Bro. Chief Benjamin N. Azikiwe

Brother Chief Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, PC, Ph.D., (November 16. 1904 – May 11. 1996) was a prominent Nigerian Statesman and Nationalist who is held in high esteem. Bro. Chief Azikiwe pursued his education at a number of institutions of higher learning including Storer College, Lincoln University, Howard University, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University. While at Lincoln University, Bro. Chief Azikiwe was initiated into the Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Bro. He holds a number of advanced degrees including a master’s degree in anthropology, and a doctorate degree. Bro. Chief Azikiwe was immersed within the principles of “Garveyism” and soon began developing his political and nationalistic rhetoric around these tenants. This went on to have a huge influence on Bro. Chief Azikiwe’s political career. In 1944, He entered the realm of Nigerian politics. In 1963, Bro. Chief Azikiwe served as Nigeria’s first Head of State. He was the nation’s first President since the country gained its independence from Great Britain. Bro. Chief Azikiwe served as the nation’s President from 1963 to 1966. Azikiwe is a hero and champion of nationalism and empowerment. He lived a life of service and played a huge role in the independence of his native country.

In the Fall of 1931, Bro. Chief Azikiwe wrote an ode to the motherland in Phi Beta Sigma’s Crescent Magazine. His poem reads:

“Africana”

Dear paradise of stately palms,

Oh wonderland of God!

The chanting winds in tropic qualms

Now soothe thy wearied sod,

While Phoebus glows mid heavenly psalms

In its supernal nod.

For leaders unalloyed by gold

Or wiles o mortal man,

We supplicate that thou might mold

Our sons in this brief span—

To stand for virtues true and bold,

All artifice to scan.

Protect us from designs of hate

And lustre of the flesh;

May we repel the will of fate

When bondage, we enmesh,

And in the end we’ll fling the gate

Of love to bloom afresh!