Nigeria at 65: Tinubu Honors Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Azikiwe's Vision for African Leadership

Table of Contents

• Founding Fathers of Nigeria
• Manifest Destiny
• Independence Day Reflection
• Progress Since Independence

President Bola Tinubu stated on Wednesday that the founding fathers of Nigeria, including Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, envisioned the nation as a leader of the black race.

Tinubu emphasized that these Nigerian heroes believed it was the country's manifest destiny to guide the entire black race across the globe.

He made these remarks during his nationwide address to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th independence day celebration.

The president encouraged Nigerians to always honor the aspirations of the country’s founding fathers.

According to Tinubu: “Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we contemplate the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers embraced the instruments of self-governance from colonial rule, let us remember their sacrifices, dedication, and grand vision of a robust, prosperous, and united Nigeria that would lead Africa and serve as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.

“Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists—believed that it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.

“For decades, the promise of our Independence has been challenged by substantial social, economic, and political hurdles, yet we have endured.

“While we may not have realized all the lofty aspirations of our predecessors, we have not deviated too far from them.

“In the 65 years since our Independence, we have made remarkable strides in economic growth, social cohesion, and infrastructural development. Our economy has seen significant advancement since 1960.”