Nigeria as a nation is yet to fulfill her potential as “The Giant of Africa” due to corruption, nepotism and other nefarious activities perpetrated by her leaders and citizens alike. Nevertheless, she has produced men and women who despite all challenges lived up to their reputations, gave everything and left indelible marks in the sands of time. After careful study of Nigeria’s political history, I hereby put forth these people who hazarded their lives and rose up to the occasion when necessary as true patriots. They shall always be remembered for whatever they have done. Of these ten Nigerians, only one is still living as of today and only one is a woman. May their labours never be in vain.

10. FRANCES OLUFUNMILAYO RANSOME-KUTI (25 OCTOBER 1900 – 13 APRIL 1978)

9. CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU (4 NOVEMBER 1933 – 26 NOVEMBER 2011)

8. FESTUS SAMUEL OKOTIE-EBOH (18 JULY 1919 – 15 JANUARY 1966)

7. MOSHOOD KASHIMAWO OLAWALE ABIOLA (24 AUGUST 1937 – 7 JULY 1998)

6. OLUSEGUN OBASANJO (c. 5 MARCH 1938- )

5. SANI ABACHA (20 SEPTEMBER 1943- 8 JUNE 1998)

4. BENJAMIN NNAMDI AZIKIWE (16 November 1904 – 11 May 1996)

3. ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA (December 1912 – 15 January 1966)

2. JEREMIAH OBAFEMI AWOLOWO (6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987)

1. AHMADU BELLO (12 June 1909 – 15 January 1966)

Read more about their lives at: http://www.historyvilleng.com/2016/09/03/10-greatest-nigerians-in-political-history/