Notable people
Notable people of Nigeria
Independence leaders, writers, musicians, athletes and others whose work is documented and whose place in Nigerian public life is well established. This is not a complete record of anyone's life, only what is relevant to understanding their contribution.
8 people
Independence era
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
1912–1966
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria's first Prime Minister, in office from 1957 as federal premier and through independence in 1960 until the coup of January 1966. He was born at Tafawa Balewa in what is now Bauchi State.
Bauchi State
Independence era
Ahmadu Bello
1910–1966
Ahmadu Bello was Premier of the Northern Region from 1954 until his death in the coup of January 1966, and the dominant figure in northern politics at independence. He was Fulani, born at Rabah in what is now Sokoto State, and a descendant of the founders of the Sokoto Caliphate.
Sokoto State · Fulani
Independence era
Herbert Macaulay
1864–1946
Herbert Macaulay was an engineer, surveyor and newspaper proprietor who organised the first modern political party in Nigeria. He was Yoruba, born in Lagos, in what is now Lagos State.
Lagos State · Yoruba
Independence era
Joseph Tarka
1932–1980
Joseph Tarka led the campaign for a separate Middle Belt region and became the best-known Tiv politician of his generation. He was born at Igbor in what is now Benue State.
Benue State · Tiv
Independence era
Margaret Ekpo
1914–2006
Margaret Ekpo was a women's rights organiser and one of the first women elected to a Nigerian legislature. She was Efik, born at Creek Town near Calabar in what is now Cross River State.
Cross River State · Efik
Independence era
Michael Okpara
1920–1984
Michael Okpara was Premier of the Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966 and the architect of the farm settlement programme known as pragmatic socialism. He was Igbo, born at Ojoto in the Bende area of what is now Abia State.
Abia State · Igbo
Independence era
Nnamdi Azikiwe
1904–1996
Nnamdi Azikiwe was a newspaper publisher and nationalist politician who became the first President of Nigeria at independence. He was Igbo, born in Zungeru in what is now Niger State.
Niger State · Igbo
Independence era
Obafemi Awolowo
1909–1987
Obafemi Awolowo was a lawyer, writer and politician who led the Western Region as its first Premier and built one of Nigeria's most durable political traditions. He was Yoruba, born at Ikenne in what is now Ogun State.
Ogun State · Yoruba