African leaders and statesmen have renewed calls for the deliberate building of strong institutions and effective systems to drive prosperity and self-determination across the continent.
The call was made at the International Lecture and Leadership Conference held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro, Abuja, to mark 50 years since the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, Murtala Ramat Muhammed. The event was organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation under the theme, “Has Africa Come of Age?”
In her welcome address, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late leader and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, said Africa must shift focus from political liberation to institutional development.
She noted that while the Murtala Muhammed generation fought for political independence, the present generation must prioritise building strong institutions capable of delivering prosperity and addressing leadership challenges across the continent.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, described General Muhammed’s enduring legacy as the institutions and structures he established, many of which survived beyond his lifetime.
Obasanjo said the 1975 era marked a critical period in Nigeria’s post-civil war history, stressing the need for African leaders to demonstrate unity and effectively manage differences. He also commended the Muhammed family for sustaining the late General’s legacy over the past 25 years through the Foundation.
Delivering the keynote address, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said General Muhammed’s famous declaration that “Africa has come of age” was a call to responsibility and courageous leadership. He described coming of age as a continuous process that requires African nations to mobilise growth and harness their vast potential for global competitiveness.
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan said the late leader’s life remains a powerful reminder that leadership is defined by impact rather than style. He encouraged young Africans to aspire to leadership and commit to service.
Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor called for unity and maturity in addressing Africa’s challenges, warning against the risk of renewed fragmentation. He said the continent’s current progress was built on the sacrifices of past leaders and urged present-day leaders to pursue development with confidence and collective resolve.