NATIONALISM

CONTENT

1. The Meaning of Nationalism
2. Nationalistic Roles of Individuals
3. Nationalistic Roles of Groups

The Meaning of Nationalism

Nationalism can be defined as a sense of group solidarity, which is fostered by a combination of a common aspiration and a common experience. It can also be defined as a strong desire or feeling to emancipate or free one’s country from the bondage of colonial domination. Nationalistic movements in West Africa, and Nigeria in particular, was informed by unequalled opportunities, economic exploitation, political degradation and social discrimination perpetrated by the colonial masters on the nationals of their countries. Thus nationalism cuts across race, language, and cultural barriers. It is a unifying force of the mind and an act of sudden awakening to the realities of political independence.

Nationalistic Roles of Individuals

Some individuals played outstanding nationalistic roles in Africa. Some of them are:

(i) Nnamdi Azikiwe (16th November, 1904 – 11th May, 1996):

He was born at Zungeru, in Niger State, on the 16th November, 1904.