Nigerian Youth Movement

The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was Nigeria's first genuine nationalist organization, founded in Lagos in 1934 at Stanley Orogun, with Professor Eyo Ita as the founding father and many others, including Samuel Akisanya.^[1] Ernest Ikoli, the first editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria, which was launched in the month of June 1926, was another founding member.^[2] Immediate concerns included the supposedly inferior status of Yaba College, appointments of Africans to senior positions in the civil service and discriminations against the African truck drivers. However, the Lagos-based organization at first, has generally moderate views and pledged to support and co-operate with the governor.^[3] The president was Dr Kofo Abayomi. Ernest Ikoli was vice president and H.O. Davies was the secretary. It was the first multi-ethnic organization in Nigeria and its programme was to foster political advancement of the country and enhance the socio-economic status of the Nigerian citizens.^[4] Adeyemo Alakija later became President of the NYM.^[5]

The movement acquired national outlook and became a strong national movement, when Nnamdi Azikiwe and H.O. Davies returned to Nigeria in 1937 and 1938 respectively and consequently joined the movement . N.Y.M became the first authentic Nigerian nationalist organization to be formed in the country. Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Akintola were other prominent members of the movement, which membership was opened to all Nigerians, especially those that were residents in Lagos.^[6]