Discover Nigeria: Interesting Facts about Herbert Macaulay, Founder of Nigerian Nationalism

There is this thing about any kind of history: It cannot be wished away. The past has happened; good or bad. It can either be ignored like it never happened or humbly acknowledged. Either way, history is the beginning of a thing and can serve as a stepping stone to greater heights. Herbert Macaulay is part of our history. He is fondly remembered as the Founder/Father of Nigerian Nationalism. He founded Nigeria’s first political party, Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in June 24, 1923. He alongside Nnamdi Azikwe founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944, an organization targeted at bringing together Nigerians of all tribes and class to demand for the country’s independence. Other interesting facts about Herbert Macaulay are: 1. His full names are – Olayinka Herbert Samuel Heelas Badmus Macaulay – a remarkable mouthful! 2. He was born to Abigail Crowther, a brilliant trader, businesswoman and the second daughter of Bishop Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican Bishop in Nigeria. The family tree has grown, and now accommodates the heroic acts of Herbert Macaulay’s great-granddaughter, Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, a doctor and a nationalist who actively prevented the spread of the Ebola virus in Nigeria. She died a hero and in service to her country. 3. Herbert Macaulay might probably pass for the first jack of all trades in Nigeria. He was a nationalist, a politician, an engineer, a journalist and a musician. 4. He strongly agitated for the end of colonial rule in Nigeria. As a result, he was thrown in jail on two occasions. This did not deter him from continuing his fight to see the end of colonial rule in Nigeria, although being an ex-convict meant he could not run for political office. His goal of ending colonial rule in Nigeria, he did achieve in the end. 5. Herbert Macaulay found relaxation and great happiness in music. His home, Kirsten Hall, Balbina Street off Broad Street, Lagos hosted regular musical evening sessions with him displaying his skills with the violin before the dark-skinned and the white-skinned audience who came to watch him play. I’ll end this with one of his notable and famous quotes against the claims of the British, who declared that they were governing with the true interest of the native people at heart. He replied, “The dimensions of “the true interests of the natives at heart” are algebraically equal to the length, breadth and depth of the whiteman’s pocket.” Long live the heroic acts of Herbert Macaulay and his family line in our hearts. Long Live our country, Nigeria!