President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the founding fathers of Nigeria like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, wanted the country to lead the black race.
Tinubu said these Nigerian heroes believed that it’s the country’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race on earth.
He spoke during his nation-wide address to Mark Nigeria’s 65th independence day celebration.
The president urged Nigerians to always remember the dreams of the country’s founding fathers.
According to Tinubu: “Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule, let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.
“Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists—believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.
“For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived.
“While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them.
“In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960.”
Nigeria at 65: Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Azikiwe, others wanted us to lead black race – Tinubu