Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay

Born:

November 16, 1864, Lagos, Colony and Protectorate of Lagos

Died:

May 7, 1946, Lagos, Nigeria

Nationality:

Nigerian

Profession(s):

Politician, Engineer, Architect, Journalist, Musician

Early Life and Education

• Grandson of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop of West Africa.
• Educated at CMS Grammar School, Lagos.
• Studied civil engineering in England (Plymouth, Devon) from 1891 to 1894.

Career and Major Achievements

• Returned to Lagos and worked as a surveyor and engineer for the colonial government.
• Resigned from government service due to dissatisfaction with colonial policies.
• Became a prominent figure in Nigerian nationalist politics and anti-colonial activism.
• Founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, the first Nigerian political party.
• Used his newspaper, the Lagos Daily News, to promote nationalist ideals.
• Played a key role in the Eleko Affair, defending the rights of Oba Eshugbayi Eleko against the colonial government.
• Served as a delegate to London to present Nigerian grievances to the British government.

Notable Works

• History of Lagos: A historical and political analysis of Lagos.
• Established the Lagos Daily News newspaper.

Legacy and Impact

Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay, as demonstrated by numerous 'herbert macaulay biography summary examples', is widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism. His political activism, journalistic work, and organizational skills laid the foundation for the independence movement in Nigeria. He inspired generations of Nigerian nationalists and his legacy continues to resonate in Nigerian politics.

Notable Events

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