This iconic photograph brings together three of Nigeria’s most influential nationalist leaders—Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo—men whose political vision and leadership shaped the country’s path to independence and the fragile years of early nationhood. Captured during the constitutional negotiations of the late 1950s that paved the way for independence in 1960, the image embodies the delicate alliance of regional leaders who worked—sometimes in competition, often in uneasy partnership—to define Nigeria’s federal destiny.
Nnamdi Azikiwe: The “Father of Nigerian Nationalism”
On the left stands Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996), affectionately called “Zik of Africa.” A journalist turned statesman and pan-Africanist, Azikiwe used the press as a weapon against colonial rule and helped awaken nationalist consciousness across West Africa.
He co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944 and became Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor-General (1960–1963) before assuming office as the country’s first President (1963–1966) when Nigeria became a republic.
Azikiwe’s vision of a united, democratic Nigeria and his belief in non-violent, constitutional methods made him a bridge-builder among Nigeria’s many ethnic and regional groups. His writings and political strategy earned him the title “Father of Nigerian Nationalism,” inspiring future generations of African leaders.
Sir Ahmadu Bello: The Premier of the North
At the center is Sir Ahmadu Bello (1910–1966), Sardauna of Sokoto and the first—and only—Premier of Northern Nigeria. A descendant of the Sokoto Caliphate’s founder, Usman dan Fodio, Bello co-founded the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) and became the most powerful political figure in the North.
During the independence negotiations, Bello deliberately chose to remain Premier of the Northern Region, elevating his protégé Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to become Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. This decision demonstrated his commitment to strengthening the North’s political base while allowing for a national government that reflected Nigeria’s federal character.
Bello championed education, regional development, and political modernization, ensuring that Northern Nigeria entered independence with a stronger institutional footing. His assassination during Nigeria’s first military coup in January 1966 cut short a towering career, but his influence on northern politics remains profound.
Obafemi Awolowo: Visionary of the West
On the right stands Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987), Premier of the Western Region and founder of the Action Group (AG). Awolowo introduced free primary education and comprehensive health-care initiatives, making Western Nigeria the first in Africa to achieve near-universal primary schooling.
A trained lawyer, economist and political strategist, Awolowo was a strong advocate of federalism as the best system to manage Nigeria’s diversity. After independence, he served as Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament, providing an articulate counterweight to the ruling coalition and shaping national debate on economic planning and social welfare.
Awolowo’s progressive policies and intellectual rigor earned him enduring respect as one of Nigeria’s foremost thinkers and reformers.
A Shared Legacy of Nation-Building
Though they represented different regions and parties—the NCNC in the East, the NPC in the North, and the Action Group in the West—Azikiwe, Bello and Awolowo were united in their determination to end British colonial rule and lay the foundation of a federal Nigeria.
Their collaboration and rivalry defined the years leading up to 1 October 1960, when Nigeria achieved independence. Yet their regional power bases and competing visions for the young nation also foreshadowed the political tensions that would later test Nigeria’s unity.
This historic photograph captures more than three men; it captures a pivotal moment when the dream of a united, independent Nigeria rested on the shoulders of leaders whose legacies continue to shape the nation’s political landscape.
Sources
James S. Coleman, Nigeria: Background to Nationalism (University of California Press, 1958).
The Federal Road Safety Corps, on Friday, urged motorists who are participating in the fasting periods, to ensure that they take rest at intervals, to avoid road crashes.
The FRSC Commander in-charge of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway corridor, Mr Nasir Mohammed, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ota.
He noted that the advice had become expedient following the commencement of fasting periods by both Christian and Muslim faithfuls.
NAN reports that Catholic faithfuls had commenced lenten season with the distribution of Ash on Wednesday, which period is marked by 40 days fasting.
In the same vein, Muslim faithfuls had also began observation of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, which period is also marked by fasting.
Mohammed urged motorists to be cautious of fatigue and possible dehydration during the fasting periods, and ensure that they take hours of rest before returning to the steering.
He also warned motorists against over speeding and wrongful overtaking, which could lead to tragedy, adding that drivers must strictly adhere to all safety rules while on the road.
“We are appealing to motorists, especially Muslims and Christians who are fasting, to always observe the rest after every four hours of driving, to prevent avoidable loss of lives.
“Also, all motorists are enjoined to drive to stay alive; Wishing all safer roads and fuller life.” he said.
Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye has disclosed that the Nigerian Tiktoker, simply identified as Mirable, has been admitted to a State-owned health facility, and is currently receiving comprehensive medical attention.
Adeleye added that an investigation had begun and the survivor is presently receiving psychosocial support, and is responding positively to medical treatment.
The commissioner stated this on Thursday night shortly after visiting the survivor at the health facility, in the company of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and the Medical Director of the facility.
According to her, the visit was aimed at assessing the survivor’s condition and ensuring that appropriate medical and welfare interventions were promptly administered.
The Commissioner praised the personnel at the State-owned medical facility and the State Ministry of Justice for their quick response, as well as the Nigeria Police Force and Ogun State Police Command for their rapid and timely action as soon as the case was transferred to the State.
“This structured approach is intended to protect the survivor’s welfare while guaranteeing that investigations are conducted professionally, thoroughly, and strictly on the basis of verifiable evidence”, Adeleye said.
She added that detailed examinations and all required clinical procedures are being carried out in line with established standards for managing cases of alleged sexual assault, while the security agency is carrying out their investigation simultaneously.
“The welfare, dignity, and safety of every survivor remains our utmost priority. The Prince Dapo Abiodun led- administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on sexual and gender-based violence, stressing that “while we stand firmly with survivors, we are equally guided by due process.
“Investigations must be evidence-based, transparent, and fair to all parties involved, even as whosoever is found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law,” she said.
She urged residents to steer clear of speculative narratives or sensational commentary that could compromise due process while assuring them that the State Government would get to the bottom of the issue to ascertain the veracity of the claim.
Meanwhile, she assured members of the public that further updates would be communicated at the appropriate time as credible findings emerge from ongoing investigations.
Nigerian TikToker, known simply as Mirabel has finally opened up on the allegation of rape she earlier raised in a viral video.
It was recalls that the content creator, with the username @mirab351 had, alleged that she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man at her residence in Ogun State.
She claimed that the alleged rapist inflicted an injury on her privates with a blade.
Her story generated reactions across social media, causing the Nigeria Police to swing into action.
Some netizens, however, expressed scepticism on the factuality of the allegation, stating that the stories were not adding up.
But the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said on Thursday that the command was investigating the matter.
However, Mirabel, who opened up to Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, VDM said she had been into drugs and could be hallucinating.
