A bond that must never be broken (3), By Femi Fani-Kayode

The author strongly refutes any notion that Nigeria is a nation of drug dealers, instead characterizing its people as strong-willed, determined, and resilient, with a heritage rooted in nobility. This assertion serves as a direct response to comments made by Minister Tshaveni, framing Nigeria's identity through a lens of strength and historical contribution.

The article delves into Nigeria's significant role in Pan-Africanism and its unwavering stance against apartheid in South Africa. It recounts the actions of former Head of State General Murtala Mohammed, who condemned Western powers' support for white minority rule. Mohammed formally declared Nigeria a member of the "front line states" actively fighting apartheid.

Beyond political declarations, Mohammed's commitment was demonstrated through concrete action. He deployed 13,000 Nigerian troops to combat apartheid forces in southern Africa, utilizing neighboring states like Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, and Angola as bases. This military engagement underscored Nigeria's dedication to the liberation of its African brethren.

Furthermore, the piece emphasizes Mohammed's impactful 1975 speech at the OAU (now AU) Heads of Government meeting in Addis Ababa. Titled "Africa Has Come of Age," the speech powerfully denounced the apartheid regime and its international backers. It notably challenged then-U.S. President Gerald Ford, rejecting his directive for African nations to soften their stance against apartheid, asserting Africa's independence from external influence.

“

When I contemplate the evils of Apartheid, my heart bleeds and I am sure the heart of every true-blooded African bleeds…We cannot pretend that we are unaware of the machinations and conspiracies against our continent by not just the racists of South Africa but even by those who pretend to be the friends of this continent but whose sole interest is in what they can get out of us… Not content with its clandestine support and outpouring of arms into Angola to create confusion and bloodshed, the United States President (Gerald Ford) took upon himself to instruct African heads of state and government, by a circular letter, to insist on the withdrawal of Soviet and Cuban advisers from Angola as a precondition for the withdrawal of South African and other military adventurers. This constitutes a most intolerable presumption and a flagrant insult on the intelligence of African rulers… Africa has come of age. It is no longer under the orbit of any extra-continental power. It should no longer take orders from any country, however powerful. The fortunes of Africa are