Anambra Governor-elect, Professor Soludo who has identified himself as a Zikist, has joined millions of Nigerians across the globe to mark the 116th posthumous birthday of Nigeria’s first President. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, who is fondly called Zik.
Anambra Governor-elect Soludo, taking to his official social media account on Tuesday 16th November 2021, put up a photo of Zik, where he captioned it saying:
“I am a Zikist!,”
He continued:
“I join millions of Nigerians in remembrance and celebration of the Posthumous birthday of the late Zik of Africa, the Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe – – Owelle Onitsha.
The Great Zik of Africa was an extraordinary leader whose vision and ideals for the emancipation and development of Nigeria, and indeed the African continent was second to none.
His Pan-Africanist vision and Nationalistic ideals coupled with his unequalled oratory prowess remain a source of inspiration to many young Nigerians and Africans at the time, including me.
Asides being a great Statesman, Zik was equally the doyen of African Nationalism, who was also a leading voice and driving force behind Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The Great Zik of Africa would forever be remembered for his virtues and tremendous efforts at building a united Africa for the black race,” he added.
The statement by the Anambra Governor-elect Soludo, is coming a few days after the Governor Obiano led Government in Anambra state, declared today, as a public holiday in the state, in honour of Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, fondly called ‘Zik’.
The declaration by Willie Obiano makes it the third time that the posthumous birthday of the statesman and political leader who served as the first president of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966 will be celebrated.
Born in Zungeru in present-day Niger State to Igbo parents from Anambra State on November 16, 1904, Zik spoke fluent Hausa language from a very young age.
He was later sent to live with his aunt and grandmother in Onitsha where he learned the Igbo language. He also stayed in Lagos, which exposed him to the Yoruba language.
His knowledge of all the three major languages in Nigeria was an asset for his subsequent leadership roles.
After completing his secondary school education, Azikiwe applied to the colonial service and was accepted as a clerk in the treasury department. This exposed him to racial bias in the colonial government.
Azikiwe was a knowledge enthusiast who travelled widely in the quest for knowledge. He studied at Storer College, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, and Howard University, among others.