The Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) was founded in 1935 after the introduction of the Clifford constitution of 1922 which paved way for the formation of political parties in Nigeria. Prof. Eyo Ita Esua was known to be the founding father of NYM, and other characters like Earnest Ikoli, the first editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria (1926), Samuel Akinsanya and Dr. C. Vaughan were founding members. NYM competed for the political control of Lagos with Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) which was founded by Herbert Macaulay. The defunct Lagos Youth Movement (LYM, 1934) was believed to have metamorphosed into NYM. Later on, Nnamdi Azikwe, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Obafemi Awolowo and H.O. Davis joined the party. The party was the first to have a national outlook in Nigeria based on the composition of its members. Prof. Kofo Ayobami was the president of the party, while Earnest Ikoli was the vice president, and H.O. Davis served as the secretary.
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 were later accepted back into the party with the idea of Nnamdi Azikiwe who promoted the spirit of Pan-Africanism among the members of NYM.
The aims of the Nigerian Youth Movement was to work towards the unity of Nigeria, and also to gain self-rule or independence for the nation. In 1938, NYM won the three seats in Lagos by defeating NNDP of Herbert Macaulay in the elections for the Lagos Town Council. NYM strongly oppose 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.”
Here are some of the contributions of NYM to Nigeria:
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 arouse 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).
OldNaija 
what are their aims
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Thanks for your question Christy.
Here are the aims/objectives of NYM
1. To persuade the government to give scholarships to youths to study abroad.
2. To make Nigerians enjoy the same economic oppourtunities like foreigners
3. To demand better pay for Africans in the Civil Service
4. To strive for the establishment of new Legislative Council built on the principle of an unofficial majority
5. To arouse modern nationalism among Nigerians
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Is this forum still in existence? If yes, how is their impact being felt by the Nigerian youths.?
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Thank you Mr. Samuel O Erhinmwiorose. The Nigerian Youth Movement has ceased to exist due to the breakup of its leadership into fractions and each members taking sides. The two principal fractions were led by Ernest Ikoli and S. A. Akinsanya.
We really appreciate your comment and thanks for your visit. Pls., feel free to relate with us.
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What are their failures
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This give hint to the outset of political development in our country. This must be read by but excellent citizens
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Thanks for your visit and wonderful comment, Sir-Gentry.
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Well the remote and immediate movement of NYm was a role played for the totality of Nigerian citizens and also fighting their right, as such their agitation was perfectly done . I give the NYM cudose
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Well composed, Elvis Oyama Arong. You have said it all. Thank you for your visit and wonderful contribution.
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Wow. How I wish Nigeria could go back to her first love: that our nationalist father’s had and fought for. The Spirit of Nationalism is truly a dieing in Nigeria.
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Yes, it is really dying. We all need to revive the spirit of nationalism in us. And that is one of the aims of this website. Thank you, Mr. Azubuike Nzubechukwu.
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Please, I need a better understanding of how this forum operates to know how I can better be relevant to this forum. I got to know of this forum today while studying and making some research to improve the my I.Q
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Thank you for your interest in developing OldNaija, Mr. Azubuike Nzubechukwu. We will get in touch with you through your mail. Thanks once again.
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Mr. Azubuike Nzubechukwu, kindly check your mail box.
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What are the achievement of Nigerian Youth Movement
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The contributions of the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) can also be said to be its achievements, and they are:
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 arouse modern nationalism among Nigerians.
4. Abortion of the indirect rule.
5. Formation of other political parties like, NCNC (1944) , AG (1951) and NPC (1951).
Thanks for your visit, Offim Sustenus Chineme.
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Helo. Pls I want 2 be part of dis grp. Frm d Q & A I read so far, evri 1 here has got matured & positiue mind, wit d absence of bias. Am actualy studin History. And I bliv Nigeria can be gr8 again.
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Thank you for your interest in becoming part of OldNaija team. You are highly welcome. Please call us on 08061389617 or send “Team OldNaija” to our email at oldnaijahistory@gmail.com and we will get back to you immediately. Thank you Ganiyu A.
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I feel good here. Thanks for your patience in explaining. Please i wish to know, was it only NNDP dat contested in 1923? If not, what are the rest parties? Thanks
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It wasn’t only NNDP that contested in the 1923 general election, People’s Union was also a political party that contested then, and other independent individuals. NNDP had 3,882 votes and won 3 seats while People’s Union had 223 votes (won no seat) and the independents had 904 votes (won 1 seat). I hope I have answered your question, Temidire Coker. Thanks for your visit and nice words. Please do check back.
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What Are its roles
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Were Nigerians also placed in power even before independence??
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Yes ther were. But they were more like figure heads. For example, the 10 unofficial Nigerian members of the Clifford Legislative council have no strong, if any, say in the council. Thank you for your visit, Olateju Esther. Kindly do check back.
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IS THIS NYM STILL IN OPERATION
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IS THIS NYM STILL IN OPERATION, IF YES HOW DO I JOIN
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