Calls for stronger democratic institutions, accountable leadership and improved national security dominated discussions at the Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture, as stakeholders urged Nigeria to consolidate its democracy through justice, transparency and good governance.
Delivering the keynote address, Nigeria’s elder statesman, Bode George described Herbert Samuel Macaulay as a visionary leader whose commitment to justice, political representation and the rights of ordinary Nigerians remains relevant to the country’s democratic journey.
He said Nigeria’s nation-building project is still unfinished and requires the collective commitment of both leaders and citizens.
The speaker expressed concern on the country’s security challenges and the need to strengthen public confidence in institutions and the rule of law.
According to him, “democracy can only thrive when institutions are independent, transparent and accountable.”
He also challenged political leaders to place national interest above personal and partisan considerations, stressing that the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to Herbert Macaulay is to build a nation founded on justice, accountability and strong democratic institutions.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunshola, called on Nigerians to emulate Herbert Macaulay’s courage, sacrifice and commitment to national service.
Prosperous Nation
She said the President believes one of the greatest ways to preserve Macaulay’s legacy is by investing in education, noting that education nurtures informed citizens, develops visionary leaders and lays the foundation for a prosperous nation.
Professor Ogunshola said the Nigerian Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda is driving far-reaching reforms aimed at expanding access to quality education, strengthening skills development, promoting innovation and equipping Nigerian youths with the knowledge and skills needed to compete globally.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the organisers for keeping alive the legacy of one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to draw inspiration from Herbert Macaulay’s life by serving the nation with integrity, courage and selfless devotion.
Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled how Macaulay’s image on the old one-naira note became a familiar symbol for many Nigerian children, saying it helped preserve the memory of a man whose contributions to the political development of colonial Lagos and the Nigerian nation remain significant.
The Governor noted that Herbert Macaulay’s name occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s history, having laid the foundation for organised nationalist politics long before the country’s independence in 1960.
National museum in Honour
Members of the Herbert Macaulay Group called on the Nigerian Government to establish a national museum in honour of the nationalist.
They lamented the demolition of Macaulay’s family house in Marina, Lagos state, years ago and replaced with a post office, describing the development as a loss to Nigeria’s historical heritage.
The group said a national museum dedicated to Herbert Macaulay would serve as a lasting tribute to his sacrifices, preserve his contributions for future generations and inspire young Nigerians to embrace patriotism, selfless service and nation-building.
