Tinubu, Others Hail Herbert Macaulay’s Role In Nigeria’s Independence

President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former external affairs minister, Gen Ike Nwachukwu(rtd) and former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Olabode George have paid glowing tributes to the late Herbert Macaulay, saying his contribution to the emancipation and freedom of Nigerians from colonialism was worthy of emulation.

President Tinubu, who was represented at the 80th remembrance anniversary of Macaulay by the vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, said the leadership demonstrated by Macaulay was that of a responsible citizen and an enduring commitment to the common good.

According to him, a better way to sustain his legacy is by investing in the education of our people, adding that “It is through education that we nurture informed citizens, develop visionary leaders, and build a prosperous nation. And this remains the guiding philosophy of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, under which the federal government is implementing far-reaching reforms to improve access to quality education, also to strengthen skills development, promote innovation, and prepare Nigerians and Nigerian youth to compete successfully in the global economy, ” Ogunsola said.

In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Macaulay toiled day and night to secure the freedom Nigerians enjoy now.

“He helped to get the colony of Lagos. Macaulay’s name is not just an ordinary one; we should continue to build on its legacy. He helped us gain freedom from our colonial masters and build what we now know as a nation.

Thank you for remembering the man, Herbert Macaulay.”

Sanwo-Olu added that despite his high status in society, he still relates to the downtrodden, “despite his influential position, he relates with people on the lower level. It is a good lesson for those of us holding political office to always relate to those at lower levels.

“What you do today will reflect who you are when you leave office. We must live our lives so others remember us. Even in your family, you should make an impact.” Sanwo-Olu charged Nigerians.

Also speaking, Chief Bode George, the guest speaker, said Macaulay did not just earn the sobriquet “the Father of Nigerian Nationalism” (which was a topic of discussion). Still, he sacrificed everything for the nation’s greatness.

“That title was not inherited. It was earned. It was earned through courage in the face of intimidation, through conviction in the face of opposition, through sacrifice in the service of a cause greater than self, and, finally, through an unwavering belief that Nigerians deserved dignity, representation, justice, and a meaningful voice in determining their own future.

“The issues we discuss today are therefore not merely historical; they concern the continuing journey of Nigeria and the responsibility that rests upon every generation entrusted with her leadership.

And perhaps most importantly, he inherited the conviction that privilege carries responsibility.”

General Nwachukwu, who was the chairman of the occasion, described Macaulay as a man of integrity, honour, and calibre who contributed significantly to making Nigeria a better place.

He said he fought for a Nigeria of equity, fairness and a united nation.

Nwachukwu said he struggled for a united Nigeria without discrimination based on where you come from.

He noted that he had spent 83 years of his life in Lagos, and that when he was growing up, Nigerians saw themselves as one, and honour and integrity were celebrated.

He said it is unfortunate that the nation has now been fragmented.

General Nwachukwu therefore charged the nation’s leaders to return to the template of the nation’s founders, who fought and stood for a united Nation.

“We need to bring back the template of our founding fathers of a united country based on equity and justice. Those in government are playing with our destiny.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Macaulay Heritage Foundation, Femi Macaulay, urged Nigerians to embrace the values for which the late nationalist stood.

“We honour a statesman, civil engineer and patriot who confronted colonial injustice. He founded the NNDP and reminded us that unity remains the greatest weapon against oppression.

“Let us not merely remember history but rekindle Herbert Macaulay’s spirit of patriotism, resilience and unwavering love for Nigeria. The struggle he began is not yet over.”