Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has praised Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, for making far-reaching political sacrifices that helped preserve the nation’s unity during its most fragile years.
Aliyu made the remarks at the sixth Annual Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Award Lecture 2025, held in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of Azikiwe’s 121st posthumous birthday. The event, themed “The Power of Pan-African Unity: Strengthening Nigeria’s Role in African Integration and Development,” brought together academics, political leaders and thought influencers.
Aliyu, who chaired the National Planning Committee for the event, said Azikiwe — fondly known as Zik — consistently acted as a stabilising force, especially during periods marked by political tensions and threats to national cohesion after independence.
“Zik was a Nigerian even before Nigeria gained independence,” he said. “As a realist, he compromised when necessary to ensure the survival of the nation. Before the 1966 coup, he entered into a political relationship with the NPC and became ceremonial president. During the Second Republic, his party also aligned with the NPN to keep Nigeria united.”
Aliyu emphasised that loving one’s country is a moral duty across all faiths, adding that Azikiwe embodied that principle throughout his life.
‘Africa Cannot Rise Without a Just Nigeria’ — CCT Chairman
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Prof. Mainasara Umar-Kogo, called for a moral renaissance across Africa.
He lamented that despite the visionary groundwork laid by Pan-African icons such as Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela, the continent remains held back by corruption, poor leadership and disunity.
“Let us be honest with ourselves — what kind of house have we built after Zik?” he asked.
“A house divided by ethnic strife cannot endure. A house corroded by corruption cannot inspire. A house without justice cannot lead. If Nigeria is to serve as the cornerstone of Africa, then our house must first be in order.”
Umar-Kogo stressed that unity cannot exist where injustice thrives, noting that Zik’s Pan-Africanism was a political and moral ideal that Nigerians must continue to uphold.
He warned that leaders driven by greed have replaced those who viewed leadership as a sacred trust “accountable before God and history.”
Plans for Zik Leadership Centre Unveiled
The Director-General of the award series, Chief Chineme Onyeke, said the lecture aims to not only honour national heroes but also revive the visions they embodied.
He revealed plans to establish the Zik Centre for Leadership and African Studies, which would serve as a hub for research, leadership training and Pan-African scholarship.
Onyeke appealed to the Federal Government, particularly the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support the initiative by allocating land for the project.
“As we reflect on Zik’s legacy, let us remember that history does not celebrate titles but values and institutions,” Onyeke said.
Azikiwe’s Legacy Must Be Documented — Widow
Prof. Uche Azikiwe, widow of the late statesman, commended the organisers for preserving her husband’s legacy. She called for improved documentation of Nigeria’s history, noting that many young people lack knowledge of the nation’s past.
“Most of our problems stem from not knowing what happened before,” she said. “Even as Zik’s wife, I did not know many of the stories shared here today. If Nigerians understood our history, this country would be different.”
About Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Born in 1904 in Zungeru, Niger State, Azikiwe was educated in Nigeria and the United States. He founded the West African Pilot in 1937 and co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), rising to become its secretary and later president.
His distinguished political career included serving as:
Premier of the Eastern Region (1952–1959)
Senate President
Governor-General (1960–1963)
President of Nigeria (1963–1966)
Azikiwe, widely remembered for his nationalism and passion for unity, died on May 11, 1996. His portrait is featured on the ₦500 note.
