governance and leadership.

The Arrival of the British

In 1861, Lagos was annexed as a British colony, and in 1914, the colony of Lagos was merged with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The British ruled Nigeria until 1960 when Nigeria gained its independence.

The Founding Fathers of Nigeria

The founding fathers of Nigeria are a group of Nigerian nationalists who played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence. These men were instrumental in the formation of political parties, negotiations with the British, and the creation of the Nigerian constitution.

Some of the most prominent founding fathers of Nigeria include:

Herbert Macaulay

Herbert Macaulay is often referred to as the "Father of Nigerian Nationalism." He was a Nigerian nationalist and political activist who played a significant role in the anti-colonial movement in Nigeria. He founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 to represent the interests of Nigerians in Lagos.

Nnamdi Azikiwe

Nnamdi Azikiwe was a Nigerian statesman who was one of the leading figures in Nigeria's struggle for independence. He was the first president of Nigeria and played a vital role in the formation of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) party.

Obafemi Awolowo

Obafemi Awolowo was a Nigerian statesman who played a significant role in Nigeria's post-independence politics. He was the founder of the Action Group political party, which was one of the dominant parties in Western Nigeria during the early years of Nigeria's independence.

The Independence of Nigeria

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as its first president. The country was composed of three regions; the Northern Region, Eastern Region, and Western Region. However, Nigeria's independence was marred by ethnic and religious tensions, which would later lead to a civil war.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there is no single founder of Nigeria. Nigeria has a rich history that dates back to the pre-colonial era, and its independence was achieved through the efforts of several prominent figures. The founding fathers of Nigeria played a vital role in the country's struggle for independence, and their legacy lives on today. Though Nigeria still faces many challenges, it remains a country with a rich cultural heritage and a bright future.