Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Lead Tributes at Herbert Macaulay’s 80th Remembrance

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Lead Tributes at Herbert Macaulay’s 80th Remembrance
Urges Nigerians to Embrace Herbert Macaulay’s Legacy of Patriotism
Says Herbert Macaulay’s Ideals Still Relevant to Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to emulate the patriotism, courage and selfless leadership of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Sir Herbert Macaulay, describing his legacy as a guiding light for nation-building and democratic development.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the President made the appeal during the 80th remembrance anniversary of Macaulay’s death held at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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The event was organised by descendants of the late nationalist and attracted political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.

Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Tinubu described Macaulay as one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots whose unwavering commitment to justice and self-determination laid the foundation for the country’s independence struggle.

“He was one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s struggle against colonial rule. His courage, sacrifice and service inspired the nationalist movement that ultimately secured Nigeria’s independence,” the President said.

Tinubu noted that Macaulay’s life serves as a reminder that national development depends on visionary leadership, responsible citizenship and unwavering dedication to the common good.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also paid tribute to the late nationalist, described the Macaulay family as one of Nigeria’s most enduring legacies, noting that their contributions helped shape the country’s political history.

Represented at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the remembrance was an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for modern Nigeria.

“If there is no yesterday, there can never be a today. We must continue to remember those whose sacrifices built the nation we enjoy today,” he said.

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Lead Tributes at Herbert Macaulay’s 80th Remembrance — Hebert Macaulay

The governor added that history ultimately judges leaders by their contributions after leaving office, expressing hope that his own administration would also be remembered positively.

Delivering the memorial lecture titled “An Exposé on the First Nigerian Nationalist – Papa Heelas Herbert Macaulay,” former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, described Macaulay as the father of Nigerian nationalism whose courage and conviction transformed the country’s political landscape.

George said Macaulay earned his place in history through his relentless pursuit of justice, accountability and political representation for Nigerians under colonial rule.

“He was not given that title by inheritance. He earned it through courage, conviction and sacrifice in the service of a cause greater than himself,” George said.

He recalled that Macaulay founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, describing it as Nigeria’s first political party and the beginning of organised democratic politics in the country.

According to him, Macaulay believed that nation-building required strong institutions capable of addressing societal challenges rather than mere criticism of government.

George also reflected on Macaulay’s alliance with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, noting that the nationalist invested in a future he knew he might never live to witness.

“He planted seeds whose harvest would belong to future generations. That remains one of the greatest lessons of his life,” he said.

He challenged Nigerians to examine whether the ideals Macaulay fought for justice, accountability, representation and national unity had truly been realised, lamenting that insecurity, weak institutions and declining public confidence continue to threaten the country’s democratic progress.

George urged political leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law and resist actions capable of weakening public confidence in governance.

He stressed that the greatest tribute Nigerians could pay Macaulay would be the construction of a nation governed by justice, transparency and strong institutions.

Also speaking, former Minister of External Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), described Macaulay as a detribalised Nigerian who believed in equality and national unity.

He lamented growing ethnic divisions in the country and urged contemporary political leaders to embrace the values of integrity, patriotism and national cohesion demonstrated by Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Several prominent personalities, political leaders, government officials and members of traditional institutions attended the remembrance ceremony in honour of the late nationalist.