"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]