Moses Da Rocha

Moses Da Rocha (January 1875 – May 1942) was a Nigerian medical doctor, journalist and politician. He was among a number of medical doctors such as Africanus Horton, Orisadipe Obasa and John K. Randle who combined medical practice and politics. He founded the Union of Young Nigerians in 1923 just before the elections into the Legislative Council.

Life Da Rocha was born in Lagos to the family of Senhor Joao Esan da Rocha and Angelica Nogeira who were returnee ex-slaves from Brazil. He was the third child and second son in a family of five; the first child was the land owner Candido Da Rocha. In 1895, while still in Lagos, he wrote two letters to the Earl of Rosebery earning him replies.

After leaving medical studies, he chose a career in journalism and African nationalism. He was a columnist and correspondent with the Edinburgh Evening News, London New Age, Coloured American, South African Spectator and African Mail.

However, in 1908, with pressure from friends and at home, he returned to his medical studies, earning his qualification in 1913. He returned to Nigeria and started a private practice.

Da Rocha was a fervent Catholic and some of his writings focused on Christian and Catholic dogma including criticism of non-Catholics. He founded the Union of Young Nigerians in 1923 to energize Nigerian youths to participate in the development of the country. Though the party did not provide candidates for legislative elections, the organization gained no traction and Da Rocha's attempt to reconcile the factions of Macaulay and Egerton Shyngle with J.K. Randle, Kitoyi Ajasa, Obasa and David Taylor went nowhere.