President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called upon Nigerians to embrace the enduring principles of courage, resilience, unity, and collaborative politics championed by the late Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. He urged citizens to turn away from bitterness and divisive attitudes that undermine national cohesion.
The appeal was made through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who represented the President at the 2026 Samuel Akintola Memorial Lecture and the 60th remembrance of the former Premier of the Western Region. The event took place at the International Conference Centre at the University of Ibadan.
During the event, where President Tinubu served as the Special Guest of Honour, he described the memorial lecture—titled “Unity in Diversity: Lessons from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s Legacy”—as an appropriate recognition of one of Nigeria's significant nationalists, whose contributions remain pivotal in Nigeria’s historical narrative.
The President reflected on how Chief Akintola, among many other pioneers of Nigeria’s early governance, made tremendous sacrifices for the country to fulfill its potential. He recalled the tragic consequences of the military coup on January 15, 1966, which resulted in the loss of many national leaders and a difficult period for the nation, but he expressed confidence that Nigeria will continue to stand strong as a united entity.
He reassured the populace that in spite of the current socio-economic challenges, his administration is dedicated to continuing the legacy set forth by Akintola and other historical figures through reforms and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive prosperity.
The President urged citizens to be patient as the ongoing reforms begin to show positive outcomes, asserting that government strategies are focused on fostering a stable and improved future rather than causing hardship.
In his tribute to Akintola, President Tinubu portrayed him as a multifaceted individual—a teacher, journalist, legal expert, and dedicated politician—who rose from modest beginnings in Ogbomoso to become the pioneering Premier of the Western Region in post-independence Nigeria.
He also noted Akintola's contributions as a federal minister, the first Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament, and as Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. Akintola's significant investments in institutions like the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria Airways, and the University of Ife were also acknowledged.
The President paid homage to other heroes who perished during the 1966 coup, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, emphasizing that their sacrifices highlight the hazards associated with disunity and intolerance.
Emphasizing Nigeria's mosaic of cultures, languages, and religions, President Tinubu affirmed that the nation’s diversity should serve as a foundation for strength and unity, asserting that unity in diversity is vital for peace and progress.
He pointed out ongoing efforts to foster inclusive development through the establishment of Regional Development Commissions across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, reflecting Akintola's ideology of fairness and equal opportunities.
The significance of human capital development, especially in education, was stressed, with the President citing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund that has supported over 600,000 students by providing interest-free loans for their higher education.
Addressing the South-West region, President Tinubu recognized its contributions towards national progress and pledged that his government remains attuned to the region's needs in governance, infrastructure, economic advancement, and cultural preservation.
He urged all Nigerians to draw inspiration from Chief Ladoke Akintola’s legacy of patriotism and bridge-building, advocating that reflective remembrance should lead to healing and renewed dedication to national unity.
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