African Leaders Urged to Resist Foreign Dictatorship at Murtala Muhammed's 50th Anniversary Workshop
African leaders have been strongly advised to protect their sovereign autonomy and resist foreign domination, with warnings that failure to do so could leave the continent perpetually dependent despite its vast natural resources. This urgent call was made during a strategic policy workshop held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed, Nigeria's former Head of State.
Reclaiming Africa's Assertiveness on Global Stage
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Eghosa Osaghae, emphasized that it is time for Africans to reclaim their assertiveness on the global stage. He argued that Africa is no longer an appendage of world powers but an emerging centre of influence in a multipolar world.
Commenting on General Murtala's historic speech delivered on January 11, 1976, at an OAU extraordinary summit in Addis Ababa, Osaghae noted that Africans must tackle their challenges with local solutions. He stressed that continued dependence on foreign aid would not yield positive outcomes for the continent.
"When General Murtala said Africa had come of age, he was saying to the world, don't think Africa is an appendage anymore," Osaghae stated. "To say Africa has come of age is actually to put on the stamp the meaning of strategic autonomy. Africa has now insisted that it must only follow tracks and tractions that are determined by Africa for Africans."
Honoring Murtala Muhammed's Pan-African Legacy
The workshop, themed 'Has Africa Come of Age? Murtala Muhammed's Pan-African Vision 50 Years After', was jointly organized by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation and the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. Distinguished attendees included:
- Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation
- Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs
- Fatima Murtala Muhammed, daughter of the late General
- Professor Akin Oyebode, Pro-Chancellor of Ekiti State University
- Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman of Lafarge Africa Plc
- Professor Liasu Adele Jinadu, Adjunct Professor at University of Lagos
In her remarks, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode lauded her father for his commitment to Pan-Africanism, which she said elevated the status of Nigeria and Africans globally. She described her father's popular saying that "Africa has come of age" as a rallying cry that continues to resonate in Africa's pursuit of unity and independence in international affairs.
Critical Self-Assessment for African Development
In his keynote address, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi described the late former Head of State as a man of several parts who was recognized for bringing out the pride in Nigeria. Akinyemi underscored the significance of the workshop theme and the urgency of honest self-assessment as Africa navigates a rapidly evolving global order.
"To say that Africa has come of age is not a declaration of perfection, but a recognition of responsibility," Professor Akinyemi stated. "Coming of age demands that we critically examine our political maturity, economic resilience, institutional strength, and cultural confidence. It requires confronting unfinished business from independence, and asserting Africa's clarity and confidence in global affairs."
Leadership Deficit and Unfulfilled Vision
Speaking during the panel session, Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa, Deputy Research Director at NIIA, argued that Africa is yet to fully realize the vision of self-reliance and courageous leadership articulated by the late general nearly five decades ago. He noted that current leadership deficits are affecting Africa, urging leaders to take responsibility in defending Africa's destiny with willingness and determination.
Professor Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, echoed this sentiment, stating that Africa and Nigeria are yet to fulfill the vision of General Murtala Muhammed, especially on issues of sovereignty, defense, unity, liberation and freedom as contained in his Addis Ababa speech.
Inspiring Future African Leaders
Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode noted that the event was organized to serve as inspiration for young Africans to embrace careers in diplomacy, governance, and international development to address the challenges facing the continent. The workshop emphasized the need for African solutions to African problems, with participants calling for greater strategic autonomy and reduced dependence on foreign powers.
The commemorative event highlighted how Murtala Muhammed's vision remains relevant today, as African nations continue to grapple with issues of sovereignty, economic independence, and political self-determination in an increasingly complex global landscape.
