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General News of Monday, 12 April 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Find out why Obafemi Awolowo said 'Nigeria is not a nation' in 1947

Chief Obafemi Awolowo Chief Obafemi Awolowo

The story of Nigeria's existence is one that many may not understand.

Since the Brits amalgamated the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, many have been divided on if indeed a one Nigeria will work or otherwise.

Several years down the line, the country's founding leaders, Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Tafawa Bello, Nnamdi Azikwe raised concerns and wondered how Nigerians of extreme diversity will bound without discord.

The past weeks and months have confirmed their greatest fears.

Over this period, the calls for seccession have intensified with factions within the various regions basing these calls on factors including the rising spate of insecurity and abductions.

Below is a quote from Chief Obafemi Awolowo about Nigeria in 1947

"Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no 'Nigerians' in the same sense as there are 'English' 'Welsh' or 'French'.

The word 'Nigerian' is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria and those who are not."