80th Anniversary: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu hail Herbert Macaulay’s legacy

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Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu

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…Urge Investment in Education

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By Juliet Umeh

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LAGOS — President Bola Tinubu on Sunday said investing in education remains the most enduring way to preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, urging Nigerians to collectively prepare the country’s youthful population for future leadership.

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Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Macaulay’s passing, the President described the nationalist as a fearless patriot whose courage and political activism laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence.

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Tinubu said his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda is anchored on the belief that education is the bedrock of national development.

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“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,” he said.

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He noted that Nigeria’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a challenge.

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“Let me remind us that 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.

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“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 added.

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In his keynote address, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, said Macaulay’s vision of an accountable and just Nigeria remains largely unrealised, urging leaders to strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law.

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George described Macaulay as the father of organised democratic politics, noting that the establishment of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923 marked the beginning of organised political participation in the country.

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“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 said.

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According to him, Macaulay earned the title of the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism” through courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to justice, representation and the dignity of Nigerians under colonial rule.

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“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,” George stated.

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He added that Macaulay’s experience in the colonial civil service exposed him to systemic injustice and exclusion, inspiring him to champion the rights of Nigerians despite repeated harassment, prosecution and imprisonment.

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Sanwo-Olu seeks greater recognition for Macaulay

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Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described Macaulay as a towering statesman whose sacrifices shaped Nigeria’s political evolution and democratic system.

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He pledged the state’s support for efforts to further immortalise the late nationalist and urged the Federal Government to accord him greater national recognition.

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“He was the first person to establish a political party in Nigeria. The democratic system through which many of us hold public office today rests on the foundation he laid,” the governor said.

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Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd), lamented that the vision of a united Nigeria championed by Macaulay and other founding fathers remains unrealised.

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He urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions and embrace the ideals of unity, justice and national cohesion.

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“They wanted a Nigeria founded on equity, fairness and justice. Eighty years later, I dare say we are yet to achieve that vision,” Nwachukwu said.

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Among dignitaries at the event were Vanguard Newspapers Publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka-Pemu, and the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo.

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