PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, the Oba of Lagos, traditional rulers, politicians, publishers, and descendants of the late nationalist, Herbert Macaulay, on Sunday, gathered in Lagos to commemorate the 80th anniversary of his death.
The memorial, themed: ‘Herbert Macaulay: 80 years after,’ was organised by the Macaulay Heritage Foundation in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island.
Macaulay, who lived between 1864–1946, is widely regarded as the father of Nigerian nationalism and was the founder of the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), the country’s first political party.
ALSO READ: Oyo forest ambush: Sunday Igboho gives update on injured ‘Iru Ekun’ members
Representing President Tinubu, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, described Macaulay as one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots whose contributions laid the foundation for nationalism and political participation.
Tinubu said investing in education remains one of the greatest ways to preserve the legacy of Nigeria’s foremost nationalist, Herbert Heelas Macaulay, whose contributions laid the foundation for the struggle for independence.
Tinubu, who was supposed to be represented by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, explained that the minister was unable to attend due to official engagements and delegated the vice-chancellor to represent both him and the Federal Government at the event.
Describing Macaulay as a visionary leader, uncompromising patriot and fearless advocate of justice and self-determination, the president said the nationalist’s courage, sacrifice and service laid the foundation for Nigeria’s nationalist movement, which eventually culminated in independence.
He noted that Macaulay’s life remains a reminder that nation-building requires visionary leadership, responsible citizenship and an enduring commitment to the common good.
According to the president, his administration’s commitment to education is rooted in the belief that an educated citizenry is critical to national development and effective leadership.
He said, “One of the greatest ways to honour Herbert Macaulay’s legacy is by investing in the education of our people. It is through education that we nurture informed citizens, develop visionary leaders and build a prosperous nation.”
Tinubu said the commitment aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda, under which the Federal Government is implementing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality education, strengthening skills development, promoting innovation and equipping Nigerian youths to compete in the global economy.
The president also commended the Macaulay family, Olabode George, and other organisers of the programme for preserving the memory and ideals of the nationalist.
He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Macaulay’s life by serving the country with integrity, courage and selfless devotion.
Herbert Macaulay is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Nigerian nationalism, whose political activism and advocacy against colonial rule inspired the movement that eventually secured the country’s independence. The 80th remembrance anniversary commemorates his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s political history and democratic evolution.
On his part, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Macaulay sacrificed everything to secure the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
“We are here to commemorate one of the foremost black nationalists in Nigeria’s history. Growing up, the name Herbert Macaulay resonated with many of us. He belonged to a generation that shaped Nigeria and gave everything for the nation,” he said.
“The fact that he is featured on Nigeria’s currency shows the significance of his contributions to our history.
“I am proud that this remembrance is taking place during our administration. This is a family with a rich history, and I am honoured to be part of this event.
“It is not who you are today but how history remembers you. Though we never met him, we remain inspired by the life he lived. We will explore ways to further immortalise his name.”
Delivering the memorial lecture titled: ‘An exposé on the first Nigerian nationalist – Papa Helas Herbert Macaulay,’ Chief George said Macaulay earned the title ‘Father of Nigerian nationalism’ through courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to securing dignity and political representation for Nigerians under colonial rule.
George described him as Nigeria’s first political visionary whose struggle for justice, representation and accountable governance remains unfinished decades after independence.
He urged President Tinubu to complete Macaulay’s nation-building vision and appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to establish a museum in honour of the late nationalist.
According to him, preserving Macaulay’s memory is essential to understanding Nigeria’s democratic evolution. George traced Macaulay’s background to a family renowned for scholarship and public service, noting that he was the grandson of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop.
He recalled that after excelling at CMS Grammar School and studying engineering and surveying in England, Macaulay returned to Nigeria and joined the colonial Public Works Department, where discriminatory colonial policies transformed him from a civil servant into a fearless nationalist.
“He recognised that education carries responsibility, privilege imposes duty, and knowledge must be used in the service of justice,” George said.
He recalled to him that Macaulay endured harassment, prosecution and imprisonment but remained resolute in his campaign for political representation and indigenous rights.
He described the formation of the NNDP in 1923 as a landmark in Nigeria’s political history, saying it marked the beginning of organised democratic politics.
George also noted that Macaulay’s collaboration with Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe helped transform nationalist agitation into a nationwide movement that eventually laid the foundation for Nigeria’s independence, although Macaulay died in 1946, 14 years before independence.
He argued that many of the issues Macaulay fought against including weak public accountability, institutional independence and declining public confidence in governance remain relevant today.
He questioned whether the nationalist would be satisfied with the current state of Nigeria’s democracy and public institutions if he were alive.
George stressed that democracy can only thrive when institutions remain impartial and accountable.
“Governments and political parties are temporary, but national institutions must endure,” he said, urging leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold constitutional principles and treat public office as a trust held on behalf of the people.
He added that while the current generation no longer has to fight colonialism, it has the responsibility to complete the nation-building project envisioned by Macaulay through justice, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Earlier, chairman of the occasion and former minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd), described Macaulay as a detribalised, selfless Nigerian whose life exemplified honour and integrity. He lamented growing ethnic divisions and accused politicians of playing with the destinies of Nigerians.
“I was only six years old when this legend passed. Eighty years later, I have the privilege of chairing this event in his honour.
“The Lagos I grew up in knew no Yoruba, Igbo, Edo, Hausa or Fulani. We lived as one people. Today, we are increasingly divided along ethnic and regional lines. Nigeria shall yet become great, regardless of how politicians play with our destinies,” he said.
In his remarks, chairman of the Macaulay Heritage Foundation, Femi Macaulay, urged Nigerians to embrace the values for which the late nationalist stood.
“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.”
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV