Murtala Mohammed’s Family Celebrates 50 Years Of His Ascension To Power

General Murtala Ramat Mohammed’s family is set to celebrate the ascension to power of Nigeria’s late head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed.

Mohammed assumed power on July 29, 1975, marking the beginning of a bold and reform-driven era that continues to shape Nigeria’s governance and Africa’s vision for self-determination.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic moment, the family said the Murtala Mohammed Foundation (MMF) is launching a year-long programme of activities designed to reflect on his enduring legacy and chart new paths for national and continental development.

“The golden jubilee commemoration will begin in August 2025 with the rollout of the Murtala Mohammed Legacy Policy Dialogue Series, a monthly high-level convening that will run through January 2026.

“The dialogues will bring together policymakers, thought leaders, civil society actors, and development partners to address critical national issues such as anti-corruption, education reform, youth inclusion, food security, entrepreneurship, migration, and digital innovation. These sessions will reflect the reforms championed by General Murtala Muhammed and generate actionable solutions for the present and future,” a statement from the family said.

“Led by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation under the leadership of Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, this commemoration aims to use this moment not only to remember a leader whose impact was profound but also to reignite the national consciousness that he inspired. Although his time in office was short, General Murtala Muhammed’s leadership was defined by courage, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the Nigerian people.

“This commemoration aims to build on that legacy by addressing contemporary challenges with the same boldness and clarity of purpose.

“The celebration will culminate on February 13th, 2026, with an International Conference in Abuja. The conference will bring together global leaders, scholars, and changemakers to examine the relevance of Murtala Muhammed’s values in today’s governance and development landscape.

It will explore how his vision continues to inform reform efforts across Africa and inspire a new generation of leaders.

In addition to the policy dialogues and international conference, the Foundation will roll out other legacy projects throughout the year. These include the unveiling of the Murtala Muhammed Centre for Governance and Entrepreneurship, which will provide leadership training and youth capacity development; the launch of an anti-corruption campaign modelled on General Muhammed’s zero-tolerance approach to misgovernance; the introduction of the Murtala Social Index to track development progress; and a healthcare impact programme targeting underserved communities. Plans are also underway to restore national monuments such as the Ikoyi Cenotaph, as a symbol of national renewal and memory.

“With this 50th anniversary, MMF invites Nigerians, Africans, and international partners to join in a shared commitment to the values General Murtala Muhammed represented: honesty, justice, patriotism, and service to the people. The Foundation remains dedicated to preserving his legacy while shaping a more accountable, inclusive, and visionary future for Nigeria and the African continent,” the statement added.