Policy Workshop Marks 50th Anniversary of Murtala Muhammed – A Call for African Sovereignty

Leaders across Africa have been called upon to prioritize the protection of their sovereign autonomy, highlighting the risk of ongoing dependency despite the continent's rich natural resources.

This message was delivered yesterday during a strategic policy workshop at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, commemorating the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Muhammed's assassination. The workshop, themed ‘Has Africa Come of Age? Murtala Muhammed’s Pan-African Vision 50 Years After,’ was jointly hosted by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and the NIIA.

In his welcome address, Dr. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, emphasized the necessity for Africa to reclaim its confidence on the global scene. He remarked that the continent should no longer be viewed as an extension of foreign powers but rather as an emerging geopolitical center in a multipolar world.

Reflecting on General Muhammed’s significant speech regarding Africa’s maturity, which he delivered on January 11, 1976, at an OAU special summit in Addis Ababa, Dr. Osaghae stated that it is essential for Africans to confront their challenges with indigenous solutions. He cautioned against continued reliance on foreign aid, asserting that this would not yield favorable results.

“General Muhammed’s proclamation that Africa had come of age communicated to the world that Africa should not be seen as a mere appendage,” he noted. “It underscores the essence of strategic autonomy, signifying that Africa is its own voice, its own leader.”

He further insisted that Africa must only pursue paths charted by its own initiative. This sentiment resonated strongly during discussions emphasizing the need for African solutions to African problems.

Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, praised her father’s dedication to Pan-Africanism, which she believes enhanced Nigeria's and Africans' positions in international relations. In recounting her father's legacy, she highlighted his role in the liberation struggle across the continent.

Mrs. Muhammed-Oyebode stated that her father's declaration that “Africa has come of age” continues to inspire unity and autonomy in African diplomacy. She expressed hope that the event would encourage young Africans to pursue careers in governance and international development to address the continent's ongoing challenges.

In the keynote address, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a Political Science expert and former Nigerian Minister of External Affairs, characterized the late general as a multifaceted leader who instilled national pride and unmatched governance efforts.

Professor Akinyemi underscored the important theme of the workshop, noting that self-assessment is crucial as Africa navigates a rapidly changing global landscape. “Declaring that Africa has come of age does not mean perfection; it invites a recognition of responsibility,” he explained. He called for Africa to evaluate its political maturity, economic resilience, institutional integrity, and cultural confidence. This, he noted, also means addressing historical issues from independence and asserting Africa’s position in global discourses.

During the panel discussions, Dr. Joshua Bolarinwa, a Deputy Researcher at the NIIA, argued that Africa has yet to fully realize General Muhammed's vision of self-reliance and bold leadership articulated nearly fifty years ago. He criticized the existing leadership deficits and encouraged leaders to take charge of Africa’s future with commitment and resolve.

Professor Hassan Saliu, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, echoed these concerns, stressing that both Africa and Nigeria have not fulfilled General Muhammed's vision concerning sovereignty, unity, and liberation as outlined in his landmark summit speech in Addis Ababa.

The event highlighted the urgent need for African leaders to reflect on these ideals and work towards a united and independent continent that can address its challenges head-on.