Early nationalist activities manifested in the form of _____?

1. Analyze the question The question asks how early nationalist activities in Nigeria and West Africa first showed themselves. "Nationalism" is the desire of a people to be free from foreign rule and to govern themselves.

2. Explain the concept Before the 1920s, early nationalist activities in Nigeria were mostly reactions against colonial rule. Examples include:

• Resistance by traditional rulers, such as King Jaja of Opobo, Oba Ovonramwen of Benin, and Nana of Itsekiri, who opposed the loss of their sovereignty and trade control.
• Protests against colonial policies, such as the Aba Women's Riot of 1929 and opposition to unfair taxes and land laws.
• Early protest organizations and newspapers, such as the Lagos Daily News and the NCBWA (National Congress of British West Africa), which challenged colonial injustices.

These activities were mainly about opposing and resisting foreign domination.

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Discrimination: This was what colonial authorities practiced against Africans. It was not how nationalism showed itself.
• B. Resistance: Early nationalists opposed colonial rule, through armed resistance, protests, and petitions. This fits.
• C. Participation: Participation in governance became more common later, with constitutional reforms such as the Clifford (1922) and Richards (1946) Constitutions. It was not the early form.
• D. Disagreement: This is too weak and vague. Nationalists did more than disagree, they actively resisted.

4. Answer The correct option is B. resistance.

5. Exam tip When you see "early nationalist activities", think "resistance" first, then protest, then agitation for self-government. Link early nationalism with opposition to colonial rule, and later nationalism with demands for independence and constitutional participation.