Foundation rolls out year-long events to honour Murtala Muhammed
The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has announced a year-long programme to mark the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Ramat Muhammed’s ascension to power, describing the milestone as a moment to reflect on his bold reforms and enduring influence on Nigeria’s governance and Africa’s self-determination. In a statement issued on Monday, the foundation said the golden […]
The Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) has announced a year-long programme to mark the 50th anniversary of General Murtala Ramat Muhammed’s ascension to power, describing the milestone as a moment to reflect on his bold reforms and enduring influence on Nigeria’s governance and Africa’s self-determination.
In a statement issued on Monday, the foundation said the golden jubilee commemoration would kick off in August 2025 with the launch of the Murtala Muhammed Legacy Policy Dialogue Series, a monthly high-level forum running until January 2026.
The foundation said the dialogues would bring together policymakers, civil society leaders, development partners and thought leaders to discuss pressing national issues including anti-corruption, education reform, youth inclusion, food security, entrepreneurship, migration and digital innovation.
The Chief Executive Officer of MMF, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, said the commemoration was an opportunity not only to honour General Muhammed’s legacy but to inspire a renewed national consciousness.
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“It is important to use this moment not only to remember a leader whose impact was profound, but to reignite the national consciousness that he inspired,” she said.
She added that although his time in office was short, General Muhammed’s leadership was defined by courage, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility to Nigerians.
According to the statement, the anniversary events will culminate on February 13, 2026, with an international conference in Abuja, which will bring together global leaders, scholars and changemakers to examine the relevance of Muhammed’s values in addressing today’s governance and development challenges across Africa.
The foundation also announced a series of legacy projects to run through the anniversary year. These include the unveiling of the Murtala Muhammed Centre for Governance and Entrepreneurship for leadership training and youth capacity building, a nationwide anti-corruption campaign modelled on Muhammed’s zero-tolerance stance, and the introduction of the Murtala Social Index to track development progress.
She said the anniversary would also feature a healthcare programme targeting underserved communities and the restoration of national monuments such as the Ikoyi Cenotaph as symbols of renewal and collective memory.
“With this 50th anniversary, MMF invites Nigerians, Africans and international partners to join in a shared commitment to the values General Murtala Muhammed represented: honesty, justice, patriotism, and service to the people,” she said.
She added that the foundation remains dedicated to preserving his legacy while shaping a more accountable and visionary future for Nigeria and the continent.