President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the legacy of former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, as a lasting moral compass for Nigeria and the African continent in confronting today’s political and economic challenges.

Tinubu spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented him at the 50th memorial anniversary of the late military ruler.

The President said Mohammed’s courage, discipline and clarity of vision, despite his brief 201-day administration, secured his place among Nigeria’s most distinguished leaders and continues to inspire Africa 50 years after his assassination.

He noted that he did not hesitate to accept an invitation to serve as Grand Patron of the memorial conference and book launch after receiving a letter from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is Chairman of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation.

In a statement issued on Friday by Special Adviser to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Tinubu said “it has been 50 years since the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. Today, this great leader — a remarkable son of Nigeria and Africa — has summoned us to reflect on the state of our continent”.

Recalling Mohammed’s famous 1976 speech in Addis Ababa at the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) meeting, Tinubu said the late leader’s declaration that “Africa has come of age” and should no longer take orders from any global power marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s foreign policy.

He described the 1970s as the golden age of Nigeria’s foreign policy, saying the era could aptly be called the “Murtala Mohammed age,” given the influence of his leadership and Africa-first posture during the Cold War.

The President said Mohammed championed African solutions to African problems, particularly through Nigeria’s support for liberation struggles in Angola and Mozambique, positioning the country as a leading continental voice.

He also highlighted the transformative impact of Mohammed’s short tenure, citing sweeping civil service reforms, the conceptualisation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and the initiation of a transition programme to civil rule as enduring legacies.

While regretting that the late leader’s time in office was cut short, Tinubu urged African leaders to uphold the ideals Mohammed stood for, including accountable governance, conflict resolution, poverty reduction, improved education and economic transformation through value addition to local resources.

“Africa will truly come of age when we create opportunities for our youth at home and ensure the welfare of our people,” the President said.

Tinubu added that honouring Mohammed’s memory requires a renewed commitment to service, integrity and patriotism in pursuing the aspirations of Africa’s founding heroes. (The Nation)