Zikism is the system of political thought attributed to Nnamdi Azikiwe

Nnamdi Azikiwe

Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe , usually referred to as Nnamdi Azikiwe and popularly known as "Zik", was one of the leading figures of modern Nigerian nationalism who became the first President of Nigeria after Nigeria secured its independence from the United Kingdom on 1 October 1960; holding the...

, one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria

Nigeria

Nigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...

 and the first democratically elected President of Nigeria

President of Nigeria

The President of Nigeria is the Head of State and head of the national executive. Officially styled President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The current President of Nigeria is Goodluck Jonathan.-History:On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained...

. Azikiwe expanded on this philosophy through his published works such as Renascent Africa (1973) and his autobiography My Odyssey.

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 expel 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 knowledgeable 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
  Ibrahim Babangida
  General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida CFR DSS mni , popularly known as IBB, was a Nigerian Army officer and military ruler of Nigeria...
  
  , former President of Nigeria, said: