President Bola Tinubu and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, on Sunday led tributes to Herbert Heelas Macaulay, widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from his legacy of patriotism, justice and nation-building.
The call was made in Lagos during an event marking the 80th anniversary of Macaulay’s death, where political leaders, scholars, members of the Macaulay family and other dignitaries reflected on the enduring relevance of the nationalist’s contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution.
Representing Tinubu, Folasade Ogunsola, the vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, described Macaulay as “a visionary leader, an uncompromising patriot and a fearless advocate for justice and self-determination.”
She said Macaulay’s courage, sacrifice and service laid the foundation for the nationalist movement that eventually culminated in Nigeria’s independence.
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“As we reflect on his remarkable legacy, we are reminded that nation-building is sustained by visionary leadership, responsible citizenship and an enduring commitment to the common good,” she said.
According to the president’s representative, one of the greatest ways to preserve Macaulay’s legacy is through investment in education.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described Macaulay as one of the foremost black leaders in history whose influence transcended Lagos and Nigeria.
He said Macaulay’s name remained deeply ingrained in the nation’s collective memory, recalling how generations of Nigerians grew up learning about his contributions through history and civic education.
“We’re children of history. Growing up, the name Herbert Macaulay resonated with us right from our young age. The name stood very iconic in our minds,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Macaulay played a defining role in the political development of colonial Lagos and was the founder of Nigeria’s first political party, the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
He said Macaulay’s pioneering efforts in organised politics created the platform upon which Nigeria’s democratic system has evolved.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Olabode George, former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Macaulay as a statesman whose title as the father of Nigerian nationalism was earned through courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to justice.
Using Macaulay’s legacy as a prism to examine Nigeria’s present challenges, George called for stronger democratic institutions, greater accountability and renewed commitment to the rule of law.
He warned that democracy weakens when institutions lose their independence, opposition voices are marginalised and citizens lose confidence in electoral processes.
“No patriot should desire a Nigeria where the concentration of power becomes a substitute for democratic legitimacy,” he said.
The elder statesman also expressed concern over insecurity across parts of the country, saying no nation can realise its full potential when citizens live in fear.
George urged today’s leaders to emulate Macaulay’s example by placing national interest above personal ambition and strengthening institutions that would outlive political office holders.
“The greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay is not one built with stone,” he said. “The greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay is a Nigeria governed by justice; a Nigeria where institutions are stronger than individuals; a Nigeria where leadership remains accountable; a Nigeria where democracy is protected.”
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The event concluded with renewed calls for Nigerians to continue Macaulay’s work by defending democracy, promoting justice and building a nation worthy of the sacrifices of the country’s founding nationalists.
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