African leaders have been urged to defend the continent’s sovereignty and stop relying on foreign powers, amid warnings that Africa risks permanent dependence despite its vast resources.

The call was made on Wednesday at a high-level policy workshop in Lagos marking 50 years since the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

The event, themed “Has Africa Come of Age? Murtala Muhammed’s Pan-African Vision 50 Years After,” was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and jointly organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and the NIIA.

Why this matters

General Muhammed’s famous declaration that “Africa has come of age” in 1976 shaped Nigeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s liberation stance.

Fifty years on, policymakers and scholars say the continent is still grappling with external influence, weak institutions, and leadership challenges that undermine true independence.

Africa must reclaim its global voice

In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the NIIA, Dr Eghosa Osaghae, said Africa must assert itself in a changing global order.

He argued that Africa is no longer a peripheral player but an emerging force in a multipolar world.

“When General Murtala said Africa had come of age, he was saying to the world: don’t think Africa is an appendage anymore,” Osaghae said.

“Africa has become its own voice, its own master. Africa must follow tracks determined by Africans for Africans.”

He warned that continued dependence on foreign aid would not produce meaningful development, stressing the need for African solutions to African problems.

A legacy rooted in Pan-Africanism

The Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, described her father as a symbol of Africa’s liberation struggle.

She said his Pan-African vision elevated Nigeria’s standing globally and continues to inspire unity across the continent.

“‘Africa has come of age’ was not just a statement; it was a rallying cry,” she said.

Dr Muhammed-Oyebode added that the workshop was designed to inspire young Africans to pursue careers in diplomacy, governance, and international development.

Expert voices: ‘Coming of age means responsibility’

Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of External Affairs and political scientist, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, said Africa’s maturity must be measured by action, not slogans.

“To say that Africa has come of age is not a declaration of perfection, but a recognition of responsibility,” he said.

“It requires confronting unfinished business from independence and asserting confidence in global affairs.”

He described General Muhammed as a leader who restored Nigeria’s pride and pursued governance with rare courage.

Leadership gaps still persist

During the panel session, Dr Joshua Bolarinwa, Deputy Director of Research at the NIIA, said Africa has yet to fully realise the self-reliant vision articulated nearly five decades ago.

He pointed to a persistent leadership deficit and urged African leaders to defend the continent’s destiny with resolve.

Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof Hassan Saliu, said both Nigeria and Africa have fallen short of General Muhammed’s ideals.

He noted that issues of sovereignty, unity, and liberation outlined in the 1976 Addis Ababa speech remain unresolved.

What’s next for Africa?

Speakers agreed that Africa’s future depends on political maturity, economic resilience, and institutional strength.

They called for bold leadership, reduced external dependence, and renewed commitment to Pan-African cooperation.

Ondo State has celebrated its Golden Jubilee by conferring state honours on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 68 other distinguished individuals who have shaped the state and Nigeria.

The honours were presented on Tuesday night at a Gala and Awards ceremony held at the International Centre for Culture and Events, known as The Dome, in Akure.

The event marked the climax of a full day of activities commemorating the creation of the state in 1976.

‘A night devoted to legacy’

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa described the ceremony as a moment of reflection, recognition and renewed commitment to service.

“The daytime celebrations at the Ondo State Sports Complex captured the mass spirit of our people and rekindled our resolve for a more prosperous state,” he said.

“Tonight is devoted to honour, legacy and recognition of those whose lives have brought distinction to Ondo State and contributed meaningfully to national development.”

The governor said the 50th anniversary was an opportunity to engage history with maturity, stressing that societies progress when excellence is celebrated and character is honoured.

“These awards are not ceremonial tokens,” he added. “They are expressions of our collective gratitude. True excellence is discipline, purpose and sustained contribution, not privilege.”

Lifetime and special recognitions

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to former governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.

Other recipients included former deputy governors Omolade Oluwateru, Ali Olanusi, Lasisi Oluboyo and Alfred Agboola Ajayi; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; and Supreme Court Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju.

Traditional ruler Oba Olu Falae and music icon King Sunny Ade were also honoured for their cultural and national contributions.

Elder statesman Chief Reuben Fasoranti, former Head of Service Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, business leaders Michael Ade Ojo of Elizade Motors and Engineer Emmanuel Adewunmi of Denki Wires were among several others recognised.

Posthumous honours

Posthumous awards were given to past leaders and national figures, including former governors Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Bamidele Olumilua, Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Agagu and the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Others honoured included General Murtala Mohammed, legal icon Gani Fawehinmi, jurists Akinola Aguda and Gladys Olateru-Olagbegi, and cleric TB Joshua.

Voices from the event

In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Committee, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, said Ondo’s transformation over five decades was evident in infrastructure and social development.

He noted that many residents who grew up in local communities would hardly recognise familiar places today.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Adewusi, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and commended the First Lady, Mrs Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, describing her as “a pride of Osun State”.

Youth focus and the future

Ondo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, said the Jubilee was designed not only to celebrate the past but to plan ahead, particularly for young people.

He revealed that a youth essay competition for participants aged 20 to 25 attracted 118 entries within five days.

“Ten were adjudged outstanding and three selected for prizes,” he said.

Ajulo explained that the initiative would culminate in a formal charter to be signed by the governor, the speaker of the House of Assembly, the chief judge and other officials.

“It will be sealed as a binding covenant across generations,” he added.

What’s next for Ondo

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the anniversary was not about romanticising the past, but about drawing strength from history to confront current challenges.

He listed priorities including strengthening institutions, diversifying the economy, promoting social cohesion and expanding opportunities for young people.

The Ondo State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has described the state’s Golden Jubilee as a moment of pride, reflection and renewed commitment to responsible leadership and citizenship.

The agency made this known during a public lecture held in Akure as part of activities marking Ondo @ 50, where it praised the vision of the state’s founding fathers and commended Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for sustaining their legacy.

Why it matters

Ondo State, created in 1976, has grown into a major oil-producing and agrarian state in south-west Nigeria, with rising expectations around governance, civic values and inclusive development.

The Golden Jubilee comes at a time when public trust, youth engagement and value reorientation remain central to development debates across Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message signed by the Ondo State Director of NOA, Mrs Olufunke Moradeyo Adekunle, the agency said the milestone belongs to both the government and the people of the state.

“Ondo State at 50 is not just a celebration of years, but a celebration of resilience, purposeful leadership and the enduring spirit of its people,” she said.

“The labour of our founding fathers has not been in vain, as it continues to yield visible fruits in our growth and collective achievements.”

Founding ideals and civic responsibility

Mrs Adekunle said the anniversary highlights the need for unity, value reorientation and responsible citizenship to sustain development in the next phase of the state’s history.

She urged residents to uphold discipline, hard work and patriotism, describing them as the core values handed down by the pioneers of the state.

Speaking to journalists at the lecture held at the International Event Centre (The Dome), Akure, she said the Golden Jubilee was an opportunity to honour the sacrifices that laid the foundation for Ondo’s progress.

Government reaction

The management and staff of the National Orientation Agency also congratulated Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, praising his leadership and commitment to consolidating gains made over the last five decades.

The agency expressed confidence that Ondo State would witness greater stability, innovation and inclusive development under his administration.

What’s next

Mrs Adekunle said the National Orientation Agency would intensify civic engagement and sensitisation programmes across the state, aimed at strengthening public trust and encouraging active citizenship beyond the anniversary celebrations.

She reaffirmed the agency’s role in promoting national values at the grassroots level as Ondo State charts its next 50 years.