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Herbert Macaulay - Heroes & Heroines In Nigeria


Herbert Macaulay, often referred to as the "Father of Nigerian Nationalism," was a pioneer in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence. As a journalist, politician, and activist, Macaulay dedicated his life to fighting colonial oppression and advocating for the rights of Nigerians.

Born on November 14, 1864, in Lagos, Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay was the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop. He was raised in a religious and educated household, which shaped his early outlook on life.


Macaulay studied civil engineering in Plymouth, England, on a government scholarship, becoming one of the first Nigerians to receive professional training abroad. After returning to Nigeria, he worked as a surveyor for the colonial government but later resigned due to frustrations with colonial policies.


Herbert Macaulay’s political activism began in earnest when he started questioning the injustices of colonial rule, including land policies that disadvantaged indigenous Nigerians. In 1908, he became an outspoken critic of British colonial governance, particularly its neglect of local needs.


In 1923, Macaulay co-founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), Nigeria’s first political party. The NNDP advocated for self-governance, local representation, and the rights of Nigerians to control their resources.

Macaulay also used journalism as a tool for activism. He founded The Lagos Daily News in 1927, the first daily newspaper in Nigeria. The publication became a platform for exposing colonial injustices and mobilizing Nigerians to demand their rights.

One of Macaulay’s significant contributions was his role in organizing and leading protests against unfair colonial policies, such as taxation and land acquisition. He was also instrumental in championing the rights of Lagosians to control their municipal affairs, a fight that made him a hero to many.


Through his efforts, he laid the foundation for the nationalist movements that would later lead to Nigeria’s independence. His work inspired future leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo.


Macaulay believed in the dignity and equality of all people, regardless of race or status. He was a strong advocate for education, political representation, and economic empowerment for Nigerians.

Despite his advancing age, Macaulay remained active in the political scene. In 1944, he became a co-founder and the first President of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), alongside Nnamdi Azikiwe. This organization would later play a key role in Nigeria’s path to independence.



Herbert Macaulay passed away on May 7, 1946, at the age of 81, but his legacy as a trailblazer for Nigerian nationalism remains intact.


Herbert Macaulay’s contributions to Nigeria’s political awakening earned him a place in history as one of the most important figures in the fight against colonialism. He is immortalized on Nigeria’s currency, the ₦1 coin, and through numerous monuments and institutions named in his honor.


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