Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has described Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, as one of the country’s most widely respected historical figures, saying his legacy extends across Nigeria and Africa.
Speaking on Creative Lord TV, Sani argued that Azikiwe’s name commands broad national acceptance, citing the naming of Abuja’s international airport after the late statesman as an example of his enduring recognition.
“Nnamdi Azikiwe is the only historical figure whose name can be tagged to Abuja without anybody saying anything negative about it. All parts of Nigeria, all parts of Africa respect Nnamdi Azikiwe. They say good things about him except where he comes from,” Sani said.
The former lawmaker also expressed concern that some young people, particularly those born long after Nigeria’s independence, criticize Azikiwe without fully understanding his role in the country’s history.
According to Sani, Azikiwe remains one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized leaders and made significant contributions to Africa’s struggle for independence.
“In the whole of Nigeria’s history, there is no historical figure that has been known globally like Nnamdi Azikiwe of Africa. And he’s the son of the soil, an Igbo man that has gotten international recognition, that has contributed to Africa’s independence more than any other leader you can think of,” he added.
Sani’s remarks were made while reflecting on Azikiwe’s historical legacy and urging greater appreciation of his contributions to Nigeria and the African independence movement.
