The Nigerian government has called for increased investment in education as a sustainable way to honour the legacy of a foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay.
‎President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola made the call in Lagos during the 80th anniversary of Macaulay’s passing
‎According to the President, the country’s youthful population must be adequately prepared to lead the nation in the future.
‎Describing Macaulay as a fearless patriot and one of the architects of Nigeria’s independence struggle, President Tinubu said “its commitment to transforming the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda is driven by the conviction that education remains the foundation for national development.”
‎He said that investing in education is the most meaningful tribute Nigerians can pay to the late nationalist.
‎”One of the greatest ways to honour Macaulay’s legacy is by investing in the education of our people. It is through education that we nurture informed citizens, develop visionary leaders and build a prosperous nation,” the President said.
‎He also highlighted the country’s demographic reality, noting that Nigeria’s youthful population presents both enormous opportunities and serious challenges if not properly educated.
‎“The average age of a Nigerian is 19 years. We have a huge youth population. If they are not educated, we are going to have a major crisis in the future. This responsibility cannot be left to the government alone. Every one of us must play a role, especially within our families, to ensure that our young people receive quality education and are prepared for the future,” he reiterated. ‎
‎In a keynote address, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, said Herbert Macaulay’s dream of a just, accountable and democratic Nigeria remains a work in progress.
George described the nationalist as the father of organised democratic politics in Nigeria, recalling that the establishment of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 marked the beginning of organised political participation in the country.
‎”The greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay is a Nigeria governed by justice, where institutions are stronger than individuals, leadership remains accountable and democracy is protected,” he stated.‎
‎George said Macaulay earned the title of “Father of Nigerian Nationalism” through courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice and representation during colonial rule.
“That title was not inherited. It was earned through courage in the face of intimidation, conviction in the face of opposition, sacrifice in the service of a cause greater than self, and an unwavering belief that Nigerians deserved dignity, representation, justice and a meaningful voice in determining their future,” he added.‎
‎Also speaking, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Macaulay as one of the country’s greatest political pioneers whose contributions laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic system.‎
‎The Governor pledged Lagos State’s support for efforts to further immortalise the late nationalist and urged the federal government to accord him greater national recognition.‎
‎ “He was the first person to establish a political party in Nigeria. The democratic system through which many of us hold public offices today rests on the foundation he laid,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.‎
‎A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ike Nwachukwu (retd), expressed concern that the vision of a united and equitable Nigeria championed by Macaulay and other founding fathers has yet to be fully realised.
‎He urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions in favour of national unity, justice and fairness.
‎ “They wanted a Nigeria founded on equity, fairness and justice. Eighty years later, I dare say we are yet to achieve that vision,” Nwachukwu opined.‎
‎ The event attracted prominent Nigerians who celebrated the enduring legacy of Herbert Macaulay and his contributions to Nigeria’s political development.
The 80th anniversary of Herbert Macaulay passing, began with a thanksgiving service at The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, after which dignitaries were entertained at a banquet/dinner held at the Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos state.
VETTED BY Ifeoma Orji, Head of Reportorial Unit ( Lagos)
