Ten Nigerian Heroes Who Fought For Our Freedom

Every country or state has leaders or popular people who made huge contributions to the growth of the country. Our country, Nigeria is not an exception. In Nigeria’s history, there are quite a number of people who made numerous efforts to make sure that Nigeria will take her worthy position as a giant. Not just in Africa alone but also the world at large.

Huge respect and honour are given to some of these Nigeria heroes for their good leadership qualities. They ensured that our independence became a reality, justice was accessible and human right was protected. A line in the national anthem says ‘the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain’. Their labour wouldn’t be in vain if these heroes remain in our hearts and we do everything possible not to destroy the legacy they left behind.

In this article, you will get to know the 10 Nigeria heroes who fought for our freedom and the heroes every Nigerian citizen should never forget.

1) GENERAL YAKUBU DAN YUMMA GOWON

General Yakubu Gowon was born on the 19th of October, 1934. He was born in a small village of the Ngas tribe in Plateau State. Growing up, he lived in Zaria and as he moved further in his education, he got his BSC in the Warwick University of the United Kingdom (UK). In the year 1954, he linked up with the military and after going through training, he received the rank of a second Lieutenant.

He became the head of state from (1966 to 1975). During the heat and fierce war of biafra,  General Yakubu Gowon did all he could to keep this nation together as one. If it were not for the blunt decision Yakubu Gowon took in 1967, Nigeria would have probably returned to the days of protectorates.

2) SIR AHMADU BELLO

Sir Ahmadu Bello was born on the 12th of June, 1910. He was born in Rabbah, Sokoto. He is regarded as one of the most outstanding Nigerian fathers of the country. He was fully engaged in political activities back in the year 1934. In 20 years, he got the post of premier in the Northern Nigerian region. Sadly, Sir Ahmadu Bello was murdered during the coup d’etat on January 15, 1966. In honour of the popular Nigerian leader, the Ahmadu Bello University was named as well as his portrait placed on the 200 naira banknote.

3) FUNMIILAYO RANSOME KUTI

She was born on the 25th of October, 1900. She was born in Abeokuta. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was one of the early feminists we had in Nigeria. She defended the rights of women and at the same time, struggled against the military government and human rights violations. She was regarded as the mother of Africa for her human rights work.

Individuals voted her to the native House of chiefs. She also acted as an Oloye of the Yoruba Nation. Nevertheless, she was the first Nigerian female to drive a car. In 1978, she died from injuries sustained when she was thrown out of the window in the commune.

4) DR. NNAMDI AZIKWE

Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe was born on the 16th of November, 1904. He was born in Niger state and he is known as one of the popular fathers of the nation and the first Nigerian president after we had our independence from Britain. He was also called ‘Zik’. Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe worked as an editor of a Ghanaian newspaper and when he came to Nigeria in 1937, he organised the West African Pilot for the promotion of nationalism in Nigeria. He was the first Nigerian to be called to the privy council of the United Kingdom. He died in 1996.

5) KUDRIAT ABIOLA

Mrs. Kudriat Abiola was born in the year 1951 in Zaria city. She actively participated in the movement for democracy in the year 1994. In the year 1995, she took part in the procession for freedom organised by democratic institutions along with supporters of Chief Anthony enahoro. She inspired many people by fighting for democracy, however, she was  killed in 1996.

6) CHIEF ANTHONY ENAHORO

Chief Anthony was born on the 22nd of July, 1923. He is one of the Nigeria’s prominent supporters of anti colonialism and democracy. He was the youngest editor (21) of the newspaper titled ‘Southern Nigerian Defender’ in 1944. He became a leader at a very young age by organizing objections and the colonial authorities imprisoned him 2 times for insurrection and satirical papers creating. He was also the first man to attempt organize the movement for independence in Nigeria. Chief Anthony died in 2010.

7) MARGARET EKPO

She was born on the 27th of June, 1914 in creek Town, Calabar. Margaret fought for the rights of women in Nigeria. she was also among the first female political figures in the 1st republic of the nation. In the year 1950, she with Funmilayo Ransome Kuti opposed the killings at the Enugu coal mine. They were the representatives of anti colonial protest. She also organised the Aba Township Women’s Association in 1954. She died in 2006.

8) CHIEF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was born on the 6th of March, 1909 in Ogun State. He was one of the leaders who fought for the independence of our country. He organised the Action Group in 1950, which requested for the end of British domination in Nigeria. He was also the first premier of the Western region. In 1971, he refused the position of Finance Commissioner to object the extension of military rule. Chief Obafemi Awolowo died in 1987.

9) HERBERT MACAULAY

Herbert Macaulay was born in 1864. He was regarded as one of the forerunners of Nationalism in Nigeria.  Herbert believed that the citizens with different origins inhabiting Nigeria had to get work together as one. He created a political party in the year 1922, which was the National Democratic party of Nigeria.

Herbert Macaulay was the premier national president of both Nigerian and Cameroon national council. He died in the year 1946.

10) GENERAL MURTALA RAMAT MOHAMMED

The list wouldn’t be completed without General Murtala Mohammed. He was born on the 8th of November, 1938 in Kano State.General Murtala received his first political appointment as communications commissioner in the year 1974. Though he didn’t stay long in power, his regine birthed a new path for Nigeria. He was able to strengthen the sense of duty and patriotism among Nigerians.

During his regime, 19 states were created to increase the number of states in Nigeria from the 12 that was created in 1967.

Gen. Murtala Mohammed was murdered in 1976. His portrait is on the Nigerian 20 naira note. In addition, the airport in Lagos was named after the famous General Ramat Mohammed.