- The drive for Nigeria’s independence on October 1, 1960, was fueled by activists and politicians who dedicated themselves to liberating the nation from colonial rule
- Figures like Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikiwe remained central to Nigeria’s history and are celebrated for their roles in securing the nation’s independence
- As the country celebrates its 64th anniversary, TheRadar compiled some of the heroes who led the way to the nation’s independence
Nigeria’s independence was not achieved overnight, it was the result of decades of struggle, led by a group of courageous individuals whose activism and leadership shaped the nation’s future.
Figures like Tafawa Balewa, Nigeria's first Prime Minister, and Nnamdi Azikiwe, its first elected president, stood at the forefront of this struggle, turning the fight for independence into a personal mission.
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, TheRadar compiled some of the key figures who paved the way for independence in 1960.
Heroes of Nigeria’s Independence
Here are some of the heroes who led the way to the nation’s independence:
1. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Tafawa Balewa, who was the vice-president of the Northern People's Congress (NPC), became Nigeria's first prime minister after the party won the pre-independence election. He remained in office until he was killed during the January 1966 coup.
Balewa was actively engaged in the formulation of Nigeria's policies during his tenure, gaining a strong reputation on the global stage, especially from 1960 to 1961, when he handled the country’s foreign affairs.
During the 1950s, he actively participated in the push for local governance and was a key figure in the constitutional negotiations that eventually led to Nigeria's independence in 1960.
2. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe
Nnamdi Azikiwe also played a key role in the struggle that led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Azikiwe fueled nationalist sentiments through his powerful writings and speeches. His chain of newspapers, beginning with the West African Pilot, served as a platform to advocate for nationalism and the pro-African cause.
He began his political journey by joining the Nigerian Youth Movement, taking an active part in Nigeria’s initial nationalist organisation before fully diving into politics.
After he resigned from the Nigerian Youth Movement, he co-established the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a political entity that campaigned vigorously for independence and self-governance.
Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first President in 1960 and passed away in Enugu in 1996 at the age of 91.
3. Ahmadu Ibrahim Bello
Ahmadu Bello, often called the Sardauna of Sokoto, was a distinguished leader from Northern Nigeria.
In 1948, Bello’s political awareness and comprehension deepened when he travelled to England on a government scholarship to pursue studies in Local Government Administration.
He served as the head of the Northern People's Congress (NPC), a political party advocating for the interests of the northern region.
After returning from his studies in England, he was elected to represent the Sokoto province in the regional House of Assembly and went on to become Northern Nigeria's first Premier in 1954.
Bello actively participated in shaping the independence terms, ensuring that the perspectives of the northern part of Nigeria were recognised and addressed.
As the leader of the NPC, Bello had the option to join the federal government of Nigeria as Prime Minister in 1960, but he opted to remain in his role as Premier of Northern Nigeria, passing the Prime Ministership to his deputy, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Bello was assassinated in Nigeria’s first military coup in January 1966, at the age of 55.
4. Herbert Olayinka Macaulay
Herbert Macaulay, commonly hailed as the “father of Nigerian nationalism,” was the grandson of Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican Bishop in West Africa.
Macaulay was among the political figures who vehemently resisted colonial policies in Nigeria.
In 1923, Macaulay established Nigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), and later, in 1944, he collaborated with Nnamdi Azikiwe to co-found the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
He passed away in 1946 at the age of 81 and was laid to rest at Ikoyi Cemetery.
5. Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo
Known for his nationalism, Obafemi Awolowo was also a key figure in Nigeria's struggle for independence. He served as a representative of the Nigerian Youth Movement at the fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester, where the focus was on advancing conversations around Africa's decolonisation.
Utilising his experience as a young journalist, Awolowo founded the Nigerian Tribune to rally support for the independence movement, especially in Nigeria's western region. He emerged as a key political figure and the leader of the Action Group, employing both his newspaper and political party to advance his political views and objectives.
Between 1952 and 1959, Awolowo was appointed as the first Premier of the Western Region under Nigeria’s parliamentary system. He later became the official Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament, opposing the Balewa government from 1959 to 1963. Awolowo died in Ikenne, Ogun State, in 1987 at the age of 78.
6. Anthony Eromosele Enahoro
Anthony Enahoro was a bold anti-colonial activist and nationalist, known for his notable contributions to journalism, politics, and civil service. At the age of 30, he introduced the historic motion calling for Nigeria's independence in 1953.
Enahoro is widely recognised by scholars and many Nigerians as the “Father of Nigeria State.” This title came not only from his introduction of the independence motion but also from his active participation as a delegate in numerous constitutional conferences that paved the way for Nigeria’s freedom.
He passed away in December 2012 at the age of 87 in Benin City.
7. Ernest Sissei Ikoli
Remembered as the first editor of the Daily Times, Ernest Ikoli is regarded as a key figure in the history of Nigerian journalism and the nationalist struggle. In 1934, he co-founded the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), advocating for self-governance and the push for independence from British colonial rule.
Ikoli's establishment of the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was aimed at enhancing the welfare of Nigerians and pushing for self-governance. The organisation significantly contributed to Nigeria's nationalist movement through its active campaigns for independence.
Ikoli's career was marked not only by his political activism but also by his respected role as a journalist. He wrote for several newspapers, including the African Messenger and the Nigerian Daily News, where he addressed the struggles of Nigerians under colonialism and pushed for reform and independence. He died in 1960.
8. Mbanaso Ukwaraozurumba, Jaja of Opobo
Among the key nationalists in pre-independent Nigeria was Mbanaso Ukwaraozurumba, famously known as Jaja of Opobo. His remarkable journey took him from being a slave boy to becoming a revered king. According to historical accounts, Jaja, who hailed from an Igbo background, was sold into slavery at the age of 12 and given the name Jubo Jubogha by his British master.
Jaja was subsequently sold to Iganipughuma Alison of Bonny, located in present-day Rivers State, where he became well-regarded by those around him. Eventually, he ascended to lead the Anna Pepple House after its split from Bonny in 1869, taking the title of King Jaja of Opobo.
During his reign, Jaja frequently clashed with British interests, firmly resisting their control in Opobo. He established a monopoly over local trade and even exported palm oil directly to Liverpool, bypassing British middlemen entirely.
Jaja’s insistence on continuing to tax British traders and merchants incited the ire of colonial authorities, who subsequently declared Opobo a British territory during the 1884 Berlin Conference. In 1887, he was arrested after being lured into negotiations by Henry Hamilton Johnston, a British vice-consul.
Following his arrest, Jaja was taken to Accra, where he faced charges of “treaty breaking” and “obstructing trade routes.” After spending four years in captivity, he was granted permission to return home in 1891. However, he never reached his destination, as he tragically collapsed upon the ship's arrival at Tenerife, with rumours suggesting he had been poisoned by British sailors.
9. Enugu coal miners
Twenty-one coal miners protesting against British mismanagement paid the ultimate price when they were shot at a British-owned coal mine in Enugu State. Under British colonial rule, coal was a crucial economic asset for Nigeria, particularly at the Iva Valley mines, which were built by British interests.
The miners faced severe working conditions, enduring racial discrimination and violence from their colonial masters. On November 1, 1949, when workers went on strike to demand payment for debts owed to them during a time of casual labour. Rather than resolve the issue, the colonial powers responded by firing several workers and announcing the removal of all coal mines in the Iva Valley.
Fearing that this would lead to the complete shutdown of the mines, the workers stood their ground. In a violent confrontation, police chief F.S. Philip ordered security forces to break up the demonstration with gunfire, leading to the death of 21 workers and one volunteer, with many others suffering injuries.
June 12: Nigeria's democracy has female heroes too, here are some of them
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported There were over 30 democratic heroes on Tinubu’s list during the June 12 Democracy Day event; however, the President named only one woman, the late Kudirat Abiola.
TheRadar compiled women who contributed to the democracy of the country.