African leaders, statesmen and thought leaders have renewed calls for the
deliberate building of strong institutions and effective systems capable of driving prosperity and self-
determination across the continent, declaring that Africa’s true “coming of age” lies in institutional
strength, not rhetoric.
The call was made during the International Lecture and Leadership Conference held at the ECOWAS
Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja, to commemorate 50 years of the assassination of Nigeria’s former
Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. The event was organised by the Murtala
Muhammed Foundation (MMF) under the theme: “Has Africa Come of Age?”
Delivering her welcome address, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late Head of State
and Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), said Africa must now
shift focus from political liberation to institutional development.
“The Murtala Muhammed generation fought for political independence; our generation must fight
for institutional strength,” she said.
“If Africa demands prosperity on the global stage, we must deliver prosperity at home. If we believe
Africa has come of age, then we must build institutions and systems that work for the people and
address the leadership challenges confronting our continent.”
In his opening address, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, described General Muhammed’s greatest legacy as the
institutions and structures he established—systems that endured beyond his lifetime.
“Murtala Muhammed created institutions that lived after him, something few leaders in our history
were able to achieve,” Obasanjo said, noting that the 1975 era marked a watershed moment in
Nigeria’s history following the civil war.
“We were deeply conscious of keeping the country together. As Africans, we must show the world
what we stand for and how we manage our differences.”
Obasanjo also commended the Muhammed family for preserving the late General’s legacy over the
past 25 years through the Foundation, adding that African leaders must “put our house in order” as
the most meaningful contribution to the continent’s future.
Delivering the plenary keynote address, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo said
General Muhammed’s declaration that “Africa has come of age” was a call to self-awareness,
responsibility and courageous leadership.
“Coming of age is a process. It is the capacity to handle our own affairs and the determination to
confront our challenges,” Osinbajo said.
“The fortunes of Africa are in our hands. We must mobilise growth, build development that powers
prosperity, and harness the continent’s enormous potential to compete globally.”
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan said General Muhammed’s life remains a
powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by style of governance, but by impact on the
people.
“His legacy tells our youths that they can aspire to the highest offices and commit themselves to
leadership and service,” Jonathan said, while questioning why many African leaders spend significant
portions of their lives abroad despite the continent’s vast resources.
Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor called for unity and maturity in addressing
Africa’s challenges, warning of the risk of renewed fragmentation.
“Africa is ageing into civilisation, and there is a need for us to come together,” Kufuor said.
“What we enjoy today is built on the sacrifices of leaders like Murtala Muhammed. Our struggle
must now be pursued with confidence and maturity.”
