"Azikiwe" and "Zik" redirect here. For other uses, see Nnamdi Azikiwe (disambiguation) and Zik (disambiguation).
Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, GCFR PC (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996),[2][3] usually referred to as "Zik", was a Nigerian statesman and political leader who served as the first President of Nigeria from 1963 to 1966.[4] Considered a driving force behind the nation's independence, he came to be known as the "father of Nigerian Nationalism".[5][6][7]
The Right Honourable
Nnamdi Azikiwe
P.C.
Nnamdi Azikiwe PC (cropped)
Nnamdi Azikiwe circa 1963
1st President of Nigeria
In office
1 October 1963 – 16 January 1966
Prime Minister
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Senate President
Nwafor Orizu
Preceded by
Position established (Elizabeth II
(as Queen of Nigeria)
Succeeded by
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
3rd Governor-General of Nigeria
In office
16 November 1960 – 1 October 1963
Monarch
Elizabeth II
Preceded by
James Robertson
Succeeded by
Position abolished
1st President of the Senate of Nigeria
In office
1 January 1960 – 1 October 1960
Preceded by
Position established
Succeeded by
Dennis Osadebay
Premier of Eastern Nigeria
In office
1954–1959
Preceded by
Eyo Ita
Succeeded by
Michael Okpara
Personal details
Born
16 November 1904
Zungeru, Northern Nigeria Protectorate
Died
11 May 1996 (aged 91)
Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Political party
National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons
Nigerian People's Party
Spouse(s)
Flora Ogoegbunam
(m. 1936; died 1983)
Uche Ewah (m. 1973)[1]