Info For Y'all Mbonu Ojike: Nigerian Nationalist, Pan-Africanist, Cultural Crusader In Addition To The Boycott King
Mazi Mbonu Ojike (1912-1959) was an outspoken as well as fearless Nigerian nationalist, keen pan-Africanist, an African cultural crusader, an an writer as well as an activist for social jurist as well as racial equality. He coined the at i time famous phrase “Boycott the Boycottables”, which earned him the championship the “Boycott King.” His greatest touching on was psychological as well as intellectual. He gave dorsum to the Nigerian pride inwards himself every bit a human being, inwards his civilisation every bit a living functional whole.
Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Nationalist, Pan-Africanist, Cultural Crusader as well as the "Boycott King" of Nigeria.
He was an Igbo human being whose political stature comes 3rd after boyfriend ndi-Igbos Dr Nnamdi "Zik" Azikiwe as well as Dr Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe. Ojike was also a renowned pupil organizer as well as leader, a paper columnist (journalist) as well as a fire-brand politico was inwards the flat of giant Nigerian political heavyweights similar Chief H.O. Davies, MD Michael Okpara, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Chief Bode Thomas, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, Alhaji Mohammadu Ribadu as well as Alhaji Zana Rima Dipcharima.
As a pan-Africanist, Mazi Ojike practiced what he preached past times adopting native names, clothes, food, as well as ways of life. Ironically, he toured the towns as well as villages alongside his message of cultural nationalism inwards cars imported from abroad. He wore traditional clothing to business office as well as served palm wine, instead of whisky, champagne or beer at his official receptions as well as parties. He replaced his accommodate alongside agbada or jumper as well as encouraged civil servants to look inwards business office inwards native attire.
Mazi Ojike was a staunch critic of imperialism as well as lose no chance to onset colonialism as well as its resultant on Africans. In the recent 2013 majority entitled "The Igbo Intellectual Tradition: Creative Conflict inwards African as well as African Diasporic Thought," edited past times Gloria Chuku, the writer averred that "Ojike’s uncompromising rejection of alien culture, especially European civilization as well as colonial domination, as well as his anti-European imperialist motion earned him the championship of “The King of Boycottables.” Yet Ojike was a beneficiary of European civilization as well as fifty-fifty campaigned for the retentiveness of some aspects of that civilization inwards Africa. This type of contradictions, every bit good every bit controversies as well as “scandals” surrounding Ojike’s scholarship, political career as well as activism are also examined."
Mazi Ojike was i of the 7 bright immature men who were inspired as well as encouraged past times Dr Nnamdi "Zik" Azikiwe to canvass to U.S.A. "in search of the Golden Fleece" inwards Dec 1938. The grouping includes Dr K. O. Mbadiwe aka Man of Timber as well as Calibre, Otuka Okala, Dr Nnodu Okongwu, Engr. Nwanko Chukwuemeka, Dr Okechukwu Ikejiani, MD Abyssinia Akweke Nwafor Orizu as well as George Igbodebe Mbadiwe. Dr Mbadiwe ever referred to this grouping every bit "Seven Argonauts." It is said that every bit presently every bit Ojike landed inwards US, he joined pupil politics as well as it did non accept him much fourth dimension to win election every bit the President of the African Students Union of Lincoln University. He also became the General Secretary of the African Academy of Arts as well as Research founded past times Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe (K.O.) On Apr 25, 1945, when delegates of 50 nations met inwards San Francisco for the conference known officially every bit the UN Conference on International Organization, Ojike was at that spot every bit a pupil observer representing the Academy. As a leader of the African students motion Ojike embarked on extensive lecture tours of the U.S.A. educating the Americans on the laurels as well as dignity of their roots. Ojike’s activism inwards the U.S.A. was non confined to associations, conferences as well as rallies.
In his brusk sojourn of 3 years as well as inwards his capacity every bit a prolific writer he published 3 books: Portrait of a Boy inwards Africa (1945), My Africa (1946) as well as I remove hold Two Countries (1947). In the start 2 books he vividly portrayed for his unusual audience the identity as well as integrity of African culture. His penetrating analysis was farther pointed inwards his 3rd majority when inwards recording his American experience Ojike probed beneath the glitter of the American dream to describe illuminating comparisons alongside life inwards Africa. But his decision was neither parochial, nor romantic nor complacent. The message was to both his countries as well as to all humanity: “I am non proud of what our basis has been nor of what it is; I am proud to bring together men as well as women of goodwill to create our civilization what it ought to be”
Ojike, genuinely became famous during the struggle for independence through his weekly paper column, ‘Weekend Catechism’ inwards the West African Pilot. Through that pop platform, he appealed to Nigerians to perceive independence from the cultural perspective. His persuasion was that the attachment of the immature educated elements to British civilisation was some other shape of enslavement. Thus, the keen nationalist taught Nigerians to turn down or avoid “foreign things” or “imported things”, contending that, inwards the procedure of identifying alongside or embracing the civilisation of the colonial masters, the pride of the colonised community is farther injured. Ojike was the General director of the West African pilot.
He “plunged into the mainstream of militant nationalism” rising inwards real brusk monastic tell to a seat of high prominence inwards National Council of Nigeria as well as Republic of Cameroon (NCNC) circles, from which he was to grip many major appointments including: an adviser to the NCNC Delegation at the 1949 constitutional conference, Deputy Mayor of Lagos, National Vice president of the NCNC,
Member of Eastern House of Assembly, Eastern Regional Minister of Works as well as Eastern Regional Minister of Finance.
Mazi Ojike was both a fan as well as foe of the sometime Premier of Eastern Region, MD Nnamidi Azikiwe. As Finance Minister nether Zik, he savage out alongside his leader.
Ojike died at the historic menstruation of 44 inwards an auto crash. Many Nigerians believed that he left without realising his total potentials.
Mbonu Ojike was born into the polygynous theatre unit of measurement of Ojike as well as Mgbeke Emeanulu some 1912 inwards Ndiakeme hamlet of Arondizuogu inwards eastern Nigeria at a menstruation when Igbo civilisation as well as fellowship came nether intense European majestic assault.
Ojike’s childhood saw weather condition of keen devastation, insecurity, incertitude as well as anxiety occasioned past times the confluence of events, that included British subjugation of the Igbo, the outbreak of WWI as well as the flu epidemic of 1918–1919. These occurrences helped to shape his life. As i of the xix sons of his parent, Mbonu demonstrated early on inwards his life an independent heed as well as forcefulness of character.
By his ain line concern human relationship he decided to become to schoolhouse inwards spite of his father, a prosperous Aro trader who would remove hold preferred his sons to serve their apprenticeship on the route alongside him. Leaving primary schoolhouse at an unusually early on historic menstruation Ojike became a pupil instructor who ‘taught simple subjects past times twenty-four threescore minutes menstruation as well as studied secondary lessons past times night’. "When he graduated from simple school, he broke alongside local tradition past times refusing to marry. he persisted inwards his studies, winning a scholarship to the famous Teacher Training College at Awka., from which he earned his Higher Elementary teachers certificate."
He went on to learn at that spot after graduation. While teaching he continued his individual studies, obtaining the Cambridge School Certificate as well as a University of London Diploma. The start signs of his political awareness appeared at this fourth dimension when he led his boyfriend younger teachers on a strike to terminate discriminatory treatment. With the advent of Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) on the Nationalist scene, Ojike promptly enlisted inwards the struggle past times joining the Zik’s grouping of Newspapers.
Still searching for cognition Ojike became i of the groups of Nigerian; ‘Argonauts’ who, inspired past times Zik left for the U.S.A. of America where he enrolled every bit a pupil of the Lincoln University. He afterwards studied at Ohio as well as Chicago universities, obtaining B.A. as well as M.A. from Chicago University.
Not unexpectedly, Ojike joined pupil politics every bit presently every bit he landed inwards the United States. It did non accept him much fourth dimension to win election every bit the President of the African Students Union of Lincoln University. He also became the General Secretary of the African Academy of Arts as well as Research founded past times Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe (K.O.) On Apr 25, 1945, when delegates of 50 nations met inwards San Francisco for the conference known officially every bit the UN Conference on International Organization, Ojike was at that spot every bit a pupil observer representing the Academy. As a leader of the African students motion Ojike embarked on extensive lecture tours of the U.S.A. educating the Americans on the laurels as well as dignity of their roots.
Ojike’s activism inwards the U.S.A. was non confined to associations, conferences as well as rallies. In his brusk sojourn of 3 years he published 3 books: Portrait of a Boy inwards Africa (1945), My Africa (1946) as well as I remove hold Two Countries (1947). In the start 2 books he vividly portrayed for his unusual audience the identity as well as integrity of African culture. His penetrating analysis was farther pointed inwards his 3rd majority when inwards recording his American experience Ojike probed beneath the glitter of the American dream to describe illuminating comparisons alongside life inwards Africa. But his decision was neither parochial, nor romantic nor complacent. The message was to both his countries as well as to all humanity: “I am non proud of what our basis has been nor of what it is; I am proud to bring together men as well as women of goodwill to create our civilization what it ought to be”
Mazi Mbonu Ojike returned to Nigeria inwards 1947 as well as “plunged into the mainstream of militant nationalism” rising inwards real brusk monastic tell to a seat of high prominence inwards NCNC circles, from which he was to grip many major appointments including:
Adviser to the NCNC Delegation at the 1949 constitutional conference
Deputy Mayor of Lagos,
National Vice president of the NCNC
Member, Eastern House of Assembly
Eastern Regional Minister of Works
Eastern Regional Minister of Finance.
Professionally Ojike entered journalism, becoming the General director of the West African airplane pilot where he established as well as wrote the influential weekly column ‘Week End Catechism’. He also ventured into large-scale line concern company before going into full-time politics towards the terminate of his life.
Mazi Mbonu Ojike died inwards 1959. In 8 brief years of populace life he did to a greater extent than than whatsoever other Nigerian, before or since, to enhance populace consciousness of our identity as well as pride every bit Africans or Nigerians, to counteract the rampant civilisation of disparagement, to assert as well as signal the agency to practical self-confident, self-reliance; self reliance inwards ideas, inwards demeanor as well as inwards action.
In his spare as well as incisive prose Ojike cutting opened upwards as well as examined the cant, sophistry as well as pretensions of the colonial province as well as church.
His greatest touching on was psychological as well as intellectual. He gave dorsum to the Nigerian pride inwards himself every bit a human being, inwards his civilisation every bit a living functional whole.
He coined the at i time famous phrase “Boycott the Boycottables”, which earned him the championship the “Boycott King”. He led past times example, consistently wearing traditional clothing to business office as well as serving palm vino instead of whisky, champagne or beer at his official receptions as well as parties. Under the withering scorn of Ojike’s pen the southern politico abandoned his three-piece accommodate for the Agbada or jumper. The civil service itself capitulated, conceding the correct of its staff to come upwards to piece of job inwards appropriate ‘native’ attire.
In his West African Pilot Sat column, “Week End Catechism” Ojike interacted weekly alongside the many inquiring, soul-searching Nigerians exploring the problems as well as dilemmas of a fellowship inwards the twilight of colonialism. His vision was ever clear as well as consistent, his advice robust as well as practical.
As a political activist Ojike brought his vision, flair as well as mutual feel into the politics of independence. One of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s most influential lieutenants, he worked difficult behind the scenes, defining as well as refining concepts, preparing seat papers, manifestoes, slogans. A supreme publicist, he galvanized political rallies alongside his slogans as well as songs, earning the sobriquet of “Freedom Choirmaster”.
The sharpness of Ojike’s political vision is illustrated past times i of the few overt acts of opened upwards disagreement alongside his political party position. This was the subscription (with Professor Eyo Ita) to a Minority Report on the constitutional conference objecting non to the regulation of a federal construction but to the creation of a federal scheme based on 3 regions, a solution which they foresaw would atomic number 82 to destabilizing ethnic hegemonic as well as separatist activity as well as reaction. (Coleman, 1956; Okafor 1981) Eighteen years afterwards (in 1967) the 3 regional structures collapsed. Ojike also stood theatre against the ideas of a theatre of chiefs as well as an Electoral College system, both of which remove hold since been discarded.
Another celebrated facet of Ojike’s contributions to populace life was his originality, courage, difficult piece of job as well as dedication every bit a Minister. Two meaning instances of political courage may live on cited: his contribution to a feasible solution of the struggle betwixt Onitsha indigenes as well as non-indigenes for the political command of the Onitsha Urban Council, as well as his bold introduction of the PAYE scheme of taxation. Both initiatives were at obvious as well as considerable chance to Ojike’s political career.
Ojike was a Minister alongside a difference. Thus, to bring upwards but i instance, it is on tape that every bit Minister of industrial plant on tour of projects he ofttimes assigned his luxurious official auto to his officials to assist alongside basic shipping needs piece he visited locations on human foot or force bike. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 fellow member of the Eastern House of Assembly paid him this tribute every bit published inwards the official Proceedings. “He went to the villages, educating as well as mingling alongside the piteous natives. In fact inwards … Division he is non known every bit the “Boycott King” every bit he is commonly known; he is known every bit the Minister of Water … in fact he is a piece of job human being … he is to a greater extent than of workman than a Minister.” As Minister of Works Ojike initiated the construction of major link roads inwards the East the results of which nosotros are nonetheless enjoying today.
The presentation of Ojike’s start budget every bit Minister of Finance earned him this unstinting praise from the Leader of the Opposition, Professor Eyo Ita: “I think nosotros ought to live on proud to run across that an African minister, only come upwards to office, is able to accept the whole span of the Region’s economical field, as well as bargain alongside it inwards the agency the Minister of Finance has done. What he has achieved has been compared alongside the achievement of his predecessors of some other race. Although that also makes us experience proud. I desire us to scream upwards that nosotros should non alone compare ourselves alongside people of other races but nosotros should compare ourselves alongside ourselves – inwards other words, what nosotros tin achieve.” Another eminent opposition member, MD Okoi Arikpo, had this to say “ I was real impressed past times the touching of realism which runs through his entire address” that tribute was significant.
One of his most meaning contributions was the introduction of the “Pay As You Earn”(PAYE) scheme of personal taxation into the country. He also saw to the smoothen as well as effective take-off of the African Continental Bank the start indigenous depository fiscal establishment inwards Nigeria, as well as was largely instrumental to the successful take-off of the Easter Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC)
His Message
Mazi Mbonu Ojike.s greatest contribution to national evolution was inwards his insistence on national mental emancipation, inwards his propagation of national self-awareness as well as pride, as well as inwards his assiduous advertisement of a self-reliant strategy of national development. He encapsulated his message inwards the famous slogan: “Boycott all Boycottables”, which earned him the championship of “The Boycott King”.
As Professor Frank Ndili, sometime Vice-Chancellor of this keen academy stated inwards his preface to the start majority inwards laurels of Ojike published past times the Institute for Development Studies, the Boycott philosophy “epitomizes belief inwards one’s ain abilities. Nigeria today imports ready made goods, “psychological foods”, fifty-fifty models, patterns of organizations as well as institutions from the developed countries, thereby subjecting the national economic scheme as well as fellowship to all trend of international upheavals that our introduce flat of socio-economic evolution cannot sustain., Nigeria tin do without a issue of these imported goods as well as values as well as shift efforts towards the optimal utilization of her inert capabilities.” That tilt was made 26 years ago. Today at that spot is a lot of talk, a lot of theorizing, a lot of evangelism most globalization. And Nigeria has publicly bought into the agenda. But the fact remains that unless nosotros know ourselves, accept skillful cognizance of our resources as well as strengths, as well as contribute them confidently as well as productively to the global partnership, whether it live on inwards the sphere of ideas or inwards the sphere of materials, nosotros shall remain, every bit now, the underdogs inwards the global struggle, incurring to a greater extent than than our fair portion of the costs as well as earning less than our fair portion of the benefits..
The 2d human face of Ojike’s message which I would similar to highlight today is reflected inwards his thoughts on education. Student, activist, politico or businessman, Mbonu Ojike was a instructor all his life, retaining an abiding involvement inwards education. This Hall of Residence memorialises that interest. In an before endeavour nosotros at the Institute for Development Studies organized inwards his honour a serial of lecture on the theme: Education for Self Reliance. The published version included excerpts on Education from his Week End Catechism. I remove hold taken the freedom of reproducing the excerpts for this presentation. You volition uncovering how many of our introduce twenty-four threescore minutes menstruation concerns were anticipated as well as dealt alongside past times Mbonu Ojike fifty-five or to a greater extent than years ago.
Thus inwards 1949 he argued the instance for free, compulsory, alongside authorities edifice its ain schools as well as encouraging all others interested inwards educational ventures. On content, he urged that “the entire instruction code live on revised as well as recast to give our youth existent as well as dynamic instruction for production And creativity. He was for rejecting unusual certificates inwards secondary instruction – Cmbridge School Certificate as well as London Matriculation as well as all that, inwards favour of developing our ain standardised certificates based on relevant instruction of a character worthy of laurels at abode as well as abroad..
On higher education, he argued: We do non larn for the sake of learning, but to do some service alongside it to ourselves as well as country. For him, “the duty which a academy owes to a province is three-fold:
to uncovering as well as prepare a large issue of intellectual elites, drawn from a broad circle of the land without discrimination.
to keep for the communityits ain God-given measure or culture, that is, a canon of gustation of beauty, of truth as well as juastice
to advance scientific discipline as well as philosophy past times promoting research, originality, rationality as well as inventiveness.
He also argues that a University without nationalism is a mere waste materials of time.
On the theme of culture, religious belief and civilization, he had this to say (again this was inwards 1949); Africa as well as Europe existed before the nascence of Christ. Yet inwards that basis epoch Europe did non dominion Africa, neither was Europe moiré industrialized than Africa. The current of civilization inwards its philosophical as well as stuff aspects did i time flow from Africa to Europe fifty-fifty every bit it did flow from Europe to America 2 hundred years ago” And he added, prophetically, “Today Europe is declining, America is ascending, fifty-fifty every bit Europe was before as well as Africa was before Europe. Asia is rising though without the menacing factors of imperialism. Africa is coming dorsum to its sometime glory. It volition inwards due course of report accept over. Sadly’ Africa has thus far failed to fulfill its destiny. We demand to focus on it. There is no demand for self denigration or despair, much demand for vision as well as effort. As he said: “Change is an imperative police force of nature. Its source is mental attitude to life inwards all its ramifications as well as non geography. th pride as well as morality the leadership of rthe world.”.
Ojike had a vision for our country: “When I run across inwards our country, shops, factories, banks, universities, societies as well as clubs maintaining proud comparing alongside what they are inwards other countries, as well as thus if I am asked to accept a bow for contributing my tiny chip towards that reality of economical stability as well as national identity, I shall non hesitate to do thus alongside humility as well as gratitude.” Tragically, he did non alive to accept that bow. But his message lives, as well as I promise that you, his spiritual children of Mbonu Ojike Hall, as well as indeed all of us, volition alive as well as piece of job to accept it for him.
Today the statue of Mbonu Ojike stands every bit a visual reminder of his legacy as well as message. Look to it as well as remember. To encapsulate his message: at that spot is piece of job to live on done, the piece of job of edifice a prosperous, confident as well as self-reliant nation, as well as no human being or adult woman should balance from their labours.
source:http://ukwufoundation.org/mazi-mbonu-ojike-the-man-and-his-message/
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/remembering-ojike-the-boycott-king/
Mazi Mbonu Ojike, Nationalist, Pan-Africanist, Cultural Crusader as well as the "Boycott King" of Nigeria.
He was an Igbo human being whose political stature comes 3rd after boyfriend ndi-Igbos Dr Nnamdi "Zik" Azikiwe as well as Dr Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe. Ojike was also a renowned pupil organizer as well as leader, a paper columnist (journalist) as well as a fire-brand politico was inwards the flat of giant Nigerian political heavyweights similar Chief H.O. Davies, MD Michael Okpara, Chief Ladoke Akintola, Chief Bode Thomas, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode, Alhaji Mohammadu Ribadu as well as Alhaji Zana Rima Dipcharima.
As a pan-Africanist, Mazi Ojike practiced what he preached past times adopting native names, clothes, food, as well as ways of life. Ironically, he toured the towns as well as villages alongside his message of cultural nationalism inwards cars imported from abroad. He wore traditional clothing to business office as well as served palm wine, instead of whisky, champagne or beer at his official receptions as well as parties. He replaced his accommodate alongside agbada or jumper as well as encouraged civil servants to look inwards business office inwards native attire.
Mazi Ojike was a staunch critic of imperialism as well as lose no chance to onset colonialism as well as its resultant on Africans. In the recent 2013 majority entitled "The Igbo Intellectual Tradition: Creative Conflict inwards African as well as African Diasporic Thought," edited past times Gloria Chuku, the writer averred that "Ojike’s uncompromising rejection of alien culture, especially European civilization as well as colonial domination, as well as his anti-European imperialist motion earned him the championship of “The King of Boycottables.” Yet Ojike was a beneficiary of European civilization as well as fifty-fifty campaigned for the retentiveness of some aspects of that civilization inwards Africa. This type of contradictions, every bit good every bit controversies as well as “scandals” surrounding Ojike’s scholarship, political career as well as activism are also examined."
US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, sponsor as well as Guest of Honor of the African Dance Festival, held Mon evening, Dec 14, 1943 at the Carnegie Hall alongside Mazi Mbonu Ojike (standing on the correct side wearing African clothing alongside a cap) who came from the University of Chicago representin the African students. Image: Bettmann Collection
Mazi Ojike was i of the 7 bright immature men who were inspired as well as encouraged past times Dr Nnamdi "Zik" Azikiwe to canvass to U.S.A. "in search of the Golden Fleece" inwards Dec 1938. The grouping includes Dr K. O. Mbadiwe aka Man of Timber as well as Calibre, Otuka Okala, Dr Nnodu Okongwu, Engr. Nwanko Chukwuemeka, Dr Okechukwu Ikejiani, MD Abyssinia Akweke Nwafor Orizu as well as George Igbodebe Mbadiwe. Dr Mbadiwe ever referred to this grouping every bit "Seven Argonauts." It is said that every bit presently every bit Ojike landed inwards US, he joined pupil politics as well as it did non accept him much fourth dimension to win election every bit the President of the African Students Union of Lincoln University. He also became the General Secretary of the African Academy of Arts as well as Research founded past times Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe (K.O.) On Apr 25, 1945, when delegates of 50 nations met inwards San Francisco for the conference known officially every bit the UN Conference on International Organization, Ojike was at that spot every bit a pupil observer representing the Academy. As a leader of the African students motion Ojike embarked on extensive lecture tours of the U.S.A. educating the Americans on the laurels as well as dignity of their roots. Ojike’s activism inwards the U.S.A. was non confined to associations, conferences as well as rallies.
In his brusk sojourn of 3 years as well as inwards his capacity every bit a prolific writer he published 3 books: Portrait of a Boy inwards Africa (1945), My Africa (1946) as well as I remove hold Two Countries (1947). In the start 2 books he vividly portrayed for his unusual audience the identity as well as integrity of African culture. His penetrating analysis was farther pointed inwards his 3rd majority when inwards recording his American experience Ojike probed beneath the glitter of the American dream to describe illuminating comparisons alongside life inwards Africa. But his decision was neither parochial, nor romantic nor complacent. The message was to both his countries as well as to all humanity: “I am non proud of what our basis has been nor of what it is; I am proud to bring together men as well as women of goodwill to create our civilization what it ought to be”
Ojike, genuinely became famous during the struggle for independence through his weekly paper column, ‘Weekend Catechism’ inwards the West African Pilot. Through that pop platform, he appealed to Nigerians to perceive independence from the cultural perspective. His persuasion was that the attachment of the immature educated elements to British civilisation was some other shape of enslavement. Thus, the keen nationalist taught Nigerians to turn down or avoid “foreign things” or “imported things”, contending that, inwards the procedure of identifying alongside or embracing the civilisation of the colonial masters, the pride of the colonised community is farther injured. Ojike was the General director of the West African pilot.
He “plunged into the mainstream of militant nationalism” rising inwards real brusk monastic tell to a seat of high prominence inwards National Council of Nigeria as well as Republic of Cameroon (NCNC) circles, from which he was to grip many major appointments including: an adviser to the NCNC Delegation at the 1949 constitutional conference, Deputy Mayor of Lagos, National Vice president of the NCNC,
Member of Eastern House of Assembly, Eastern Regional Minister of Works as well as Eastern Regional Minister of Finance.
Mazi Ojike was both a fan as well as foe of the sometime Premier of Eastern Region, MD Nnamidi Azikiwe. As Finance Minister nether Zik, he savage out alongside his leader.
Ojike died at the historic menstruation of 44 inwards an auto crash. Many Nigerians believed that he left without realising his total potentials.
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, sponsor as well as Guest of Honor of the African Dance Festival, held Mon evening, Dec 14, 1943 at the Carnegie Hall. Shown hither alongside her are Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe (center), caput of the Academy of African Arts as well as Research, which is presenting the festival, as well as Mazi Mbonu Ojike who came from the University of Chicago representin the African students. Image: Bettmann Collection
Mbonu Ojike was born into the polygynous theatre unit of measurement of Ojike as well as Mgbeke Emeanulu some 1912 inwards Ndiakeme hamlet of Arondizuogu inwards eastern Nigeria at a menstruation when Igbo civilisation as well as fellowship came nether intense European majestic assault.
Ojike’s childhood saw weather condition of keen devastation, insecurity, incertitude as well as anxiety occasioned past times the confluence of events, that included British subjugation of the Igbo, the outbreak of WWI as well as the flu epidemic of 1918–1919. These occurrences helped to shape his life. As i of the xix sons of his parent, Mbonu demonstrated early on inwards his life an independent heed as well as forcefulness of character.
By his ain line concern human relationship he decided to become to schoolhouse inwards spite of his father, a prosperous Aro trader who would remove hold preferred his sons to serve their apprenticeship on the route alongside him. Leaving primary schoolhouse at an unusually early on historic menstruation Ojike became a pupil instructor who ‘taught simple subjects past times twenty-four threescore minutes menstruation as well as studied secondary lessons past times night’. "When he graduated from simple school, he broke alongside local tradition past times refusing to marry. he persisted inwards his studies, winning a scholarship to the famous Teacher Training College at Awka., from which he earned his Higher Elementary teachers certificate."
He went on to learn at that spot after graduation. While teaching he continued his individual studies, obtaining the Cambridge School Certificate as well as a University of London Diploma. The start signs of his political awareness appeared at this fourth dimension when he led his boyfriend younger teachers on a strike to terminate discriminatory treatment. With the advent of Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik) on the Nationalist scene, Ojike promptly enlisted inwards the struggle past times joining the Zik’s grouping of Newspapers.
Still searching for cognition Ojike became i of the groups of Nigerian; ‘Argonauts’ who, inspired past times Zik left for the U.S.A. of America where he enrolled every bit a pupil of the Lincoln University. He afterwards studied at Ohio as well as Chicago universities, obtaining B.A. as well as M.A. from Chicago University.
Not unexpectedly, Ojike joined pupil politics every bit presently every bit he landed inwards the United States. It did non accept him much fourth dimension to win election every bit the President of the African Students Union of Lincoln University. He also became the General Secretary of the African Academy of Arts as well as Research founded past times Kingsley Ozuomba Mbadiwe (K.O.) On Apr 25, 1945, when delegates of 50 nations met inwards San Francisco for the conference known officially every bit the UN Conference on International Organization, Ojike was at that spot every bit a pupil observer representing the Academy. As a leader of the African students motion Ojike embarked on extensive lecture tours of the U.S.A. educating the Americans on the laurels as well as dignity of their roots.
Ojike’s activism inwards the U.S.A. was non confined to associations, conferences as well as rallies. In his brusk sojourn of 3 years he published 3 books: Portrait of a Boy inwards Africa (1945), My Africa (1946) as well as I remove hold Two Countries (1947). In the start 2 books he vividly portrayed for his unusual audience the identity as well as integrity of African culture. His penetrating analysis was farther pointed inwards his 3rd majority when inwards recording his American experience Ojike probed beneath the glitter of the American dream to describe illuminating comparisons alongside life inwards Africa. But his decision was neither parochial, nor romantic nor complacent. The message was to both his countries as well as to all humanity: “I am non proud of what our basis has been nor of what it is; I am proud to bring together men as well as women of goodwill to create our civilization what it ought to be”
Mazi Mbonu Ojike returned to Nigeria inwards 1947 as well as “plunged into the mainstream of militant nationalism” rising inwards real brusk monastic tell to a seat of high prominence inwards NCNC circles, from which he was to grip many major appointments including:
Adviser to the NCNC Delegation at the 1949 constitutional conference
Deputy Mayor of Lagos,
National Vice president of the NCNC
Member, Eastern House of Assembly
Eastern Regional Minister of Works
Eastern Regional Minister of Finance.
Mazi Mbonu Ojike
Mazi Mbonu Ojike died inwards 1959. In 8 brief years of populace life he did to a greater extent than than whatsoever other Nigerian, before or since, to enhance populace consciousness of our identity as well as pride every bit Africans or Nigerians, to counteract the rampant civilisation of disparagement, to assert as well as signal the agency to practical self-confident, self-reliance; self reliance inwards ideas, inwards demeanor as well as inwards action.
In his spare as well as incisive prose Ojike cutting opened upwards as well as examined the cant, sophistry as well as pretensions of the colonial province as well as church.
His greatest touching on was psychological as well as intellectual. He gave dorsum to the Nigerian pride inwards himself every bit a human being, inwards his civilisation every bit a living functional whole.
He coined the at i time famous phrase “Boycott the Boycottables”, which earned him the championship the “Boycott King”. He led past times example, consistently wearing traditional clothing to business office as well as serving palm vino instead of whisky, champagne or beer at his official receptions as well as parties. Under the withering scorn of Ojike’s pen the southern politico abandoned his three-piece accommodate for the Agbada or jumper. The civil service itself capitulated, conceding the correct of its staff to come upwards to piece of job inwards appropriate ‘native’ attire.
In his West African Pilot Sat column, “Week End Catechism” Ojike interacted weekly alongside the many inquiring, soul-searching Nigerians exploring the problems as well as dilemmas of a fellowship inwards the twilight of colonialism. His vision was ever clear as well as consistent, his advice robust as well as practical.
As a political activist Ojike brought his vision, flair as well as mutual feel into the politics of independence. One of Nnamdi Azikiwe’s most influential lieutenants, he worked difficult behind the scenes, defining as well as refining concepts, preparing seat papers, manifestoes, slogans. A supreme publicist, he galvanized political rallies alongside his slogans as well as songs, earning the sobriquet of “Freedom Choirmaster”.
The sharpness of Ojike’s political vision is illustrated past times i of the few overt acts of opened upwards disagreement alongside his political party position. This was the subscription (with Professor Eyo Ita) to a Minority Report on the constitutional conference objecting non to the regulation of a federal construction but to the creation of a federal scheme based on 3 regions, a solution which they foresaw would atomic number 82 to destabilizing ethnic hegemonic as well as separatist activity as well as reaction. (Coleman, 1956; Okafor 1981) Eighteen years afterwards (in 1967) the 3 regional structures collapsed. Ojike also stood theatre against the ideas of a theatre of chiefs as well as an Electoral College system, both of which remove hold since been discarded.
Another celebrated facet of Ojike’s contributions to populace life was his originality, courage, difficult piece of job as well as dedication every bit a Minister. Two meaning instances of political courage may live on cited: his contribution to a feasible solution of the struggle betwixt Onitsha indigenes as well as non-indigenes for the political command of the Onitsha Urban Council, as well as his bold introduction of the PAYE scheme of taxation. Both initiatives were at obvious as well as considerable chance to Ojike’s political career.
Ojike was a Minister alongside a difference. Thus, to bring upwards but i instance, it is on tape that every bit Minister of industrial plant on tour of projects he ofttimes assigned his luxurious official auto to his officials to assist alongside basic shipping needs piece he visited locations on human foot or force bike. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 fellow member of the Eastern House of Assembly paid him this tribute every bit published inwards the official Proceedings. “He went to the villages, educating as well as mingling alongside the piteous natives. In fact inwards … Division he is non known every bit the “Boycott King” every bit he is commonly known; he is known every bit the Minister of Water … in fact he is a piece of job human being … he is to a greater extent than of workman than a Minister.” As Minister of Works Ojike initiated the construction of major link roads inwards the East the results of which nosotros are nonetheless enjoying today.
The presentation of Ojike’s start budget every bit Minister of Finance earned him this unstinting praise from the Leader of the Opposition, Professor Eyo Ita: “I think nosotros ought to live on proud to run across that an African minister, only come upwards to office, is able to accept the whole span of the Region’s economical field, as well as bargain alongside it inwards the agency the Minister of Finance has done. What he has achieved has been compared alongside the achievement of his predecessors of some other race. Although that also makes us experience proud. I desire us to scream upwards that nosotros should non alone compare ourselves alongside people of other races but nosotros should compare ourselves alongside ourselves – inwards other words, what nosotros tin achieve.” Another eminent opposition member, MD Okoi Arikpo, had this to say “ I was real impressed past times the touching of realism which runs through his entire address” that tribute was significant.
One of his most meaning contributions was the introduction of the “Pay As You Earn”(PAYE) scheme of personal taxation into the country. He also saw to the smoothen as well as effective take-off of the African Continental Bank the start indigenous depository fiscal establishment inwards Nigeria, as well as was largely instrumental to the successful take-off of the Easter Nigeria Development Corporation (ENDC)
His Message
Mazi Mbonu Ojike.s greatest contribution to national evolution was inwards his insistence on national mental emancipation, inwards his propagation of national self-awareness as well as pride, as well as inwards his assiduous advertisement of a self-reliant strategy of national development. He encapsulated his message inwards the famous slogan: “Boycott all Boycottables”, which earned him the championship of “The Boycott King”.
As Professor Frank Ndili, sometime Vice-Chancellor of this keen academy stated inwards his preface to the start majority inwards laurels of Ojike published past times the Institute for Development Studies, the Boycott philosophy “epitomizes belief inwards one’s ain abilities. Nigeria today imports ready made goods, “psychological foods”, fifty-fifty models, patterns of organizations as well as institutions from the developed countries, thereby subjecting the national economic scheme as well as fellowship to all trend of international upheavals that our introduce flat of socio-economic evolution cannot sustain., Nigeria tin do without a issue of these imported goods as well as values as well as shift efforts towards the optimal utilization of her inert capabilities.” That tilt was made 26 years ago. Today at that spot is a lot of talk, a lot of theorizing, a lot of evangelism most globalization. And Nigeria has publicly bought into the agenda. But the fact remains that unless nosotros know ourselves, accept skillful cognizance of our resources as well as strengths, as well as contribute them confidently as well as productively to the global partnership, whether it live on inwards the sphere of ideas or inwards the sphere of materials, nosotros shall remain, every bit now, the underdogs inwards the global struggle, incurring to a greater extent than than our fair portion of the costs as well as earning less than our fair portion of the benefits..
The 2d human face of Ojike’s message which I would similar to highlight today is reflected inwards his thoughts on education. Student, activist, politico or businessman, Mbonu Ojike was a instructor all his life, retaining an abiding involvement inwards education. This Hall of Residence memorialises that interest. In an before endeavour nosotros at the Institute for Development Studies organized inwards his honour a serial of lecture on the theme: Education for Self Reliance. The published version included excerpts on Education from his Week End Catechism. I remove hold taken the freedom of reproducing the excerpts for this presentation. You volition uncovering how many of our introduce twenty-four threescore minutes menstruation concerns were anticipated as well as dealt alongside past times Mbonu Ojike fifty-five or to a greater extent than years ago.
Thus inwards 1949 he argued the instance for free, compulsory, alongside authorities edifice its ain schools as well as encouraging all others interested inwards educational ventures. On content, he urged that “the entire instruction code live on revised as well as recast to give our youth existent as well as dynamic instruction for production And creativity. He was for rejecting unusual certificates inwards secondary instruction – Cmbridge School Certificate as well as London Matriculation as well as all that, inwards favour of developing our ain standardised certificates based on relevant instruction of a character worthy of laurels at abode as well as abroad..
On higher education, he argued: We do non larn for the sake of learning, but to do some service alongside it to ourselves as well as country. For him, “the duty which a academy owes to a province is three-fold:
to uncovering as well as prepare a large issue of intellectual elites, drawn from a broad circle of the land without discrimination.
to keep for the communityits ain God-given measure or culture, that is, a canon of gustation of beauty, of truth as well as juastice
to advance scientific discipline as well as philosophy past times promoting research, originality, rationality as well as inventiveness.
He also argues that a University without nationalism is a mere waste materials of time.
On the theme of culture, religious belief and civilization, he had this to say (again this was inwards 1949); Africa as well as Europe existed before the nascence of Christ. Yet inwards that basis epoch Europe did non dominion Africa, neither was Europe moiré industrialized than Africa. The current of civilization inwards its philosophical as well as stuff aspects did i time flow from Africa to Europe fifty-fifty every bit it did flow from Europe to America 2 hundred years ago” And he added, prophetically, “Today Europe is declining, America is ascending, fifty-fifty every bit Europe was before as well as Africa was before Europe. Asia is rising though without the menacing factors of imperialism. Africa is coming dorsum to its sometime glory. It volition inwards due course of report accept over. Sadly’ Africa has thus far failed to fulfill its destiny. We demand to focus on it. There is no demand for self denigration or despair, much demand for vision as well as effort. As he said: “Change is an imperative police force of nature. Its source is mental attitude to life inwards all its ramifications as well as non geography. th pride as well as morality the leadership of rthe world.”.
Ojike had a vision for our country: “When I run across inwards our country, shops, factories, banks, universities, societies as well as clubs maintaining proud comparing alongside what they are inwards other countries, as well as thus if I am asked to accept a bow for contributing my tiny chip towards that reality of economical stability as well as national identity, I shall non hesitate to do thus alongside humility as well as gratitude.” Tragically, he did non alive to accept that bow. But his message lives, as well as I promise that you, his spiritual children of Mbonu Ojike Hall, as well as indeed all of us, volition alive as well as piece of job to accept it for him.
Today the statue of Mbonu Ojike stands every bit a visual reminder of his legacy as well as message. Look to it as well as remember. To encapsulate his message: at that spot is piece of job to live on done, the piece of job of edifice a prosperous, confident as well as self-reliant nation, as well as no human being or adult woman should balance from their labours.
source:http://ukwufoundation.org/mazi-mbonu-ojike-the-man-and-his-message/
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/remembering-ojike-the-boycott-king/
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