Following the introduction of the Clifford constitution in 1922, which opened the door for the creation of political parties in Nigeria, the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was established in 1935.
The NYM’s (Nigerian Youth Movement) history.
Prof. The first editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria (1926), Earnest Ikoli, Samuel Akinsanya, and Dr. C were also known as founding members of NYM, as was Eyo Ita Esua. Vaughan was a founding participant.
With Herbert Macaulay’s Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), the Nigerian Youth Movement fought for political dominance in Lagos. The dissolved Lagos Youth Movement (LYM) of 1934 is thought to have evolved into NYM.
Later, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Obafemi Awolowo, and H. O. Davis joined the party. Based on the makeup of its membership, the party was the first in Nigeria to have a national outlook. Prof. Earnest Ikoli served as the party’s vice president, Kofo Ayobami as its president, and H. O. Davis served as the secretary.
Membership Requirements of NYM
The membership of the party was open to all citizens of Nigeria, especially those residing in Lagos. NYM dismissed some of their members due to some political reasons but they were later accepted back into the party through the intervention of Nnamdi Azikiwe who promoted the spirit of Pan-Africanism among NYM members.
The aims of the Nigerian Youth Movement were to work towards the unity of Nigeria and to gain self-rule or independence for the nation. In 1938, NYM won the three seats in Lagos by defeating NNDP in the elections for the Lagos Town Council. NYM strongly opposed the system of indirect rule with support from traditional rulers.
In a charter published by the party in 1938, a paragraph said: “We are opposed to the term “Indirect Rule” literally as well as in principle. Honest trusteeship implies direct British Rule with a view to ultimate self-government. ”.
Contributions of the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM).
1. It promoted national unity by composing its members from several ethnic groups in Nigeria.
2. It fought hard for the political independence of Nigeria.
3. It aroused modern nationalism among Nigerians.
4. NYM played a prominent role in the abortion of the indirect rule.
5. It led to the formation of other political parties like NCNC (1944), AG (1951) and NPC (1951).