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African leaders were urged to protect their nations’ autonomy during a strategic policy workshop marking the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Muhammed’s assassination. The event, held at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), was themed “Has Africa Come of Age? Murtala Muhammed’s Pan-African Vision 50 Years After” and organized by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and NIIA.
Reclaiming Africa’s Voice
Dr. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of NIIA, said Africa must assert itself on the global stage. He stressed that the continent is no longer an appendage of world powers. Instead, it is becoming an emerging center of influence.
Referring to General Murtala’s 1976 speech at an OAU summit in Addis Ababa, Dr. Osaghae said: “When General Murtala said Africa had come of age, he meant Africa should follow its own path. African solutions must solve African problems.”
Honoring Murtala Muhammed’s Legacy
Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, CEO of MMF and daughter of the late general, praised her father’s dedication to Pan-Africanism. She said his saying, “Africa has come of age,” continues to inspire unity and leadership across the continent.
The workshop also aimed to encourage young Africans to pursue careers in diplomacy, governance, and international development to address Africa’s challenges.
Keynote Insights
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, highlighted General Murtala Muhammed’s influence on governance and national pride. He added that Africa must assess its political maturity, economic strength, and institutional capacity. “Coming of age demands responsibility, clarity, and confidence in global affairs,” he said.
Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa, Deputy Researcher at NIIA, noted that Africa still faces leadership gaps. He urged leaders to take bold steps toward self-reliance.
Prof. Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, said Africa and Nigeria have not yet fully achieved General Murtala Muhammed’s vision, especially regarding sovereignty, unity, and liberation.
