It was the first multi-ethnic organization in Nigeria and its programme was to foster political advancement of the country and enhance the socio-economic status of the Nigerian citizens.
Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Akintola were other prominent members of the movement, which membership was opened to all Nigerians, especially those that were residents in Lagos.
[6] When Nnamdi Azikiwe launched the West African Pilot in 1937, dedicated to fighting for independence from British colonial rule, the newspaper was an immediate success.
[8] In October 1938, the NYM won elections for the Lagos Town Council, ending the dominance of Herbert Macaulay and the National Democratic Party.
[9] The newly self-confident members of the Nigerian Youth Movement objected to the system of indirect rule through traditional tribal leaders.