Former Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has praised Nigeria’s founding father, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, for making significant political compromises to safeguard the country’s unity.
Aliyu spoke at the sixth Annual Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe Award Lecture 2025, commemorating the 121st posthumous birthday of Zik. The event, held in Abuja on Sunday, carried the theme: “The Power of Pan-African Unity: Strengthening Nigeria’s Role in African Integration and Development.”
Highlighting the challenges of Nigeria’s early years, Aliyu said Zik’s pragmatic decisions helped steer the fragile federation away from potential disintegration.
“Zik was a Nigerian even before independence. He was at the forefront of our liberation and showed the wisdom to compromise politically for the survival of the nation. During the Second Republic, his party and the NPN worked to ensure Nigeria remained united,” Aliyu said.
He added that loving one’s country is a principle across religions, and Zik embodied this ideal, teaching Nigerians to cherish and uphold national unity.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Mainasara Umar-Kogo, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, called for moral renewal and Pan-African unity. He argued that despite the efforts of icons like Zik, Kwame Nkrumah, and Nelson Mandela, Africa continues to struggle with corruption, disunity, and poor leadership.
“A divided and corrupt Nigeria cannot lead Africa. Unity is a moral compass. For Nigeria to serve as a cornerstone of the continent, our house must first be in order,” Umar-Kogo said, urging principled leadership rooted in integrity, justice, and service.
Chief Chineme Onyeke, Director-General of the award, explained that the lecture aims not only to honor heroes but to inspire a new generation to lead with wisdom, courage, and compassion. Plans were announced to establish the Zik Centre for Leadership and African Studies, envisioned as a hub for learning and research on leadership and Pan-African ideals.
Prof. Uche Azikiwe, the widow of Dr Azikiwe, also commended the initiative, emphasizing the importance of documenting Nigeria’s history so that young citizens understand the contributions of foundational leaders.
Born in 1904 in Zungeru, Niger State, Nnamdi Azikiwe co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), served as Premier of the Eastern Region, and held key federal offices including Senate President, Governor-General, and later President (1963–1966). He passed away on May 11, 1996, and his portrait appears on the ₦500 note.
