.speak as the 80th remembrance anniversary of the foremost nationalist
By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former External Affairs Minister, Gen Ike Nwachukwu (Retd.) and former deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George on Sunday paid glowing tribute to late Herbert Macaulay,for his contribution for the emancipation and freedom of Nigerians from the colonialists, urging Nigerians to build on his legacy.
President Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Nwachukwu and George made the call at the 80th remembrance anniversary of the foremost nationalist, Macaulay, which took place at Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The president, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folashade Ogunsola, said leadership demonstrated by Macaulay was being a responsible citizenship, and an enduring commitment to the common good.
He noted that a better way to sustain the late Macaulay's legacy is by investing in the education of the people, say that it is through education that the nation can nurture informed citizens, develop visionary leaders, and build a prosperous nation
"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 youths to compete successfully in the global economy."Ogunsola said.
Sanwo-Olu in his remark, said Macaulay toiled day and night to get Nigerians the freedom the citizens were enjoying now, noting that the late nationalist helped to secure the colony of Lagos during his life time.
"He help to get the colony of Lagos, Macaulay's name is not just ordinary name, we should continue to build on the legacy of the name. He helped us to gain the freedom from colonial master, he helped us to build what we now know as a nation, thank you for remembering the man, Herbert Macaulay," he stated.
Sanwo-Olu added that despite his high status in the society, Macaulay still related to the down trodden, noting that such approach remained "a good lesson for those of us holding political office to always relate with those at the lower level.
"Despite his influential position, he related with people at the lower level.It is a good lesson for those of us holding political office to always relate with those at the lower level.
"What you do today will reflect who you are when you leave office. We must live the life for others to remember us. Even in your family, you should make an impact." Sanwo-Olu charged Nigerians.
Chief George, who was the Guest Speaker, said Macaulay did not just earn the sobriequiet "the Father of Nigerian Nationalism.” (which was fitted of discuss) but sacrificed everything for the greatness of the nation.
"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," George stated.
General Nwachukwu, who was chairman of the occasion, in his own remark, described Macaulay as a man of integrity, honour and caliber, who contributed significantly to make Nigeria a better place.
The former minister said Macaulay as a foremost nationalist fought for a Nigeria of equity, fairness and a united country, without any discrimination regardless of where one comes from.
Nwachukwu noted that he had spent 83 years of his life in Lagos, recalling that while growing up he observed that Nigerians saw themselves as one and honour and integrity were celebrated.
He said it was, however, unfortunate that Nigeria had now been fragmented, but quickly changed leaders of the nation to return to the template of the founding fathers, who fought and stood for a united nation, even as that those in government were playing with the nation's destiny.
"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," the former minister said.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Macaulay Heritage Foundation, Femi Macaulay, urged Nigerians to embrace the values for which the late nationalist stood for.
He said it should not just be about merely remembering history but also rekindling Macaulay's spirit of patriotism, resilience and unwavering love for Nigeria, declaring pointedly that the struggle the late nationalist "began is not yet over."
"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," he said.
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