The recent commemoration of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s founding father, at the sixth Annual Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Award Lecture has ignited a spectrum of sentiments across the nation. Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, lauded Azikiwe's political sacrifices, asserting that his efforts were pivotal in maintaining Nigeria's unity during its tumultuous early years of independence. Yet, as many applaud Azikiwe’s legacy, others grapple with a sense of outrage over the country's current state, questioning whether his ideals have truly been honored.
Held in Abuja under the theme “The Power of Pan-African Unity: Strengthening Nigeria’s Role in African Integration and Development,” the event brought together diverse voices. Aliyu, as the National Planning Committee chairman, highlighted Azikiwe’s pragmatic political maneuvers, showcasing how his alliances with groups like the Northern People's Congress (NPC) were critical in navigating the early challenges of the fledgling nation. “Zik was a Nigerian even before Nigeria gained its independence,” he said, invoking admiration for a leader whose vision seemingly transcended his time. Yet, there hangs a lingering question: has the Nigeria Azikiwe envisioned ever truly materialized?
While many attendees resonated with Aliyu’s call for patriotism, others listened with a sense of apathy, perhaps feeling detached from a narrative that seems to repeat without tangible change. “If we were to choose where to be born, probably many people would not want to be born in Nigeria,” Aliyu lamented, a stark reflection of the disillusionment prevalent among citizens who feel unheard and unrepresented. It’s a poignant assertion that showcases both a longing for national pride and a critical acknowledgment of the frustrations many face.
Prof. Mainasara Umar-Kogo, in his keynote address, echoed calls for moral rebirth and unity, lamenting the leadership failures that plague the continent despite the groundwork laid by leaders like Azikiwe. His remarks, although stirring, were met with mixed responses. Some expressed admiration for his honesty, while others felt overwhelmed by the weight of his criticisms. “What kind of house have we built after Zik?” Umar-Kogo questioned, a challenge that resonates deeply with those frustrated by ongoing corruption and ethnic strife.
His declaration that “a corrupt Nigeria cannot inspire Africa” struck a chord, but also sparked outrage among those who feel the burden of blame has shifted away from the political elite. The call for “principled leadership rooted in integrity” drew nods of agreement, yet the specter of disillusionment loomed large,how can one trust in leadership when the current climate feels riddled with broken promises?
Chief Chineme Onyeke’s announcement of the proposed Zik Centre for Leadership and African Studies presented a beacon of hope, a vision for nurturing future generations of leaders. Yet, even as admiration for this initiative brewed, it was tempered with skepticism,how many more initiatives will fizzle out without the support and commitment required? The urgency for a renewed sense of identity and purpose in Nigeria was palpable, leaving some questioning if this event would lead to meaningful change or simply become another moment in a long history of unfulfilled promises.
Prof. Uche Azikiwe, Dr. Azikiwe's widow, highlighted the importance of documenting Nigeria's history, reflecting a shared sentiment that many of the nation’s problems stem from a lack of historical awareness. “If we understand our history, Nigeria would be a different place,” she asserted, a statement that resonated with many who recognize the need for a collective reckoning with the past. However, this sentiment is often overshadowed by a pervasive sense of apathy, as citizens grapple with the daily realities of life in a nation still struggling to realize its potential.
As Nigeria moves forward, the legacy of Nnamdi Azikiwe remains a complex tapestry woven with threads of admiration, outrage, and apathy. His portrait on the ₦500 note serves as a reminder of a vision that continues to evoke mixed feelings,an enduring legacy that challenges the nation to aspire for unity, integrity, and true leadership amidst the ongoing struggles that define its current narrative.
