Former Presidents and national leaders on Thursday gathered in Abuja for a memorial lecture and leadership conference organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation to mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former Head of State, Murtala Muhammed.
Among dignitaries at the event were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Speaking during the conference, Jonathan called on African nations to prioritise individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 for top governance roles, citing their energy, mental sharpness and capacity to withstand the demands of leadership. He referenced Nigeria’s “Not Too Young to Run” reforms and noted that Murtala Muhammed became Head of State at 38.
Obasanjo, in his remarks, reflected on leadership succession in Africa, stating that Murtala’s greatest achievement was preparing a successor, adding that subsequent leaders had struggled to build enduring succession structures.
Osinbajo spoke on leadership values and Africa’s evolving role on the global stage, while Sanusi urged Africans to restore dignity and pride on the continent. Akume emphasised that leadership is defined more by the strength of ideas than by physical age.
The event drew policymakers, youths and stakeholders from across the country to reflect on governance, succession and Africa’s future leadership direction.
