(Being a Lecture (abridged) delivered by H. E Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambers, The African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns and the Chairman of the Panel of the AU High Level Panel on Sudan at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka on the occasion of the 13th Zik lectures series with the theme: “Zik Legacies and Rising Social Movements in Africa: Rethinking Regional Integration in Africa” which held on 16th November, 2024 in Awka.)
My lecture comes in a long line of impressive, thought-provoking ones previously given by a lot of notable African personalities including former Presidents Jerry John Rawlings of Ghana, Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania, both late, Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone and Joyce Banda of Malawi.
Today, we are gathered to commemorate the life of one of the leading lights of Pan-Africanism, the Great Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Some knew him as the father of Nigerian nationalism, others called him by his traditional title, the Owelle of Onitsha, but he has been popularly revered simply as Zik of Africa, and for good reason. He lived a full life, most of which was sacrificed for the freedom of his beloved country and Africa.
I never had the honour of meeting Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe. Even though I did not have the privilege of knowing him personally, his death touched me deeply. It was a Saturday like this, May 11th, 1996. On that day, the world lost a giant, a great African baobab tree had fallen. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, and one of the most influential figures in Africa’s independence movement, passed away at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, after a prolonged illness. At the time of his death, Zik of Africa was 91 years old, a man whose life stretched across nearly an entire century – a century in which the course of African history itself was radically changed.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, born on November 16, 1904, in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, came into the world at a time when the colonial machinery was tightening its grip across Africa. His upbringing was shaped by this colonial context, one that he spent a lifetime dismantling through the power of ideas, activism, and leadership. Zik, as he was fondly called, was more than a politician – he was a visionary with a relentless belief in the promise of an emergent Africa, where national borders mattered less than the shared goals, freedom, and progress of Africans.
The news of his passing spread like wildfire, sending shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond. The tributes that poured in were not just from Nigerian statesmen or African leaders – he was mourned globally as a symbol of the fight for freedom and dignity. Leaders from all over the world prepared to pay their final respects, understanding that Zik’s legacy went beyond borders and politics. For many, he wasn’t just a statesman—he embodied the ideal of a free Africa, taking its rightful place in the world, united and transcending tribal allegiances and separate nation-states.
That moment reminded me of how deeply interconnected our histories are – how the legacy of men like Azikiwe, Nkrumah, and Botsio shaped not only the destiny of their nations but the entire African continent. As Botsio prepared to lead our delegation, I felt the unspoken bond between these great men and the responsibility they left for future generations – the responsibility to push forward the vision of a strong, prosperous and dignified Africa that they had only begun to construct.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Zik was not called Zik of Africa for nothing. He preached and practised Pan-Africanism, right from his student days overseas to when he returned to the continent.
After his studies abroad, where he earned multiple degrees in Political Science, Anthropology, and Religion, Zik could have returned directly to Nigeria to join the growing nationalist movement. But instead, he chose Ghana—then the Gold Coast—as the site to begin his practical engagement with African nationalism. In 1934, he became the editor of the African Morning Post in Accra, where his journalism was radical and unflinching. Through his column, “The Inside Stuff,” he advocated for black pride, criticized colonialism, and promoted the idea of a unified Africa. Zik’s time in Ghana was a significant chapter in his life, as it illustrated his belief in the interconnectedness of African struggles. He understood that liberation in one part of Africa was meaningless if others remained shackled. His philosophy of unity wasn’t just theoretical – it was lived and practised.
This is the same spirit that drove him to establish the West African Pilot which acquired controlling interests in 12 other Afrocentric newspapers in Nigeria, his home country, which became powerful tools for the nationalist movements. His journalism was not just a profession but a weapon, used to expose injustice, dismantle colonial narratives, and awaken African consciousness.
Zik’s Role in Nigeria’s Independence and His Political Journey
When Zik returned to Nigeria, his political journey began in earnest. He co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) with Herbert Macaulay, Nigeria’s leading nationalist at that time. As one of the most influential figures in the struggle for Nigerian independence, Zik tirelessly advocated for self-governance. His political career was not without its setbacks – he faced opposition, betrayal, and even physical threats. Yet, Zik remained committed to his cause, believing that Nigeria’s freedom was essential to Africa’s emancipation.
His political career saw him rise to become the Premier of Nigeria’s Eastern Region, and later, Nigeria’s Governor-General and then first President when the country became a Republic in 1963. Even as the Head of State, his leadership style was shaped by his philosophy of African unity. Zik consistently pushed for policies that would strengthen ties between African nations and reduce the divisions created by colonial borders.
His approach to politics stood in sharp contrast to the ethnic nationalism that characterised other leaders of his time. While others focused on advancing regional or tribal interests, Zik was committed to the idea that national identity should trump ethnic identity. In fact, as highlighted in the document “Of Utopians and Pragmatists”, this belief sometimes cost him support from his own ethnic group, the Igbo. But Zik was undeterred – he knew that the dream of a united Nigeria, and by extension a united Africa, could only be achieved by transcending ethnic loyalties.
I dare say here, that given the educational ambition, entrepreneurial drive and the spirit of adventure of the Igbo, Zik believed they would contribute tremendously to the liberation, economic growth and trade integration of Africa. Little wonder, that today, you would find in practically every African country, a community of Igbo professionals, traders and businesspersons thriving and creating opportunities for themselves and host countries.
Philosophy of Pan-Africanism: Dreaming of a United Africa
At the heart of Zik’s political life was his deep commitment to Pan-Africanism. His speech, “The Future of Pan-Africanism”, reflects his lifelong belief that Africa’s destiny lies in unity. For Zik, Pan-Africanism wasn’t just about solidarity; it was about building institutions that could promote collective security, economic cooperation, and political integration. He envisioned a future where African states would either federate or confederate, voluntarily pooling sovereignty to achieve greater strengths and common goals. His belief in the importance of human dignity and freedom was evident in his call for African states to ratify conventions guaranteeing fundamental human rights, social security, and economic opportunity for all citizens.
Zik was particularly concerned about how post-colonial states clung to the cultural and political legacies of their colonial rulers; Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone etc, which often bred suspicion and rivalry between African nations. In his speeches, he argued that African unity must transcend these colonial legacies if the continent was to achieve lasting peace and prosperity. This was why Zik advocated for regional cooperation frameworks, such as customs unions and common markets, long before these ideas became concretised in the Lagos Plan of Action for Africa’s Integration, and now the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He also emphasized the need for African countries to reject foreign interference. He believed that Africa should stand together under a doctrine of non-intervention. For Zik, a united Africa would not only ensure internal peace but also protect the continent from the insidious influence of external powers.
Living the Legacy of Unity
Zik’s commitment to unity was not just reflected in his speeches and political life—it was evident in his personal choices. His decision to begin his professional and political career in Ghana was an early indication of his belief that African unity transcended borders. Throughout his career, he built alliances across ethnic lines, formed partnerships with other African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyata, Julius Nyerere, Haile Selasie, Kenneth Kaunda, and supported efforts to create regional political unions. His advocacy for economic cooperation and social integration was not limited to Nigeria; he actively participated in discussions about broader African unity, such as those leading to the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
- Economic Fragmentation and Dependency
Zik observed how colonialism left African nations economically fragmented and overly dependent on their former colonisers. He argued that without a unified economic approach, African countries would remain vulnerable to external powers and exploitative economic arrangements. Today, African nations still face this dependency. Most African economies are reliant on exporting raw materials and importing finished goods, a dynamic that perpetuates trade imbalances. There is still minimal processing of agricultural products by way of value addition. And in the extractive industries sector, African ownership has been reducing and again, little value addition is taking place. Consequently, Africa retains less than 10% of the value chain of most of its precious minerals. And African continental and regional organisations depend largely on foreign financing to fund their operations.
According to the Africa Governance Index by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, African economies are frequently susceptible to external shocks, as seen with the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These crises have underscored Africa’s precarious position within the global economic system and the importance of Zik’s vision of an internally strengthened economy that could withstand global disruptions. Unfortunately, contemporary Africa remains a major importer of staple commodities, making it susceptible to price fluctuations beyond its control.
- Youth Disillusionment with Democracy and Economic Independence
Zik stressed that political freedom was incomplete without economic independence. In his view, a politically free yet economically dependent continent would be vulnerable to internal dissatisfaction and external manipulation. Today, Zik’s words echo in the lives of millions of young Africans who struggle to find work and sustain themselves, often leading to disillusionment with democratic governance and an interest in alternative systems.
This issue is particularly pressing, as Africa’s youth population is the largest in the world. Data from Afrobarometer reveals that while democracy is widely supported in theory, young people across Africa are increasingly disenchanted with its practice. Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge; the World Bank reported that youth unemployment rates in Sub-Saharan Africa were among the highest globally, with some regions facing rates above 50%. The absence of meaningful job opportunities has left young Africans feeling alienated and frustrated with political leadership, contributing to the lack of faith in democratic institutions and sporadic unrest across the continent.
Corruption compounds this sense of disillusionment. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index consistently ranks African countries among the most corrupt in the world, and many young Africans view corruption as a major obstacle to development. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s index also highlights governance failures, with unaccountable leadership eroding trust in democratic institutions. This erosion of trust has real consequences: it fuels migration, civil unrest, and a growing preference for authoritarian figures who promise stability and growth over democratic principles and stagnation.
- Political Instability and Security Challenges
Zik warned that without unity, Africa would be vulnerable to political instability and external intervention. He advocated for a collective security approach that would guard against foreign influence and stabilise the continent from within. Yet today, political instability remains one of Africa’s most significant challenges, with internal conflicts and security issues exacerbated by foreign interests and intervention.
The NATO intervention in Libya, which resulted in the killing of Ghaddafi, triggered the collapse of the country and unleashed terrorists and violent extremists in the Sahel countries. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have experienced multiple coups in recent years, largely due to dissatisfaction with civilian governments which have been unable to deal with the spread of terrorism and the existential security threats facing these countries. These security threats are emanating from a fractured Libyan state unable to control the flow of terrorists, separatists and other international criminal groups across the Sahara-Sahel zone.
Zik’s call for a unified African defence mechanism resonates here, as these nations face both internal strife and pressures from foreign powers interested in maintaining dominance over Africa’s political, economic and security systems, especially its vast strategic minerals.
A similar determined approach across the Sahel region involving major African countries, with proven military and financial capabilities, will be decisive in defeating the various terrorist groups menacing the very survival of these Sahelian countries.
- Cultural Divisions and Tribalism
Zik was deeply concerned that ethnic and tribal divisions would undermine African unity. He believed that Africa could not progress unless it overcame these barriers, advocating instead for a broad, inclusive definition of African identity that transcended ethnic and linguistic boundaries. Today, tribalism remains a divisive force in African politics. Ethnic divisions continue to fuel political rivalries, often manipulated by leaders for political gain.
This issue resonates in contemporary electoral politics, where voting patterns and political appointments are frequently based on ethnic affiliations rather than merit. Afrobarometer data shows that many Africans, particularly in multi-ethnic nations, feel that their ethnic group is marginalized by government policies. This lack of trust in inclusive governance leads to social fragmentation, undercutting the unity that Zik envisioned. Without addressing these divisions, Africa will struggle to realise the sense of collective purpose that Zik championed.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We need to pause here and pose the critical question, how would the Great Zik have responded to these challenges were he still with us?
Across the continent, we see that social movements are rising just as Zik and his contemporaries rose to challenge colonialism and imperialism. Recent protests in many African countries have highlighted young people’s restlessness and political expression. How shall we respond?
If Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe were alive today, facing the challenges of poverty, unemployment, corruption, and insecurity, which are the drivers of the social movements today, he would likely have echoed the message that he spent his life championing. He would have insisted that the most effective solution for Africa’s problems lies in African solutions. He would have urged Africans to harness their tremendous resources to meet their basic needs of security, shelter, clothing, education, health, employment, etc, that is, to tackle the urgent issues of poverty and meet the basic needs of the population. Through his speeches and writings, particularly “The Future of Pan-Africanism,” Zik envisioned African unity as a way to establish political stability, economic self-sufficiency, increasing cross-border trade and a common security architecture across the continent. He believed that a united Africa could stand strong against internal and external challenges and become a force on the world stage if countries pool their resources to create common markets, strategic industries and strong continental infrastructure.
Additionally, a unified African government or parliamentary body could coordinate policy on issues, like trade, climate change, health, and migration. For instance, a common migration policy could facilitate the movement of skilled labour across borders, enabling African countries to support each other in times of labour shortages or economic downturns. Such unity could also present a more formidable front in international negotiations, allowing Africa to secure better trade terms, access to global funds for climate resilience, and influence in shaping global policies that affect the continent.
- Collective Security and a Common Défense Force
Zik foresaw the need for a strong collective security system in Africa. In “The Future of Pan-Africanism”, he warned against the dangers of external interference and internal conflicts, advocating for an African defence strategy. In today’s context, where violent conflict, insurgency, and instability persist across the continent, Zik’s vision of a common African defence force is prescient.
This calls for a speedy operationalisation of the African Peace and Security architecture, and in particular, African Standby Force with its regional components, for instance, the ECOWAS Standby Force.
A unified African defence force could dramatically improve the continent’s ability to address security challenges. Terrorism and insurgency have plagued regions such as the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and Central Africa. These issues are beyond the capacity of any single African country to tackle alone, but with a common defence force, Africa could efficiently deploy resources and personnel to conflict zones, supporting peacekeeping operations and stabilizing at-risk areas. This collective approach would allow African states to share intelligence, strategize collectively, and neutralize threats before they escalate.
Furthermore, a unified defence force could secure Africa’s borders and natural resources from external exploitation. As Zik emphasized, a stable Africa would be less susceptible to the interference of foreign powers who seek access to its vast resources. The force would be a deterrent against neocolonialism, allowing Africa to establish policies that prioritise its own interests over those of external actors. For instance, an African Navy could safeguard the continent’s coastal areas, particularly against illegal fishing and piracy, which have become significant issues in regions like the Gulf of Guinea.
In addition, a common defence strategy would protect the rights of African citizens, ensuring that governments uphold human rights and democratic principles, further stabilising the region and bolstering Zik’s vision of dignity and self-governance.
- Catalysing Development with a Unified Industrial Program
Zik emphasised the importance of Africa creating its industries rather than relying on imports. In his vision of Pan-Africanism, he outlined a unified approach to industrialisation where African states would work together, pooling resources, expertise, and labour. He saw that Africa’s development could only be sustainable if it was grounded in self-sufficiency and collective investment.
In contemporary times, a united industrial program could revolutionise Africa’s economy. By developing a centralised strategy for industrial growth, Africa could focus on building essential industries such as manufacturing, technology, and agriculture, transforming the continent from a supplier of raw materials into a producer of finished goods. This shift would not only create jobs but also foster a competitive economy that could reduce Africa’s reliance on imported goods and boost self-reliance.
Under a unified program, Africa could establish regional industrial hubs to maximize each country’s natural resources and talents.
The New Partnership for Africa’s Development under the African Union Development Agency (AUD-NEPAD), has rolled out several initiatives in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063 that should be implemented. Projects such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), The Africa Integrated High-Speed Railway Network and Free Movement of all Persons and African Passport are important projects in the integration of Africa in line with Zik’s vision.
Nigeria is also among the countries that are involved in the 4500 km Algeria to Nigeria Fibre Optic project. Reliable information indicates that the Algeria to Niger border segment has been completed and is operational but awaiting reinforcements carrying loop systems to ensure high network availability. The feasibility study focusing on the Chad, Niger and Nigeria segment is also underway.
I want to also highlight what a unified industrial program can do to Africa’s collective development as envisioned by Zik taking a cue from the efforts of an Afrocentric institution, the African Development Bank Group and its partners. Over the last 8 years, the bank has invested an estimated Fifty-Five billion US Dollars in infrastructure, including roads and highways, transport corridors, seaports, airports, ICT infrastructure and regional power networks.
A few examples of this massive investment include the highway connecting Enugu to Bamenda in Cameroon, a transport corridor that will serve 11 million people, the railway line connecting Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic and the ECOWAS flagship Abidjan to Lagos Corridor Highway Project.
The Anambra State Investment Summit which took place just two days ago to showcase projects that have progressed from conceptualisation to bankability is a step in the right direction to position Anambra State as a gateway to attracting both foreign and local investors. The Anambra Industrial City, the Rail Masterplan and the New Awka City are critical projects that would create job opportunities for the youth and produce not only for the Nigerian market but for the subregion and the continent as a whole.
The Dangote refinery, a sprawling industrial complex, the largest single train refinery in the world with a capacity to produce 650,000 barrels of refined petroleum products per day, is a testament to Nigerian ingenuity and African entrepreneurship. Projects like the Dangote Refinery create jobs, have multiplier effect on the national and regional economies, provide cheaper and reliable fuel for transportation, agriculture, and industries.
These are the types of transformational projects that would propel Africa out of poverty and, indeed, the kind of major industries that we need cross the continent to create high paying jobs for our youth.
- Economic Independence Through a Single Currency
Zik warned that Africa’s economic fragmentation and dependency on foreign currencies and markets would always leave it vulnerable to exploitation and economic instability. In response to this, he advocated for a single African currency—a tool that could transform Africa’s economic landscape. Zik understood that a single currency would bring Africa closer to achieving the economic sovereignty he envisioned, breaking the cycle of dependency on Western currencies like the dollar and the euro.
An important first step in the creation of the African common currency would be the realisation of the West African common currency, the ECO, which the ECOWAS has been spearheading for some time now. Time has come for ECOWAS member states to demonstrate commitment to this strategic tool in West African integration by meeting the conditions for the introduction of the common currency without continuously postponing it. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) would be boosted by a common currency.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In Zik’s united Africa, we find not only solutions to individual crises but a comprehensive approach to building a stable, prosperous continent. His vision is a blueprint for a self-reliant Africa, where economic, security, and political integration lay the foundation for true independence.
The establishment of a single African currency, a free trade zone, unified industrialisation programs, a common defence force, and cooperative governance are essential steps in realizing Zik’s dream. His vision was not merely about political freedom but about creating a continent that could stand as an equal partner on the global stage. Zik would remind us that African unity is more than an ideal; it is an achievable reality that could solve the issues holding the continent back today. Indeed, building the foundations for a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Africa, is consistent with the thinking of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, and it is the sure way to Silencing the Guns in Africa.
In honouring Zik’s ideals, we must embrace a pathway towards a secure, economically independent, and politically stable Africa. His legacy calls upon African leaders and citizens alike to adopt a mindset of unity, to move beyond the boundaries drawn by history, and to build a future where Africa’s people are empowered, prosperous, and united.
The naming of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, where we are today, the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the gateway to Nigeria, in Abuja, and numerous streets, stadia, and libraries across Nigeria and Africa in his honour are entirely deserving.
As we are assembled here to commemorate the life and times of an African icon, the African Union is in search of the next Chairperson of the Commission. It is hoped that in the search, the focus will be on the Pan-African credentials of the candidate and their vision on the issues that were at the core of Zik’s profound thought – the independence of the continent, the protection of its heritage, the projection of African personality and dignity, good governance, harnessing of the continent’s resources for the benefit of its peoples through free movement of persons, goods and service in a truly borderless Africa, and collective security for the protection and safety of Africans.
The current focus on the linguistic divide, anglophone, francophone, lusophone, etc, is sadly a throwback to the colonial divisions of old. The searchlight should be on which candidate can take the continent on a pathway towards realising the dreams of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism such as Zik, embodied today in the noble objective of the AfCFTA and Africa’s Agenda 2063, the Africa We Want.
To conclude, allow me to quote from a speech Zik delivered in 1959 during Kwame Nkrumah’s visit. “I look forward eagerly to the day when Nigerians, as citizens of a fully independent and sovereign State, can join our honoured guests and the people of Ghana not only in enjoying political freedom, but also in participating in the titanic struggle for the freedom of all Africa from exploitation in every form and, under God, create a hate-free, a fear-free, and a greed-free continent peopled by free men and women. And I pray that Almighty God may give us the strength to accomplish this herculean task which it has pleased history to assign to us.”
As our pastors will say, all those who believe, say Amen.
Thank you for your attention.
