Zikism is the system of political thought attributed to Nnamdi Azikiwe ("Zik"), one of the founding fathers of modern Nigeria and the first democratically elected President of Nigeria. Azikiwe expanded on this philosophy through his published works such as Renascent Africa (1973) and his autobiography My Odyssey. Zikism also spurred a group of young men to take a militant stand against colonial rule in Nigeria. Overview Zikism is characterised by five principles for African liberation: Spiritual balance To show empathy for other peoples views, and recognize their right to hold such views. Social regeneration To expel from one's self national, religious, racial, tribal, political-economic, and ethical prejudice. Economic determinism To realize that being self-sufficient economically is the basis for rescuing the Renascent African. Mental emancipation To be knowledgeable of African history and accomplishments, and to dismiss any kind of complex exhibited by any race or tribe. Political resurgence To regain the sovereignty that Africa has lost to colonialists. Zikist movement In 1940s colonial Nigeria, Azikiwe's ideas about Africans managing their own affairs and his struggle against colonial authorities became an inspiration to young men who wanted political and economic freedom. Among these men was Nwafor Orizu who dedicated a chapter in his book, Without Bitterness published in 1944 to the ideology of Zikism. In the book, Orizu expounded ideals albeit ambiguously about building a new African society with a new outlook on family, political, social and economic life. In 1946, a group of young Nigerians inspired by the speeches and writings of Azikiwe and Orizu formed the Zikist movement, a youth wing within NCNC but with its own flag, song and logo. The first meeting of the movement was inside the hall of Tinubu Methodist High School and had in attendance many individuals who later played prominent roles in Nigeria's path towards independence. The early period of the movement was its most active, in October 1948, inside Tom Jones Hall at a meeting chaired by Tony Enahoro, Osita Agwuna, an assistant editor with the Daily Comet delivered a hostile speech against colonialism entitled A Call to Action. The militant tone caught the interest of colonial officials who were wary of the socialist outlook of many Zikists and its potential to be a base of funding by the Soviet Union to promote Marxism. Movement members, Agwuna, Anthony Enahoro, Fred Anyiam, Raji Abdallah, Smart Ebbi and Oged Macaulay were arrested and charged