Stakeholders in Nigeria’s foreign policy community, family members and scholars on Tuesday converged at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos, to commemorate the late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, and reflect on the enduring legacy of his Pan-African vision, 50 years after his assassination.
The gathering formed part of a Strategic Policy Dialogue organised by the NIIA in collaboration with the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), themed “Has Africa Come of Age? Murtala Muhammed’s Pan-African Vision 50 Years After.”
Speakers at the event included the NIIA Director-General, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae; Chief Executive Officer of the MMF, Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late General; former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the NIIA Governing Council, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Prof. Hassan Saliu; Prof. Bukola Adesina of the University of Ibadan; Prof. Charles Ukeje and Prof. Alade Fawole of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and NIIA Director of Research, Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa.
Participants agreed that five decades after his death, Gen. Muhammed’s vision of a strong, united and self-reliant Africa remains as relevant today as it was during his brief but impactful tenure as Head of State.
Prof. Osaghae highlighted the importance of strategic autonomy and self-determination, recalling Gen. Muhammed’s historic 1975 address to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), in which he declared that Africa had come of age.
According to him, the declaration was a powerful statement of Africa’s resolve to define its own identity and destiny without external domination. He stressed that Africa’s coming of age should not be measured by Western standards but by the continent’s ability to pursue African solutions to African problems.
“Coming of age is about strategic autonomy—Africa being its own voice and master, charting a path determined by Africans for Africans,” Osaghae said.
Prof. Akinyemi described Gen. Muhammed as a fearless and principled leader who stood firmly for justice, adding that Nigeria urgently needs such leadership in contemporary times.
Panelists at the dialogue emphasised that while Africa has made notable progress over the past 50 years, significant challenges remain. Prof. Ukeje noted that true maturity goes beyond political independence to include strong institutions, unity and a clear global voice.
Prof. Saliu cautioned that weak governance frameworks continue to undermine Africa’s progress, stressing the need to strengthen political, legal and economic institutions to enhance sovereignty and bargaining power.
Prof. Fawole called for greater solidarity among African nations and more assertive participation in global affairs through collective diplomacy and strategic partnerships.
Prof. Adesina underscored the importance of documenting Africa’s contributions to global struggles, including Nigeria’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, warning that failure to tell Africa’s story allows others to define its legacy.
Dr. Bolarinwa advocated the use of digital media, podcasts and short videos to engage younger generations with Africa’s political history and global relevance.
The event concluded with interactive sessions, as participants explored practical strategies for strengthening Africa’s self-reliance, institutional capacity and cultural diplomacy in line with the ideals championed by Gen. Murtala Muhammed.