History Of The Zikist Movement

The Zikist Movement was a detribalized, nationalist and Pan Africanist movement that fought for the independce of Nigeria from British colonialism. It was founded in 1946 by Nigerian youths from all parts of the country.

For instance, its protem President was Raji Abdallah from the Northern part of the country, while its first substantive President, Kola Balogun was Yoruba.  Other prominent names in the movement include Nduka Eze, Abiodun Aloba, G. Onyeagbula, M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu, M Aina, G. Ebo, J. Inoma, Okei Osugo, and S. Aderibigbe, just to mention a few.

These youths saw Dr Namdi Azikiwe, popularly known as Zik of Africa, as the best hope for Nigeria’s independence and greatness, and they resolved to follow and protect him.

The Zikists gained a lot of inspiration from the writtings of Nwafor Orizu in his book, “Without Bitterness”, and from Nnamdi Azikiwe’s own book, “Renascent Africa”. It was Nwafor Orizu who coined the term Zikism, which he used to describe the political ideology of Nnamdi Azikiwe. Zik expanded on the concept of Zikism through his biography, “My Odyssey”.

Zikism, The Zikist Ideology

Zikism espoused 5 Pillars of African Liberation, namely:

Zikism is characterised by five principles for African liberation:

• Spiritual balance

To show empathy for other peoples views, and recognize their right to hold such views.

• Social regeneration

To expel from one’s self national, religious, racial, tribal, political-economic, and ethical prejudice.

• Economic determinism

To realize that being self-sufficient economically is the basis for rescuing the Renascent African.

• Mental emancipation

To be knowledgeable of African history and accomplishments, and to dismiss any kind of complex exhibited by any race or tribe.

• Political resurgence

To regain the sovereignty that Africa has lost to colonialists.

Notable quote on Zikism

In the case of the great Zik, it became fashionable among his adherents and supporters to be a Zikist. But interestingly, Zikism was not synonymous with an ethnic ideology nor did it a divisive cause. Instead, Zikism was more an ideology for African reniascence emphasizing the restoration of the dignity of the black man after centuries of colonial imposition and exploitation. – Ibrahim Babagngida, former President of Nigeria.

The Zikist Movement was a thorn in the flesh of the British colonial powers and resisted colonialism bravely, in conjunction with the Zikist Press (a chain of newspapers owned by Nnamdi Azikiwe).

As a result of this the movement like The West African Pilot and The Comet was banned by the colonial powers. The Zikist Movement was unbanned after Nigeria’s independence.

The New Zikist Movement

We on this site have obeyed the calls of veteran Zikists Obi Nwakanma and Okei Osugo by renewing the Zikist Movement through the formation of Zikistmovement.com.

Obi Nwakanma had said at a public fora,”It is imperative for a new generation therefore to actively seek an unveiling of this history. It is also in the interest of this new generation to renew the Zikist movement and its compact to constitute the Nigerian nation and to rescue it from the bondage of ages.”

Some years ago, Okei Osugo had told Prince Charles Offokaja, the founder of this site that the ‘veteran Zikists’ had played their part, and it is time for a younger generation to play their part.

Zikistmovement.com, is an amalgam of the traditions of the old Zikist Movement and the Zikist Press and wishes to assist in the propagation of a better Nigeria  andAfrica through advocacy and developmental journalism. So help us God.