President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to emulate the leadership qualities and patriotic zeal of the late foremost nationalist, Sir Herbert Macaulay.

He made the call at the 80th remembrance anniversary of Macaulay’s death in Lagos.

The programme was organised by the late nationalist’s descendants at the Naval Dockyards, Victoria Island.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described Mr Macaulay as one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots.

He said Mr Macaulay’s name remained permanently etched in Nigeria’s history as a visionary leader, uncompromising patriot and fearless advocate of justice and self-determination.

The President said, “He was one the most influential in Nigeria struggle against colonial masters.

“His life of courage, sacrifice and service laid the foundation for the nationalist movement that ultimately led to Nigeria’s independence.

“As we reflect on his remarkable legacy, we are reminded that nation-building is sustained by visionary leadership, responsible citizenship and an enduring commitment to the common good.”

Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Mr Macaulay family name remained enduring because of its immense contributions to Nigeria’s development.

He noted that Mr Macaulay, grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther, helped shape the nation through his exemplary leadership and patriotism.

He stated, “We feel proud that it is in our time that the descendants and the family can remember this great icon 80 years after his death.

“And so you can see that this is a family and a name that has long history, that has helped us build what we are all enjoying today as a nation.

“Because if there is no yesterday, there can never be a today, and tomorrow will begin to rewrite long history. So we need to remember how we got to where we are.

“And it’s not who you are today, it’s what people reflect on who you are when you leave office. And my prayer is also that history will be kind to me.”

Also, a former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one of the late Macaulay’s grandchildren, Bode George, urged Nigerians to uphold the ideals of justice, accountability and democracy championed by the late nationalist.

Delivering a memorial lecture titled, “An Exposé on the First Nigerian Nationalist – Papa Heelas Herbert Macaulay,” Mr George described the late Macaulay as the father of Nigeria nationalism whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Mr George said Mr Macaulay earned his revered status through unwavering dedication to justice, representation and the dignity of Nigerians under colonial rule.

“He was not given that title by inheritance. He earned it through courage in the face of intimidation, conviction in the face of opposition and sacrifice in the service of a cause greater than self.

“He believed Nigerians deserved dignity, representation, justice and a meaningful voice in determining their own future,” he said.

According to Mr George, Mr Macaulay’s life remains an enduring reminder that nations are built by courageous individuals willing to challenge injustice.

“To understand Papa Herbert Macaulay is, in many respects, to understand an important chapter in the making of modern Nigeria. His life reminds us that nations are not built by accident.

“They are built by men and women who possess the courage to challenge injustice, the vision to imagine a better future and the determination to pursue that future regardless of personal cost,” he said.

The elder statesman said Mr Macaulay inherited scholarship, discipline, faith and public service from his grandfather, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, adding that his education and service in the colonial administration exposed him to injustice.

He said, “Working within government exposed him to realities that profoundly shaped his life. He observed decisions affecting Nigerians being made without meaningful Nigerian participation.

“He came to understand that governance without representation inevitably produces injustice.”

Mr George said Mr Macaulay transformed personal conviction into organised political action by confronting colonial authorities despite intimidation and imprisonment.

He noted that Mr Macaulay founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1923, describing it as Nigeria’s first political party and the beginning of organised democratic politics.

“The NNDP was more than a political party. It was a declaration of confidence in the political future of Nigerians.

“It affirmed that Nigerians deserved representation and meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives,” he said.

He said Mr Macaulay believed nation-building required institution-building rather than criticism alone and inspired generations to believe Nigerians could govern themselves.

“Great nations are not built merely by identifying problems. They are built by creating institutions capable of solving them. That remains one of the enduring lessons of Herbert Macaulay’s life,” Mr George said.

Mr George also recalled Mr Macaulay’s partnership with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in advancing the nationalist movement, saying the late nationalist invested in a future he knew he might never witness.

“He invested in a future he knew he might never see. He planted seeds whose harvest would belong to future generations. That perhaps remains one of the greatest lessons of his life,” he said.

The PDP chieftain challenged Nigerians to reflect on whether the ideals for which Mr Macaulay struggled had been realised, noting that insecurity, weak institutions and declining public trust remained major concerns.

“He fought for representation, accountability, justice and the supremacy of the public interest over personal ambition.

“He fought against exclusion and arbitrary power. He fought against systems that denied ordinary people a meaningful voice,” he said.

Mr George urged leaders to strengthen democratic institutions, promote transparency and preserve the rule of law, warning against weakening democracy through excessive concentration of power.

“Democracy survives on confidence. Confidence in the rule of law. Confidence that justice will neither be delayed nor denied. When political competition weakens, democracy weakens,” he said.

He also called for renewed efforts to tackle insecurity, paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, and urged Nigerians to continue Mr Macaulay’s unfinished work.

“The greatest monument to Herbert Macaulay is not one built with stone. It is a Nigeria governed by justice. A Nigeria where institutions are stronger than individuals and democracy is protected,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Minister of External Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd), described Mr Macaulay as a detribalised Nigerian who treated all citizens equally.

Mr Nwachukwu lamented increasing ethnic divisions and urged political leaders to uphold the ideals of the nation’s founding fathers.

“I was about six years old when the legend died. Men of this calibre founded our country, Nigeria; men of integrity, committed and dedicated.

“They were educated. He founded Nigeria Convention of Nigeria and Cameroon. Eighty years after, there’s discrimination and ethnic rivalry now.

“Nigeria shall be great again. Politicians are playing with our destinies,” Mr Nwachukwu said.

Several dignitaries, including party leaders, government functionaries, and traditional institutions, attended the programme. 

(NAN)