Effects Of Nationalism In West Africa

EFFECTS OF NATIONALISM IN WEST AFRICA

There were several effects of nationalism. The most important effects ere outlined below.

• It led to the independence of colonial territories. Indeed. most of the British and French colonial territories in West Africa achieved independence by 1960.
• Nationalism served as a training ground for future African leader. African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Sekou Tome (first President of Guinea), Felix Houphet Boigny of Cote d’ivoue. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria received valuable leadership experience in the process of agitating for the independence of their countries.
• Several political parties were formed to champion the struggle for independence and some of these parties or their offshoots are still existing today. The Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Nigeria, for example, claims to be an offshoot of the Action Group.
• Some of the newspapers established during the colonial era are still on the newsstands (e.g. the Daily Times which was established in 1927).
• Nationalist activities made it possible for educated Africans to take up responsible positions in government and in the civil service.
• It led to improvement in the welfare of the people.
• There were improvements in social infrastructure such as roads, water supply, electricity, education and health care facilities.
• As a result of nationalist agitation, Africans took over the distribution trade in their countries.