President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State have urged Nigerians to emulate the leadership qualities and patriotic zeal of foremost nationalist, Sir Herbert Macaulay.
Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 80th remembrance anniversary of the death of Sir Macaulay in Lagos on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the late nationalist’s descendants at Naval Dockyards, Victoria Island.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described Macaulay as one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots.
He said 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’s 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, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the Macaulay family name remained enduring because of its immense contributions to Nigeria’s development.
He noted that Macaulay, grandson of Bishop Ajayi Crowther, helped shape the nation through his exemplary leadership and patriotism.
He said: “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 a 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, Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one of Macaulay’s grandchildren, 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,” George described Macaulay as the father of Nigeria’s nationalism, whose courage and sacrifice laid the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
He said Macaulay earned his revered status through unwavering dedication to justice, representation, and the dignity of Nigerians under colonial rule.
He said: “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.”
According to George, Macaulay’s life remains an enduring reminder that nations are built by courageous individuals willing to challenge injustice.
He added: “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.”
The elder statesman said 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.
George 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.”
