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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, George Hail Herbert Macaulay’s Legacy at His 80th Memorial

From ThisDay · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Nigerian President Bola Tinubu honored nationalist Herbert Macaulay on the 80th anniversary of his death, highlighting his legacy as an inspiration.
  • Tinubu emphasized that honoring Macaulay involves investing in education to foster informed citizens and build a prosperous nation, aligning with his administration's 'Renewed Hope Agenda'.
  • Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and former PDP National Chairman Bode George also paid tribute, underscoring Macaulay's foundational role in Nigeria's development.

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the enduring legacy of Nigerian nationalist Herbert Macaulay, describing him as a profound inspiration to current and future generations. Speaking at the 80th memorial anniversary of Macaulay's death in Lagos, Tinubu stated that the elder statesman's life continues to resonate with the nation's aspirations.

Tinubu firmly believes that one of the greatest ways to honour Herbert Macaulay’s legacy is by investing in the education of our people.

— Prof Folashade OgunsolaSpeaking on behalf of President Tinubu at the memorial event.

Tinubu, represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, asserted that the most fitting tribute to Macaulay is a commitment to education. He linked this to his administration's 'Renewed Hope Agenda,' which prioritizes reforms aimed at improving educational access, strengthening skills development, and preparing Nigerian youth for global competitiveness. "Tinubu firmly believes that one of the greatest ways to honour Herbert Macaulay’s legacy is by investing in the education of our people," Ogunsola stated, echoing the president's sentiments.

We have a huge youth population. If they are not educated, we are going to have a major crisis in the future.

— Prof Folashade OgunsolaHighlighting the importance of educating Nigeria's youth, as part of President Tinubu's message.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reflected on Macaulay's significant contributions, noting his lineage as the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowder and his role in establishing Nigeria's first secondary school, CMS Grammar School. "There is nobody in the country that will not remember also that name, the man that created the first secondary school in Nigeria," Sanwo-Olu remarked, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past to build a better future.

80 years of remembering of this great icon, who lived for about 82 years at that time, he was the grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowder.

— Mr Babajide Sanwo-OluLagos State Governor reflecting on Macaulay's historical significance and family background.

Chief Bode George, a great-grandnephew of Macaulay and convener of the event, stressed that Nigeria still has a responsibility to build a nation worthy of the sacrifices made by its founding nationalists. Delivering a memorial lecture, George paid homage to Macaulay, widely regarded as the Father of Nigerian Nationalism, urging a continued effort to fulfill the nation's potential.

Because if there was no yesterday, there can never be today and tomorrow will begin to rewrite wrong history.

— Mr Babajide Sanwo-OluEmphasizing the importance of remembering historical figures like Macaulay.
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Originally published by ThisDay. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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