Independence Day: Nigeria’s founding fathers dreamt of leading the black race – Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigeria’s founding fathers envisioned the country as the leader of the black race, a role he insisted the nation must continue to pursue.
Tinubu, in his nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, listed 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 among the nationalists whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the country’s independence.
“Our founding heroes and heroines believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth,” Tinubu said.
He urged Nigerians to always remember the vision of the country’s early leaders, describing their dream as one of “a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be a beacon of light to the rest of the world.”
Reflecting on the nation’s journey since 1960, Tinubu noted that while the lofty dreams of the country’s forebears may not have been fully realised, Nigeria has made “tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development.”
He acknowledged the challenges that have tested the promise of independence but maintained that the country has survived them and continues to strive toward its destiny.
