Mine, unflinchingly, is Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu (1937–1967) a man of principle, charisma, character, strong ideals, integrity, vision, purpose and undaunted courage. If, the coupists in charge of operations in the South had a quarter of Nzeogwu's courage and determination on the night of January 15 1966, the course of Nigeria’s (and possibly Africa’s) may have forever been altered for good. Sadly, however, what he sought, and fought, to change (corruption, vote rigging, nepotism and tribalism) remains the bane of Nigeria's polity.

[img]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRc-GZQGsRL0RkTLh5kuxGr2kaJ9YrJj94Z58QEfkzhoVhULnYJsY-YrA_UtA[/img]

After studying the history of the events it was clear that Nzeogwu's success would have nipped 90% of the political problems we have today in the bud before they became what they've become today. The odd thing about Nigeria is everyone's hero is someone else's villian and usually in equally numbered and equally passionate proportions.


My pick is Fela Kuti. I can easily say he's the greatest musician of all time, and it will be soon that they rest of the world realizes it, as they're already beginning to (seems to be more popular in death than in life), as is the case with all musicians. Fela took nothing as fact and questioned everything, redefining it where he saw it needed redefinition. I believe Fela is yet to get the credit he deserves simply because the world is still catching up to the level of genius he operated with. Among the tangible things we can see and feel the invention of Afro Beat, his giving a voice to the voiceless and a loud one even at the height of Nigeria's military repressiveness. The simple act of taking his mother's coffin to Obasanjo's barracks. Fela's now become the soul of all demonstrations in Nigeria. Anytime people fight for their right against the system his songs are recited word for word over and over.

The way he wrote was revolutionary, the way he performed was revolutionary, the way he thought, the way he composed. He's Africa's Beethoven, though i would place him as superior to the later.
Most importantly he has enriched nigeria's democracy, social development, cultural awareness, and willingness to think and live differently.

Mine is Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu!

booked

Chief D. Osadebey