Unveiling Zik of Africa: A Rare Glimpse of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in Boy Scouts Uniform

A rarely seen postcard captures Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe, fondly known as Zik of Africa, dressed in a Boy Scouts uniform—offering an intimate look at one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist leaders in a different light. The image, believed to date back to the 1960s, stands as a symbol of leadership, discipline, and service—values that mirrored both Azikiwe’s character and the ideals of the global scouting movement.

Scouting was first introduced to Nigeria in 1912 as The Boy Scout Association under a Royal Charter granted on 14 January 1912. It was officially registered in Nigeria on 23 November 1915, during the tenure of Lord Frederick Lugard, the then Governor-General of Nigeria, under British colonial administration. Initially, scout groups were created primarily for the children of British citizens living in the Protectorates.

Before long, local Nigerian boys were permitted to join the Scouts, marking a crucial step in expanding the movement’s reach and influence. The official recognition of the Boy Scouts in Nigeria was affirmed through a Warrant signed by the movement’s founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, establishing the Nigerian chapter’s legitimacy.

By 1942, the organisation had evolved into The Boy Scout Association of Nigeria, formally registered under the Companies Allied Matters Act of 1924 (as applicable then). This structure laid the groundwork for what would become a vibrant and enduring movement promoting discipline, citizenship, and leadership among Nigerian youth.

Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the symbolic connection between national service and scouting deepened. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, by virtue of being the first black Governor-General of Nigeria (1960–1963) and subsequently the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1963–1966), became the Chief Scout of Nigeria. His role underscored the Boy Scouts’ importance in shaping young citizens in the newly independent nation, emphasizing unity, responsibility, and civic duty.

The image of Zik in his Scouts uniform embodies the enduring link between leadership and mentorship—values he exemplified throughout his life as a journalist, nationalist, and statesman. Beyond politics, it reminds Nigerians of his lifelong commitment to youth development, education, and national identity.

References:

National Scout Organisation of Nigeria Archives

The Scout Association UK Historical Records