African Leaders Call for Maturing Political, Institutional Frameworks at Murtala Muhammed 50th Memorial International Lecture
African leaders, statesmen, and thought leaders have reiterated their call for the deliberate development of robust institutions and effective systems capable of fostering prosperity and self-determination across the continent. They emphasised that Africa’s true “coming of age” is rooted in institutional strength, not just rhetoric.
The appeal was made during the International Lecture and Leadership Conference held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro, Abuja, to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed. Organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), the event was held under the theme: “Has Africa Come of Age?”
In her welcome address, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late Head of State and Chief Executive Officer of the MMF, stated that Africa must now shift its focus from political liberation to institutional development.
“The Murtala Muhammed generation fought for political independence; our generation must fight for institutional strength,” she said.
“If Africa demands prosperity on the global stage, we must deliver prosperity at home. If we believe Africa has come of age, then we must build institutions and systems that work for the people and address the leadership challenges confronting our continent.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the MMF, delivered the opening address, describing General Muhammed’s greatest legacy as the institutions and structures he established—systems that persisted beyond his lifetime.
“Murtala Muhammed created institutions that lived after him, something few leaders in our history were able to achieve,” Obasanjo said, noting that the 1975 era marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s history following the civil war.
“We were deeply conscious of keeping the country together. As Africans, we must show the world what we stand for and how we manage our differences.”
Obasanjo also praised the Muhammed family for maintaining the late General’s legacy over the past 25 years through the Foundation, adding that African leaders must “put our house in order” as the most meaningful contribution to the continent’s future.
Delivering the plenary keynote address, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo described General Muhammed’s declaration that “Africa has come of age” as a call to self-awareness, responsibility, and courageous leadership.
“Coming of age is a process. It is the capacity to handle our own affairs and the determination to confront our challenges,” Osinbajo said.
“The fortunes of Africa are in our hands. We must mobilise growth, build development that fuels prosperity, and harness the continent’s enormous potential to compete globally.”
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan remarked that General Muhammed’s life remains a powerful reminder that leadership is defined not by style of governance, but by its impact on the people.
“His legacy shows our youths that they can aspire to the highest offices and dedicate themselves to leadership and service,” Jonathan said, questioning why many African leaders spend significant parts of their lives abroad despite the continent’s vast resources.
Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor called for unity and maturity in tackling Africa’s challenges, warning of the danger of renewed fragmentation.
“Africa is ageing into civilisation, and there is a need for us to come together,” Kufuor stated.
“What we enjoy today is built on the sacrifices of leaders like Murtala Muhammed. Our struggle must now be pursued with confidence and maturity.”