Amb. Joe Keshi, National President, Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria; Mr. Ernest Koroma, Former President of Sierra Leone; Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria; Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice-President of Nigeria; Alh. Risqua Murtala-Muhammed, Son; Dr. Ajoke Murtala-Muhammed, Wife of late Former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed; Mr. John Kufuor, Former President of Ghana; Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, Daughter and CEO, Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF); Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria and Chairman, MMF; Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Federal Government, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Mrs. Joyce Banda, Former President of Malawi; Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano and Dr. Dionisio Fonseca, Minister, Chief of Civil House, Republic of Angola on the Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference held to mark the fiftieth Anniversary of late General Murtala Muhammed’s dying just lately in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria — African leaders, statesmen and thought leaders have renewed requires the deliberate constructing of robust establishments and efficient programs able to driving prosperity and self-determination throughout the continent, declaring that Africa’s true “coming of age” lies in institutional energy, not rhetoric.
The name was made in the course of the International Lecture and Leadership Conference held on the ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja, to commemorate 50 years of the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. The occasion was organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) beneath the theme: “Has Africa Come of Age?”
Delivering her welcome handle, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late Head of State and Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), stated Africa should now shift focus from political liberation to institutional growth.
“The Murtala Muhammed generation fought for political independence; our generation must fight for institutional strength,” she stated.
“If Africa demands prosperity on the global stage, we must deliver prosperity at home. If we believe Africa has come of age, then we must build institutions and systems that work for the people and address the leadership challenges confronting our continent.”
In his opening handle, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, described General Muhammed’s biggest legacy because the establishments and buildings he established—programs that endured past his lifetime.
“Murtala Muhammed created institutions that lived after him, something few leaders in our history were able to achieve,” Obasanjo stated, noting that the 1975 period marked a watershed second in Nigeria’s historical past following the civil conflict.
“We were deeply conscious of keeping the country together. As Africans, we must show the world what we stand for and how we manage our differences.”
Obasanjo additionally counseled the Muhammed household for preserving the late General’s legacy over the previous 25 years via the Foundation, including that African leaders should “put our house in order” as probably the most significant contribution to the continent’s future.
Delivering the plenary keynote handle, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo stated General Muhammed’s declaration that “Africa has come of age” was a name to self-awareness, accountability and brave management.
“Coming of age is a process. It is the capacity to handle our own affairs and the determination to confront our challenges,” Osinbajo stated.
“The fortunes of Africa are in our hands. We must mobilise growth, build development that powers prosperity, and harness the continent’s enormous potential to compete globally.”
Also talking, former President Goodluck Jonathan stated General Muhammed’s life stays a robust reminder that management is outlined not by model of governance, however by influence on the individuals.
“His legacy tells our youths that they can aspire to the highest offices and commit themselves to leadership and service,” Jonathan stated, whereas questioning why many African leaders spend important parts of their lives overseas regardless of the continent’s huge assets.
Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor known as for unity and maturity in addressing Africa’s challenges, warning of the chance of renewed fragmentation.
“Africa is ageing into civilisation, and there is a need for us to come together,” Kufuor stated.
“What we enjoy today is built on the sacrifices of leaders like Murtala Muhammed. Our struggle must now be pursued with confidence and maturity.”
