Zikism
Zikism is the system of political thought attributed to the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria and the first President of Nigeria. Azikiwe expanded on this philosophy through his published works such as Renascent Africa (1973) [1]
Overview
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 expell 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 knowledgable 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.
Quotes on Zikism
- Ibrahim Babangida, former President of Nigeria. [2]
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 renaissance emphasizing the restoration of the dignity of the black man after centuries of colonial imposition and exploitation.