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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the enduring legacy of former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, as a “moral compass” for Nigeria and Africa amid today’s political and economic challenges, 50 years after his assassination.
Speaking through Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented him at the 50th memorial anniversary, conference, and book launch organised by the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, Tinubu led tributes to the late military ruler.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga,President Tinubu disclosed that he readily accepted the role of Grand Patron upon receiving a letter from Foundation Chairman and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Describing Mohammed as an “extraordinary African statesman whose bold leadership continues to inspire the continent,” Tinubu reflected: “It has been 50 years since the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. Today, this great leader — a remarkable son of Nigeria and Africa — has summoned us to reflect on the state of our continent.”
The President recalled Mohammed’s iconic 1976 speech at the Organisation of African Unity meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he declared that “Africa has come of age” and should no longer take orders from any global power.
Tinubu described this as a “defining moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy” that signalled Africa’s readiness to shape its destiny during the Cold War, dubbing the 1970s the “Murtala Mohammed age” – a golden era for Nigeria’s diplomacy.
He praised Mohammed’s push for African solutions to African problems, including support for liberation struggles in Angola and Mozambique, which elevated Nigeria as a continental voice.
Tinubu also spotlighted the transformative feats of Mohammed’s 201-day tenure, from sweeping civil service reforms and the conceptualisation of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to kickstarting a transition to civilian rule.
While lamenting the brevity of his rule, the President lauded his “patriotism, discipline, courage and clarity of vision,” cementing his status among Nigeria’s most distinguished leaders.
Urging current African leaders to embrace Mohammed’s ideals – accountable governance, conflict resolution, poverty reduction, better education, and economic transformation via local resource value addition.
Tinubu declared: “Africa will truly come of age when we create opportunities for our youth at home and ensure the welfare of our people.”
He stressed that true honour for Mohammed demands a renewed pledge to service, integrity, and patriotism in pursuit of Africa’s foundational aspirations.
The high-profile event drew former presidents Ernest Koroma (Sierra Leone), Joyce Banda (Malawi), John Kuffour (Ghana), and Nigeria’s Yemi Osinbajo, alongside Obasanjo, and Foundation CEO Aisha Oyebode.
