The American Missionaries made the Nagas "one" in Jesus Christ, but the man who modeled the Nagas into "one people" is the legendary Naga freedom fighter late Angami Zapu Phizo, popularly known as "AZ Phizo", said Thepfulhouvi Solo, retired Principal Secretary to the Government of Nagaland while speaking on the occasion of the 98th birth anniversary of late "Dr AZ Phizo" here at Kohima Local Ground on Thursday.

Solo however explained that Nagas did not become "one people" overnight saying it was Phizo who took his lifetime to build the "Nagas into one people". Calling Phizo as the "Father of the Nagas", Solo said the late legendry Naga freedom fighter was a "pioneer" among people of his own age and he did pioneering things for the "Naga people ahead of others".

Solo also recalled how Phizo and his colleagues had a far-sighted vision for the Naga people by declaring Naga Independence day on 14th August 1947 ahead of the Indian Independence day. He also said how Phizo selflessly dedicated for the Naga people throughout his life adding during his long years of struggle he did not take a single paisa from the people to buy even a palm-sized plot of land for himself or his family.

"For over 33 years he did not see his wife and he passed away without seeing her again", said Solo. "This may even beat the record of Mr. (Nelson) Mandella and his wife Mrs. Winny Mandella". Solo also said because of their national struggle against a supposedly "insurmountable opponent for the last half a century, and because of their connection with the Baptists of the world particularly of the American brand", the Nagas had gained a modest acknowledgement from some people in the world.

He however regretted that some names which were nothing to do with the Naga political struggle seemed to be trying to sideline the Naga political foundation stone laid by Phizo. He cautioned if the Naga political foundation stone laid by Phizo and his colleagues were replaced perhaps it would not be good for the Nagas.

Vilekho Peseyie, an associate of late AZ Phizo also spoke on the occasion and described the later as a "chosen man by God Himself". He said Phizo gave his whole life and worked for the Independence of the Nagas from 1946-1990. He recalled that Phizo agreed to leave for foreign countries to tell the world of the Nagas on the condition that "Nagas would not stab him in the back by joining the Indians after he leaves Nagaland". "The people assured him that they will never betray him and with this agreement Mr. Phizo left for London", he added.

The function was organized by the Angami Students Union under the theme "Phizo, a Pioneer, a Leader and a Legend". And several personalities also spoke on the occasion. All the shops in and around Kohima town remained close to pay a respect to the late great leader of the Nagas.